Ring the Bells in Jubilation (2013)

GRADE 5 • 5:30 • published by C. Alan Publications

Performance: St. Thomas University Wind Ensemble | Conductor: Dr. Matthew George

PROGRAM NOTES

Every form of artistic expression has portrayed the joy of Christmas and Ring the Bells in Jubilation is another installment in this timeless event.  Bells, particularly in churches, have been used to announcement moments of joy; religious holidays, weddings, the celebration of life, and even the end of war.  Ring the Bells in Jubilant Celebration capitalizes on this thought by incorporating melodic fragments of the Westminster chimes and the popular tune, Carol of the Bells, to create a musical composition that "announces" the joyous Christmas season.  Cichy capitalizes on one more element as the final section of the work is loosely based on Beethoven's ever-recognizable melody, Joyful, Joyful.

PERFORMANCE NOTES

Ideally, this piece is intended to be performed with three sets of chimes placed around the back of the performance space.  This creates the best musical effect by surrounding the audience with “Bell” sounds, heightening the listening experience of this piece.  However, this piece can easily be performed with less than three sets of chimes.  If only two sets are available, it is still recommended to place the chimes around the back of the performance space.  In this case, players should play chime part 1 and 2.  If only one set of chimes is used, the chimes can be placed either with the percussion section on stage or be place in the back of the performance space.  In this case, the player should play chime part 1 up to measure 97, and use the pitch collection from parts 1 and 2 beginning at measure 127 (Eb, F, Bb, C, Eb, F).  All chime parts need to be played loudly!

INSTRUMENTATION

Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe 1 & 2, Bassoon 1 & 2, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone

Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 - 4, Trombone 1 - 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (triangle, snare drum, woodblock, suspended cymbal, tambourine, bass drum), Percussion 2 (sleigh bells, crash cymbals, claves, snare drum, finger cymbal), Percussion 3 (orchestra bells, crash cymbals), Chimes (3 sets)

Strings: String Bass

Keyboard: Piano