Description:

“Carol Of The Bells - Lead Sheet - Key Of B Minor” is classified as a Level 3 Piano work worth 1,600 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Lead Sheets → Christmas Popular and is part of the Composition/Improvisation collection. The sheet music for “Carol Of The Bells - Lead Sheet - Key Of B Minor” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.

“Carol Of The Bells - Lead Sheet - B Minor” is a Christmas carol lead sheet based on the famous bell-like melody by Mykola Leontovych, with English lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky. This version is written in B minor and 3/4, with the melody, lyrics, and chord symbols shown above the staff. Since the accompaniment is not fully written out, the performer uses the printed chords to create an original arrangement. The score uses repeated rhythmic patterns and harmonies such as Bm, Bm7/A, Em7/G, Bm/F#, F#7, and F#.

Measures 1–4 present the opening line, “Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, ‘Throw cares away.’” The melody is written as a single treble-clef line, while the chord symbols outline a descending bass color through Bm, Bm7/A, Em7/G, and Bm/F#. This gives the performer a strong repeated pattern for creating an accompaniment.

Measures 5–12 continue the main bell-like idea with “Christmas is here” and “Ding, dong, ding, dong.” The melody repeats short rhythmic cells, while the harmony keeps returning to the same minor-key pattern. This section is especially useful for improvisation because the performer can vary the left hand while keeping the famous repeated melody clear.

Measures 13–20 move through the middle lyrics, including “Gaily they ring” and “Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas.” The harmony shifts more strongly to F#7 during the “Merry Christmas” section, creating a brighter and more urgent contrast before returning to the B minor material.

Measures 21–30 bring back the opening-style motion and close the lead sheet with “On, on they send,” “Hark how the bells,” and “Ding, dong, ding, dong!” The final measures return to Bm and F#7, giving the performer a clear place to create a stronger improvised ending.

Interesting fact: “Carol of the Bells” comes from the Ukrainian song “Shchedryk,” arranged by Mykola Leontovych. The original Ukrainian text was not a Christmas song; it was connected with a New Year tradition and told of a swallow bringing news of good fortune. Peter J. Wilhousky later wrote the familiar English bell-themed lyrics in 1936.

How to earn points for this piece:

1. Practice and learn to play the piece. Then improvise your own arrangement.

2. You must play 3 verses only - each verse must be significantly different from the other. (Use different Left Hand techniques, or add embellishments, etc...)

3. Watch the video to see example of improvisation, and check your own arrangement for accuracy. (Your arrangement may be easier or harder than the video example, or be in a different key - and that is okay. You can still submit.)

4. Record yourself playing and upload it to Youtube.

5. Submit a link to your video here for evaluation.

6. Collect your points!