Arranging and Composing
Why is this part of the curriculum?
The process of arranging/composing brings the elements of melody, harmony, form, texture, and rhythm together to create music that engages the performer and listener. Whether you are a ringer or a director, learning about and practicing that process enhances your ability to interpret and bring music to life.
What will I learn? (Click on the course titles at the right for detailed information on that course, including suggested pre-work.)
Arranging and Composing 1 – Introduction to the Elements
Learn to use the full range of bells by creating a simple processional, harmonize and expand a given melody, craft an original melody that catches the listener’s emotions and attention. Demonstrate knowledge of handbell ranges and techniques.
Testing Out: (update text on linked page to the following:
Three projects and two quizzes must be complete to test out of Arranging and Composing 1.
Quizzes are available from instructor Sondra Tucker.
Project 1: Harmonize a known hymn or song for 3 octave handbells, in chorale style, with an appropriate bass line. Then expand that harmonization for 4 and 5 octaves, using parentheses and brackets as needed.
Project 2. Write an 8-measure original tune that demonstrates knowledge of correct melodic rules. Harmonize and expand it as in Project 1.
Project 3. Write a processional for a known hymn or song. It may be pentatonic, or use a belltree. It must have good playable assignments for 10-11 ringers. It must have layers that can build from few to many. The layers must have different, interesting rhythms that combine beautifully.
Prerequisite: Music Theory 2 or consent of Instructor
Arranging and Composing 2 — Bringing the Elements Together in an Arrangement
Write a complete arrangement that will effectively use techniques, plus gain a deeper appreciation for the art of arranging and composing.
Prerequisite: Arranging and Composing 1 and Music Theory 3 or consent of Instructor. Note — if you have not completed Arranging and Composing 1, completion of Arranging and Composing 2 does not grant you credit for passing Arranging and Composing 1.
Faculty (All Levels)
Sondra Tucker
Testing Out:
Arranging and Composing 1: The test out requirements can be found HERE.
Arranging and Composing 2: Contact Sondra Tucker through our CONTACT PAGE for test out information.
Arranging and Composing 1 – Introduction to the Elements Learn to use the full range of bells by creating a simple processional, harmonize and expand a given melody, craft an original melody that catches the listener’s emotions and attention. Demonstrate knowledge of handbell ranges and techniques.
Prerequisite: Music Theory 2 or consent of instructor
In order to successfully pass this course as part of the Certification curriculum, students must demonstrate competency in:
- Knowledge of ranges of handbells by manufacturer, handchimes by manufacturer, and auxiliary sets such as Silver Melody Bells, Cup Bells, and Bell Matrices.
- Knowledge of Handbell Techniques: correct symbols and their placement in a score
- How to harmonize a given melody
- How to write a complementary bass line
- How to double up and down, and bracket and parenth correctly
- The basics of writing a short original melody, and harmonizing and expanding it.
- How to write a processional
Each exercise will be written out and evaluated pass or fail by the instructor, and all exercises must be successfully passed to complete Arranging and Composing 1.
Required Text and Other Materials (purchase before coming to class)
- Handbell and Handchime Notation Guide, AGEHR Music, R101, 2010
- Staff paper or computer software music notation program like Finale or Sibelius
How Long is this Class?
This class is typically taught in three 75-minute class periods. You might need to complete and submit some of the exercises after the class periods.
What Should I Bring to Class?
- Staff paper/pencils/eraser or computer software music notation program like Finale or Sibelius
- Headphones if you’re using a computer
Arranging and Composing 2 — Bringing the Elements Together in an Arrangement Write a complete arrangement that will effectively use techniques, plus gain a deeper appreciation for the art of arranging and composing.
Prerequisite: Arranging and Composing 1 and Music Theory 3 or consent of Instructor. Note — if you have not completed Arranging and Composing 1, completion of Arranging and Composing 2 does not grant you credit for passing Arranging and Composing 1.
In order to successfully pass this course as part of the certification curriculum, students must:
- Write a harmonic excerpt that demonstrates good harmonic progression and use of a secondary dominant chord;
- Write an excerpt which demonstrates melodic and rhythmic variation;
- Complete form analysis of a composition;
- Write an introduction, a variation, and an ending for a given well-known song or hymn;
- Create a two to three octave arrangement from an existing five octave arrangement;
- Create a five to seven octave arrangement from an existing three octave arrangement, marking appropriate optional notes;
- Given a piano or keyboard and a set amount of time, write an introduction (2–4 measures), a variation (12–16 measures), and an ending (2–4 measures) to a song or hymn for 2–3 octaves at a minimum of level 3; and
- Given a piano or keyboard and a set amount of time, compose the A section of a free work (at least 16–24 measures) for 5 or more octaves of handbells at a minimum of level 3.
Each exercise will be written out and evaluated pass or fail by the instructor, and all eight exercises must be successfully passed to complete Arranging and Composing 2.
Required Text and Other Materials (purchase before coming to class)
- Handbell and Handchime Notation Guide, AGEHR Music, R101, 2010
- Staff paper or computer software music notation program like Finale or Sibelius
How Long is this Class?
This class is typically taught in three 75-minute class periods. You might need to complete and submit some of the exercises after the class periods.
What Should I Bring to Class?
- Staff paper/pencils/eraser or computer software music notation program like Finale or Sibelius
- Headphones if you’re using a computer