Vivamus
With a title drawn from the enthusiastic Latin exclamation meaning “let us live!”, this energetic piece was commissioned by the Mid-Carolinas Handbell Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina. It celebrates the festival’s longevity of 22 years; and its founder, Bob Ivey. Abundant use of special techniques provides perfect teaching moments for single choirs or festival ringers; and a clever incorporation of melodic retrograde provides a bit of a “scherzo” (challenge your ringers to find it!). This joyful, lively piece is accessible and fun: with a couple of key changes but limited accidentals throughout, it provides a recipe for all ringers to active as well as successful! 79 measures. Keys of D Major, Bb Major, and C Major.