Grand March and Awakening
Dividing the beat into two equal parts (eighth notes) is a huge step forward for any developing ensemble. Eighth notes appear in many different contexts in handbell repertoire. "Meditation and Agitation" (GIA G-9220), introduced the simplest form of eighth notes where two eighth notes were played in the same hand. In terms of difficulty, "Grand March and Awakening" take eighth notes to the next level. In these pieces, the same ringer plays two eighth notes, but they are in different hands. To isolate this new skill, the eighth notes are surrounded by longer note values. There are no bell changes in either piece so that ringers can focus their attention exclusively on the rhythm.