[For Seniors] Enjoy Simple Songs with Handbells: Easy Pieces for Beginners to Try
The clear tone of handbells gently wraps around the heart, doesn’t it? As a recreation activity in senior care facilities and also for moments at home, handbells bring the joy of making music.
Humming along to familiar children’s songs and traditional tunes while keeping the rhythm naturally brings smiles and is said to help stimulate the brain.
This time, we’re introducing songs that are easy for older adults to enjoy and perform.
They’re all classics that evoke nostalgic memories, so please enjoy the time creating beautiful harmonies together with your companions.
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[For Seniors] Easy Songs to Enjoy with Handbells: Beginner-Friendly Pieces (21–30)
Buzz buzz buzz
“Bun Bun Bun” is a children’s song that depicts bees gathering and buzzing around a wild rose.
It was originally a folk song sung in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic.
In 1947, the poet Shiro Murano wrote Japanese lyrics for it, and it was included in the first-grade elementary school music textbook.
Because it has been loved for many years since the postwar period, many older adults can sing it.
There is a section where eighth notes come in rapid succession, requiring quick bell playing.
Those assigned to that part should practice thoroughly.
Since it demands quick reaction time, it also works as brain training.
Spring has come.
Speaking of spring, many people may feel like singing “Haru ga Kita” (“Spring Has Come”).
With lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and music by Teiichi Okano, it is a well-known Japanese children’s song.
In 2007, it was selected as one of the 100 Best Japanese Songs.
With its brisk tempo and memorable melody, it is also great for handbell performances.
The lyrics convey the feeling that in spring, flowers, trees, birds—indeed all living things—are rejoicing.
Let’s all enjoy performing it together so that those positive feelings come through.
sea
When it comes to sea-themed songs, the children’s song “Umi” is well known.
This song expresses feelings toward the sea, and many older adults may remember listening to it often in the summer.
Hot summers make you want to go to the beach, don’t they? As we become adults, we have fewer chances to go, so listening to this song and picturing the sea is also recommended.
Its rhythm is easy to follow, making it great for handbell performances as well.
Playing while singing helps activate the brain, so it can be effective for dementia prevention among older adults.
hometown
“Furusato” has long been loved by many people as a traditional song.
It’s likely a nostalgic tune for older adults as well.
The lyrics were written by Tatsuyuki Takano and the music composed by Teiichi Okano.
Feelings for one’s hometown are woven throughout the lyrics.
Older adults will likely recall memories of their childhood spent in their hometown.
When played on handbells, the tone is soothing and comforting.
It can also help invigorate the minds and bodies of older adults, so try performing it while reminiscing about your hometown.
Red sky at dusk
Yuyake Koyake has long been loved as a Japanese children’s song.
With lyrics by Ukō Nakamura and music by Noboru Kusakawa, it was composed in 1923.
When older adults hear this song, it may bring back memories of playing until the sky turned to sunset when they were children.
The serene scene of the sunset captivates the hearts of seniors as well.
Its relaxed tempo also makes it easy to perform with handbells.
It’s also recommended to hum the song while playing the handbells.
Spring Stream
When it comes to refreshing children’s songs that evoke the arrival of spring, “Haru no Ogawa” (Spring Brook) comes to mind.
It was published in 1912 as a Ministry of Education school song and has been included in music textbooks for many years.
It’s likely a familiar tune for many older adults as well.
Since the melody moves at a steady tempo, it’s relatively approachable.
The distinctly Japanese melodic line also makes it easy to warm to.
If you try playing handbells while humming along, it’s sure to create a cheerful, friendly atmosphere!
I look up as I walk
A masterpiece that Japan is proud of, “Ue o Muite Arukō,” is sung all over the world.
Released in 1961, it is Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song.
It has been covered by countless artists and loved by many across generations.
With a melody based on a purely Japanese scale, it’s easy to learn and perfect for handbells.
There’s one unusual note in the B section, but it’s a delicious touch, too.
Just like the lyrics about looking forward and living positively, let’s play it brightly and energetically to liven up the recreation!