Special Effects for Handchimes
The use of handchimes, both as "stand alone" ensembles and as an interesting addition to the handbell sound, is widespread. Composers, arrangers and directors are finding ways to include the "heavenly sounds" of the modern handchime within handbell compositions. While the standard technique required to play them is understood, many directors are unsure of how to achieve certain of the special effects with handchimes. When the music indicates "thumb damp," how is it done with handchimes? When "Table vibrato" is indicated, can handchimes produce the effect? When composers and arrangers indicate "Shake," "LV" and other markings, how are they achieved with handchimes? To encourage the full use of handchimes, the author has spent years working with hundreds of handchime groups, and has developed an approach to solving the apparent dilemma.