If you are new to handbells but would LOVE to try them this Christmas, this post is for you! Christmas Bells is the simplest Christmas song in the songbook when playing the handbells. What’s best is there are no sharps so you only need the basic 8-note set to play the entire song! I lied! There is an F#! Sorry about that. I’ve corrected my chart below.
I like to print charts on card stock and place in sheet protectors.
Check out my post HERE that goes into detail about using handbells in primary (where and what to buy as well).
I also have a handbell chart for Christmas Bells that plays the optional descant. This has no sharps, I promise!
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Christmas Bells.
7 thoughts on “Christmas Bells – Bell Chart for Melody”
Looks like you need the F# when you start on B. Starting on A solves that problem. The only change needed is instead of B below middle C, just play the D.
Hi Colorcloud07!
You are totally right! I can't believe I missed that. Thank you for pointing out my error! I'll correct is asap!!
~Camille
Love the melody bell chart. Well love all Bell charts
Hi wondering if anyone can help me out here. I have the red, orange and yellow boxes of handbells (plus a few extra) and I would really like to have my primary use them. But I am so lost. I have no musical training so all the words like descant, chording mean nothing to me. So for instance the chart has an E in a yellow circle on it, I have 3 yellow bells that all say some form of E on them (one has just an E, another a E/3 and another Hi/E) So do I pass out all of the bells and all three kids with a yellow E bell play that bell when I point to it regardless of what it says on it? In total I have 28 bells. Do I pass them all out to the kids and anytime that their color/letter circle is called for they play their bell, regardless of what the bell says on the top? I am really lost if anyone can help. I know I have a good resource here with all the bells, I would really like to understand how to use them.
Hi Effie!
Yes, bells can be a little tricky. How I use the bells may be different from how others use them. I like to keep things simple so whenever a yellow “E” is on the chart, all the yellow bells ring. I like it that way because more kids get to play. The E, E3 and Hi/E are just all the octaves (at least I’m pretty sure).
I would start with my Using Handbells in Primary post here which might help you a little more, including the videos I’ve got posted there: http://camillesprimaryideas.com/2012/07/using-handbells-in-primary.html
If you have more questions, let me know.
~Camille
I found your bell arrangement for Christmas Bells song but I can’t find where the music is for that song. Can you please send email with where I can obtain the song? Thank you. I would love to do this with my 2nd and 3rd graders.
Hi Beverly!
The handbell chart for Christmas Bells is filed on my Resource Library under Song Title > Christmas Bells. I tried emailing you the direct link but your email address came back as undeliverable because your email host didn’t recognize my email, along with my initial email to gain access to my Resource Library.
~Camille