Jazz great Cab Calloway had an expression “friskin’ the whiskers”. It’s a reference to the idea of “just gettin’ started”, and is draws a picture of a highly-skilled performer who starts on his set by smoothing his mustache. “Okay, now I’m ready to play.”
Friskin’ the Whiskers, a new Level 5 work for five to seven octaves of handbells was commissioned by RiverBells of Sacramento, California with the following requirements:
- Original (that is, not an arrangement).
- Level 3+ or higher.
- Three to fifteen minutes in length (it’s just about exactly 4:00).
- Swing style.
Here’s to hoping that you’ll find this one fun to play!
Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
