Submitted by Patricia Oeste, NBCT, Conway, Arkansas
Idea posted January 8, 2003
I love hand chimes! I use them in many ways (exploring scales, chords, major/minor modes, etc.). But mostly, I use them with a small group of select students (18 fifth graders) who play them in concerts. I use handbell music, level 1, and each student has at least one bell. I give two bells to my more experienced ringers (those that perhaps have had piano). They always keep the same bells, therefore, they know what note to look for and won't get confused. I mark their measures (number the measures and number the beats) and then I highlight their specific note. If they have two bells, I use two different colors; red for the right hand and blue for the left hand.
The results are terrific! The kids enjoy making a professional sound. I have also used them with younger kids by highlighting just the word they will play on, if they are doubling the melody. The chimes are also good for chordal accompaniments, and that is pretty easy for them once they understand which chord they play in.
Have fun!