This sheet music collection of 20 folk songs is notated for 13-note (one octave, C to C chromatic scale) instruments with Handbells on one staff and Boomwhackers® on a second staff creating an instrumental ensemble (requires one set of each instrument). Handbells play the melody while the Boomwhackers® keep a steady beat with three-note chords. For each song, there is a combined score with both parts on a grand staff plus a separate 1-staff score for each individual part. A note and chord reference chart is also provided for each song.

The songs in this digital book are ordered by difficulty with the easiest songs presented first. The songs progressively incorporate more challenging rhythms, some requiring rapid chord changes. Many of the songs include two verses. The first verse is “easy” with fewer notes. The second verse is “intermediate” and expands the melody by adding more notes (sometimes including harmony notes). If you want to learn (practice) only the “easy” verse, an optional ending is provided or it can be skipped to perform the two verses together.

Though this sheet music is notated for Handbells and Boomwhackers®, these arrangements are playable by any 13-note, C to C chromatic scale (one octave) instrument such as a xylophone or glockenspiel. The melody could also be played by a recorder.

This set of scores uses colored noteheads corresponding to the Boomwhackers® color scheme. If you have a set of bells or tubes with a different color scheme, “Chroma-Notes Stick Ons” can be purchased and applied so the instruments match the Boomwhackers® color scheme. This set of scores is also available (separate purchase) in black and white which will print clearer if you do not have access to a color printer.

Only filled noteheads (quarter and eighth notes) are used so the notes are full color and easier to see (this does not indicate the bells need to be silenced immediately before the next beat). Also, only quarter and eighth rests are used to help visualize the number of beats per measure. Lyrics and chord names are provided as well to aid in the learning and teaching of this song.

The number of ringers and whackers needed will vary depending on the skill level of the participants. For more advanced players, each person could be assigned two or three notes. For beginners, it is best to assign one or two notes to each person. Instrument assignment suggestions are provided for each song.

Other suggestions and uses:
* have both parts played by bells or both parts played using only Boomwhackers®
* form a choir using multiple sets of bells and/or Boomwhackers® (this would amplify the sound and allow more people to participate)
* use as part of the music education for children at school, home, or church
* these colorful, inexpensive instruments can be enjoyed by all ages and add a fun, unique element to activities and programs: senior centers, family reunions, church retreats, home school groups, children’s ministries


Each of the 20 arrangements in this collection is also available separately with accompanying preview pages and audio samples.

Titles included in this collection:
Alphabet Song
Be Kind to Your Loved Ones
B-I-N-G-O
Doo-dah-day!
Good Morning, Merry Sunshine
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands
Hickory Dickory Dock
Hokey Pokey
Hot Cross Buns
I Love the Mountains
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Little Robin Red-breast
Old MacDonald
On Top of Old Smokey
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Simple Gifts
Skip to My Lou
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
The Water Is Wide

Boomwhackers® is a registered trademark of Rhythm Band Instruments, LLC, Fort Worth, TX. Used by permission.