![[Childcare] I want to have fun with the kids! Simple songs for handbells](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-nwsT4VmHF8/sddefault.jpg)
[Childcare] I want to have fun with the kids! Simple songs for handbells
Why not create a wonderful musical time with handbells together with children?
Here, we introduce handbell songs that kids can enjoy!
If you choose songs the children already know, it’s easier for them to join in.
First, try ringing the bells to the rhythm.
Playing along with the singing makes it even more fun!
By making sounds together, they can also feel the joy of cooperating with friends.
Share the joy of music and create wonderful memories together.
[Childcare] I want to enjoy this with the children! Simple handbell songs (1–10)
Wish Upon a Star
The song “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Disney’s animated film Pinocchio has a beautiful melody that feels truly cleansing.
It’s also a piece you can practice while enjoying harmonies, so let’s savor the sound of harmony as we practice with the children.
It can be quite challenging for kids to identify and understand their own musical roles.
If there’s a performance such as a recital, be sure to allow plenty of rehearsal time so they can become comfortable with the piece at a relaxed pace.
Since there are many notes and parts, keep that in mind when choosing the piece.
I look up as I walk
Kyu Sakamoto’s song “Ue o Muite Arukou” is also beloved overseas as “SUKIYAKI.” It was released in 1960 and has been cherished by many people for a long time.
If you perform it with handbells, try a simple arrangement that also incorporates chords to make it more vibrant.
Children will likely enjoy the overlapping sounds as they listen to the resonance of the handbells.
The song’s length is just right for children to memorize, making it perfect for a recital piece that requires playing from memory.
It’s definitely a song you’ll want to enjoy together with the kids.
Over the Rainbow
“Over the Rainbow” is a song featured in the musical film The Wizard of Oz.
Some of you may know it by its English title, “Over the Rainbow.” Its rich melody and flowing lines make it perfect for handbell performance.
Practice diligently to create beautiful harmony.
Because the sequence of notes is intricate, start slowly at first, and once you’ve learned the notes, increase the tempo so the piece takes on its characteristic feel.
The more you practice, the greater the sense of accomplishment this piece will bring.
The Do-Re-Mi Song
Do-Re-Mi,” featured in the film The Sound of Music.
Because there are Japanese lyrics and it’s easy to get familiar with, some teachers may even have their classes sing it.
A hallmark of Do-Re-Mi is that the lyrics for Do start on the note Do, and the lyrics for Re start on the note Re.
As students practice the song, they can also learn pitch relationships and note names.
The notes used are simple, making it easy to try even with a small group—another nice perk.
It’s the perfect piece for practicing handbells in a fun way, isn’t it?
Edelweiss
Edelweiss, the song featured in the musical film The Sound of Music.
Its gentle, unhurried melody resonates with listeners.
Because the original musical structure is simple, try incorporating shakes—ringing the bells by gently swaying them—to create a rich, layered performance.
Exploring various playing techniques is one of the great pleasures of handbells.
It’s a perfect piece for both Christmas parties and concerts.
Keep practicing and aim for a beautiful performance.
Small World
This heartwarming song, themed around the peace and harmony of children around the world, is appealing for its simple and easy-to-remember melody.
First unveiled at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and beloved at Disney parks worldwide, the song was created by the Sherman Brothers.
It carries a message about the importance of people from different cultures joining hands, making it perfect for handbell performance.
When played with children, each person performs their part, allowing everyone to experience the joy of creating one piece of music together.
Incorporating it into early childhood music activities can also help nurture children’s expressive abilities.
We wish you a Marry christmas
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a well-loved Christmas carol.
Many children have probably heard it at some point.
It’s a festive piece that’s perfect for holiday performances and is easy to tackle even with a small group—another nice plus.
If older kindergarteners are performing it, try incorporating chords so they can experience the harmony of the music.
It’s a song that’s sure to bring warm feelings at Christmas.
All ye faithful, make haste
“Joy to the World,” a beloved Christmas carol, is a perfect piece for a Christmas program.
Since the melody closely follows the scale, children will likely find it easy to become familiar with.
As a guideline, it seems suitable to start with a class of four-year-olds.
With handbell performances, because there isn’t someone else producing the sound for you, it’s important to listen carefully and understand your own role.
The presentation may be nerve-wracking, but that’s exactly why it will likely become an irreplaceable memory for the children.
butterfly
Many kindergarteners are probably familiar with the song “Butterfly” (Chōcho) thanks to its simple melody and lyrics.
Because it vividly depicts a butterfly fluttering about, it’s also often used as a song to sing to infants around 0–1 years old.
It’s a great choice as a first piece to play on handbells.
By getting creative with the piano accompaniment or adding harmonies, you can bring variety to the music.
Try performing “Butterfly” in different styles and enjoy the fun of making music.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a hymn beloved by many.
It’s beautiful as a song, and its gentle, rich melody is perfect for handbells.
Since there are no semitones such as sharps or flats, the notes are easy to grasp.
When practicing, write out the notes to match your handbell colors and play repeatedly along with the accompaniment.
You’ll need to listen carefully to the notes your friends are playing, which helps you focus and engage deeply with the music.
It’s also a perfect piece for a Christmas gathering.