Chords for Silent Night

How it works

Each of the three chords in Silent Night is assigned a different color
—RED = I chord (Bb - D - F)
—YELLOW = IV chord (Eb - G - Bb)
—GREEN = V chord (F - A - C)
Each bell or chime is assigned to only one of the three chords
A capital letter under each note on the "bells used" chart specifies
the chord assigned to that particular note
A colored dot on the handle of each bell or chime corresponds to
the color in the bell chart.

Each ringer plays on two of the three chords
Common tones between chords have been omitted so that
—Each ringer has only one task for each hand
—Inexperienced ringers are not confused by being assigned a bell that
rings on two different chords

Several formats offered

A choice of several full scores for people who read music
1. Directions are provided for inexperienced directors
2. Chords are identified for directors without any knowledge of theory
Separate scores are provided for the director and the ringers
1. Director's score—shows the color sequence in the music
2. Ringer's score—color sequence omitted because it distracts
  the ringers from looking at the notes
CAPITAL LETTER SHEETS are
1. Easier to read in poor light on Christmas Eve
2. Useful for memorizing the color sequence of chords
3. An alternative for non-readers
An optional rhythm is provided for verse three if desired
A few options suggested for use with less than a full choir (available later)

Page updated on December 9, 2008