Percy Grainger was born in Australia, educated in Europe, became a U.S. citizen in 1918, and is considered one of the preeminent composers of the 20th Century. He is known for developing British ‘folk’ music into wonderfully innovative works called “British Light Music” for a variety of instruments. "Shepherd’s Hey" was written to feature different instruments in eight-bar segments.
Mitchell has beautifully adapted this work for handbells with impeccable use of techniques, including mallets, TD, shakes, marts, and mart-lifts. Passages of rung notes offset the stopped sounds and emphasize the melody throughout both staves including passages of rung melody in the low bass. The addition of alternate bells adds yet another interesting layer of sound. Your Bronze level group will find this easier than Level 5 – that is until they encounter the numerous chromatic passages throughout! There is something for everyone in this wonderful arrangement! Key of F Major. 100 measures.