Azalea Circle Christmas Collection is a brand new collection of 14 familiar Christmas Carols for use in teaching and performing. All of the selections are simple (Level 1 or 2) yet fresh, interesting and balanced. Two separate versions of the Christmas Collection are availabe: a version for 2 octave handbells and 3 octave handbells.
One of the purposes of the collection is to aid teaching. An Introduction provides a few secret tips and helpful hints. Directors are encouraged to use the collection to teach note reading, rhythm and handbell techniques. Unlike other publishers, AzaleaCircle.com allows purchasers of music licenses to make multiple copies for your organization and use them as worksheets. If a copy gets scuffed up as a result of a new ringer circling the wrong note in red, make another copy. Making mistakes is part of the process when ringers are learning. At AzaleaCircle.com, a piece of paper is not sacred but a medium for learning and performing MUSIC.
The collection effectively incorporates numerous handbell techniques such as plucking, TD, using mallets, echo, swing, etc.. so that ringers will easily learn to execute them. Rhythmic exercises at the front of the collection are provided to help students learn the rhythms in each of the pieces.
The collection all together makes a perfect Christmas Concert in a nutshell. For choirs comfortable with Level two or three music, this collection could be learned in just a few rehearsals. The 2 octave version could be presented by 8 beginning ringers or 4 or 5 advanced handbell ringers.
This is the collection that I have been asked for over and over. I hope you find it useful. At $25.95, it is a bargain that you can't beat!
CONTENTS: Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Comfort, Comfort You My People, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, Love Came Down at Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Watchman, Tell Us of the Night, We Three Kings