Description

Karen Lakey Buckwalter’s Michael, Row the Boat Ashore is a playful romp for three to five octaves of handbells, with optional two octaves of handchimes and optional trumpet or clarinet. Written in memory of a handbell ringer, this arrangement is an affirmation of the beauty of life and music, with its syncopated rhythms, complex harmonies, and frequent shakes. Although the instrumental part is optional, you’ll want to call in your favors to get someone on the trumpet or clarinet, because it adds so much to the character of the piece. Add this piece to your spring concert, or as a rousing piece of service music any time during the church year.