“Solo Time 4 – Down to the River" is a delightful, extremely versatile rendition of this lovely spiritual, with a variety of ringing and accompaniment options, from Bell Tree solo to full choir with live accompaniment or downloadable mp3 track. Perfect for a quiet moment in worship or concert, it also can serve as an interlude between concert pieces, allowing the other ringers time to reset for the next piece.
Ringing options are: 1) Bell Tree Solo, 2) Bell Tree Duet, 3) 8-bell ensemble, 4) 4iH Duet or Trio, 5) Treble ensemble and 6) Full choir - all with optional accompaniment by piano, guitar, handbell choir (for solo, duet or trio), or mp3 file. An instructional video demonstrating how to string bells on a stick or a stand may be found here. Originally written to reach up to C7, the solo can be adapted for 1 octave by dropping down an octave to C5-C6. A soloist or duet pair can learn the piece, and the rest of the ringing ensemble can easily work up the accompaniment in one session to record for worship. The 5 handbell scores are all compatible and may be played in order, or mixed and matched as desired. Piano accompaniment with guitar chords is included in the score.
The Solo Time series is an engaging series offered by ringTrue targeting ringers who want to practice small pieces at home for their own enjoyment and self improvement, to record them for worship or concert needs, and even to play them in public! Each piece also offers options to include additional ringers.
Solo Time pieces are REPRODUCIBLE by the original purchaser and are available as a digital download site license, allowing easy sharing within an ensemble or class. Ringing scores and piano accompaniment scores are available in hard copy as well; sound files for accompaniment options for rehearsal and performance are included as free downloadable Zip files from HandbellWorld.com.
Look for more innovative solo pieces by Kathleen Wissinger in the Solo Time series, as well as many other solo, duet, bell tree, 4iH and small ensemble pieces from ringTrue to accommodate your ringers (or you!) - "home alone" with a few bells or chimes! Of course, ringers can also use these pieces in a more normal rehearsal setting. Best wishes for happy, healthy ringing!