Even with a smaller group we had a blast at practice (it’s as much a social gathering as it is a music group).  To ease back into ringing we sight read a number of 12 bell pieces and are planning to play a setting of Hyfrydol for Sept 20, which also happens to be the tune for the Hymn of the Day (LSB 851).  By the end of practice, the piece sounded great.

And what is the moral of the story?  For handbells, at least, you don’t need a dozen ringers and 3+ octaves of handbells to make music.  Even 6 or 7 ringers with 2 octaves of bells can make some joyful noise.  The early beginnings of my group was 6 ringers, 2 octaves of bells, and lots of 12 bell music (all in the key of C!).

Going through the handbell music this weekend, reminded me of the following piece I composed a few years ago for the 7th Sunday after Easter on the Hymn of the Day — Christ is the World’s Redeemer – 16 bells +/- for 2 octaves.  Unfortunately, there is not a dearth of music for the tune Moville — Kenneth Kosche’s organ setting in Musica Sacra (CPH) and John Ferguson’s choral setting (GIA).

Take a listen and enjoy!

Thanks for reading Handbells Ringing Again.

CPH is continuing its series “Musica Sacra” with Volume 7 by Donald Busarow. The Musica Sacra series is a great way to get some easier and quick pieces to prepare that are interesting. I have all 7 volumes and I consistently use all of them, but especially the volumes by Hildebrand, Kosche, and Culli. Just to be aware, I’d guess that roughly half of the compositions in Volume 7 are reprints of previously published pieces. I’m thinking that by the copyright date they are from the Concordia Hymn Prelude series which CPH is now slowly retiring.

The other selection I ordered was Kevin Hildebrand’s “Five Easy Easter Hymn Settings for Organ” . I know Easter is over and I won’t be able to use this set for another year — BUT it has a lovely setting of Duke Street which is appropriate for funerals throughout the year.

If you’re in the market for some sacred music, give the folks at CPH a try. They have an abundance of resources — especially for the Lutheran musician. But if you want Paul Manz, Michael Burkhardt, or some of Robert Hobby’s pieces, you’ll need to head over to MorningStar Music.

Thanks for reading New Music from CPH.

Thanks for reading Church Music Workshops.

What’s happening this summer?  The Church Music Workshops at Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne, IN.  This year there are opportunities for organists, AND choir directors, AND handbell directors/ringers.  In other words, bring the whole crew.

These workshops are an excellent opportunity for fellowship, refreshment, and growth.  I’ve attended twice over the last few summers and they were great experiences.  See my previous reviews here and here.

• If you’re a musician, consider attending.
• If you’re a pastor, ask your musician(s) if they would like to attend.
• If you’re a lay person, offer to send your musician.

The following information is provided by Kantor Kevin Hildebrand:

Our two workshop weeks include our annual Primer Level organist workshop (June 15-19, 2009), designed specifically with the novice organist in mind.

This year we are also offering a new Church Music Week workshop (June 22-26).

Church Music Week is a Level One organist workshop, with the addition of sectionals for choir directors and handbell directors.  The purpose of this new workshop is to provide a practical and resourceful place for all church musicians to study and grow together.  All participants will begin the day with a group class in theology.  The “hands on” part of the day will provide sectionals for organ, choir, and handbells, each with their own instructor.  Regular practice time for organists will be included as usual.

We are hopeful that many organists, choir directors, and handbell directors from the same congregation will attend Church Music Week together in order to foster their musical skills and theological sensitivity.

If you have any questions about you or others participating in this year’s workshops, please feel free to contact me directly.  Please also forward this information to other church musicians both in your congregation and neighboring congregations. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kevin Hildebrand
Concordia Theological Seminary

Kevin.Hildebrand@ctsfw.edu

Thanks for reading Church Music Workshops @ CTSFW.