This sheet music is notated for 8-note, C major diatonic scale (one octave) 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. Included in this set of scores is a combined score with both instrument parts on a grand staff plus a separate score for each instrument. A note and chord reference chart is also provided.
This arrangement includes two verses. The first verse is "easy" with fewer notes. The second verse is "intermediate" and expands the melody by adding more 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.
The tune is the familiar folk song by the same title, but the lyrics have been updated so they are more appropriate for children. The theme of the "four seasons" was selected and two verses are included on the score. The two additional verses for the other two seasons are given below:
On top of Old Smokey
All covered in gold
The summer suns rays are
Far better than the cold.
On top of Old Smokey
All covered in red
The autumn leaves falling
Make a soft comfy bed.
This set of scores uses
black and white noteheads and is best suited for musicians already familiar with reading standard music notation. For beginning musicians, this same set of scores is available (sold separately) with
color coded noteheads.
Only filled noteheads (quarter and eighth notes) are used so the notes are easier to see (this does not indicate the bells need to be silenced immediately before the next beat). Also, only quarter 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.
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
This song is one of the 20 arrangements in the collection "Folk Songs for 13-note Bells and Boomwhackers® (with Black and White Notes), VOL. 1." Boomwhackers® is a registered trademark of Rhythm Band Instruments, LLC. Used by permission.Visit Sharon Wilson's website: www.SharonWilsonMusic.comSubscribe to her YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/SharonWilsonMusic