Handbells have been a long standing Christmas tradition for me. My love for bells started back in High School Chamber Choir, when we used bells to accompany our Christmas concert. For many years I have hosted some variation of a handbell camp for children during Christmas time.
This year, for the first time, I broke out the handbells for a Patriotic concert. It did not disappoint!
I think I have a new favorite. Well, maybe just a tie with Christmas ;)
Creating Music at 4 Years Old
I have a special handbell class just for 4-6 year olds. They are so fun! They played Yankee Doodle, You're a Grand Old Flag, and This Land is Your Land. They learn to read the music based on color. This is excellent for developing the tracking skills that they will need as their musicianship progresses.
Just look at these little cuties waiting for their turn to play! Seriously, they stole my heart!
Flag Ceremony, Pancake Breakfast and Handbells
We finished off our handbell camp with a performance at the Lake Point Flag Ceremony the morning of the 4th of July. I am always so impressed at how well these kids can put together music with only 1 week of practice.
The 7-12 year olds played the Star Spangled Banner, Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful. As a bonus song, I challenged them with a very difficult piece, Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa. They rose to the challenge and rocked it!
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