for 3-4 octave handbells and harp
This harp and handbell arrangement is based on Sylvia Woods’ haunting Spiritual Medley harp solo which blends two beautiful American spirituals about going “home” to heaven: Motherless Child (also often titled Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child) and Wayfaring Stranger. The music is in the key of E minor (1 sharp), with no lever or pedal changes.
In this arrangement, the harp generally plays the bass clef part of the solo version, and the handbells play the melody in octaves. The harp needs to have a range that includes the E that is 12 strings below middle C.
Three octaves of handbells are required. The A3 and B3 bells are optional. Total number of bells used is 21 or 23. For advanced beginner to intermediate harp players, and level 2 bell choir. 10 pages of music in the key of E minor.
As a member of her church handbell choir, Sylvia Woods began arranging music for lever (or pedal) harp and handbells. These wonderful arrangements beautifully showcase the harp with bells. If your church or school has a set of handbells, give these arrangements a try. As with all handbell or choir music, you will need to buy individual copies for each member of the handbell choir, the director, and the harpist.
