Sower, The
The parable of “The Sower” springs to life in this lively, original composition. Mallets and thumb damps set the tone for a light-hearted walk - scattering seeds along the way. The sower’s theme is airy and optimistic, telling the story of the journey. While the piece is in 4/4 meter, a few easy 5/4 and 6/4 measures add to the organic feel of the piece, allowing the sower some extra time to hop over a log or step around a rock. The optional woodblock/TicToc block adds even more spunk. Subtitled “Kulak’s Orchard” for secular use – one can picture a Johnny Appleseed-esque character planting trees and scattering seeds, sauntering through the countryside. Note the seeds “multiplying” in measure 32-33 and the place where the sower takes a short rest in M. 40. “The Sower” is ideal for worship, concert, school and festival – and is also a good piece to introduce mixed meter. (A Unison Exercise to practice mixed meter passages is included.) An audience pleaser in all respects and easy for ringers to master at Level 3 (3-5 octaves), “The Sower” was written in 1997 by Kath for her youth group “touch of Jesus” and originally released by GIA in 2003. This new folio is identical but with the added Unison Exercise. Somewhat unusual in layout, the score shows ALL optional notes played in both upper and lower ranges, not just Coll. 8va/double top note lines.
More pieces in both “True Music” and “Class ring” Series can be found at www.handbellworld.com by searching under the “Series” category in the Music Selection Assistant. Find all ringTrue pieces by entering “RE” in the Stock # Search box and all pieces by Kathleen Wissinger by entering “Wissinger” in the composer box. Check out ringTrue’s Facebook page for updates and new releases - and Handbell Educators FB page for ideas for ringing in the classroom. Let’s Ring!