CHROMA-NOTES® 13-Note Chromatic Desk Bell Set – Color-Coded Classroom Bells

Bring color, melody, and hands-on music learning to your classroom! The CHROMA-NOTES® 13-Note Desk Bell Set by Rhythm Band Instruments makes it easy for students to explore melodies, recognize musical notes, and participate in group music-making.

Featuring 13 individually tuned metal bells spanning a full chromatic octave from middle C to high C, this set gives teachers and students more musical possibilities than a traditional 8-note bell set. Each bell is color-coded to match the familiar Boomwhackers system, making it easy to combine instruments for classroom activities, ensemble performances, and beginning music lessons.

Unlike traditional handbells, desk bells are played by simply pressing or tapping the top. No swinging, gripping, or complicated playing technique is required!

Why Music Teachers Love CHROMA-NOTES® Desk Bells

• 13 chromatic notes: Includes every natural note and sharp/flat between C4 and C5 for greater musical flexibility.

• Boomwhackers-compatible colors: Easily coordinate with Boomwhackers tubes, color-coded sheet music, and classroom activities.

• Easy push-top playing: Students can produce a clear musical tone with a simple tap.

• Note and number labels: Every bell is labeled to support pitch recognition, note reading, and sequencing.

• Accurate musical pitches: Quality metal bells provide consistent, pleasing tones for classroom music-making.

• Accessible instrument design: An excellent option for young beginners, adaptive music instruction, and players with limited hand mobility.

• Ideal for group participation: Assign individual notes to students for collaborative songs, rhythm activities, and ensemble performances.

13 Notes for More Musical Possibilities

Traditional 8-note desk bell sets include the notes of the C major scale. This expanded 13-note set adds the five chromatic pitches, giving students access to every half step within one octave.

Included notes:

C, C♯/D♭, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, F♯/G♭, G, G♯/A♭, A, A♯/B♭, B, C

With these additional notes, students can explore sharps, flats, chromatic melodies, and music in a wider variety of keys.

Perfect for Orff, Elementary Music, and Homeschool Lessons

CHROMA-NOTES® desk bells make a versatile addition to many music education settings:

• Elementary music classrooms: Teach pitch, melody, musical patterns, and basic note reading.

• Orff-inspired lessons: Incorporate bells into exploration, improvisation, ostinatos, and classroom ensembles.

• Boomwhackers activities: Combine matching color-coded instruments for group performances.

• Homeschool music education: Introduce musical scales and simple melodies through hands-on learning.

• Adaptive music and music therapy: Provide an accessible way to participate in musical activities.

• Preschool and early elementary programs: Introduce musical concepts through supervised, age-appropriate play.

Desk Bells vs. Handbells: What's the Difference?

Traditional handbells must be held and moved to produce a sound. Desk bells remain on a tabletop and sound when the button on top is pressed.

This makes desk bells especially useful for beginning musicians, students who benefit from visual note organization, and classroom activities where students need to move quickly between notes.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Rhythm Band Instruments
Series	CHROMA-NOTES®
Model	CNDB-13
Instrument	Chromatic desk bells
Number of notes	13
Pitch range	C4–C5
Color system	Boomwhackers-compatible
Bell construction	Metal
Playing method	Push-top / tap
Recommended age	5 years and older
UPC	037728526208

Frequently Asked Questions

Are CHROMA-NOTES® desk bells compatible with Boomwhackers?

Yes! The bells use the same color-coding system as Boomwhackers musical tubes, allowing students to follow matching color-coded music and participate in combined classroom activities.

What is the difference between an 8-note and 13-note desk bell set?

The 8-note set contains the natural notes of the C major scale. The 13-note set includes those eight notes plus five chromatic notes, allowing students to play all 12 pitches within an octave, including the upper C.

Do students need to know how to read music?

No. Beginners can start with color-coded songs and simple patterns before progressing to traditional music notation.

Are desk bells suitable for students with limited mobility?

Yes. Because the bells rest on a table and sound with a simple tap, they can be easier to use than traditional handheld bells. Suitability depends on each student's individual needs.

Can these bells be used in an Orff classroom?

Absolutely! They complement Orff-inspired music activities, including melodic exploration, improvisation, ensemble playing, and musical games.

Order CHROMA-NOTES® Desk Bells from Teton Music

Give your students a colorful, engaging way to discover music! Whether you're outfitting an elementary classroom, expanding your Orff instrument collection, or introducing music at home, the CHROMA-NOTES® 13-Note Desk Bell Set offers an approachable way to make music together.

Add your set to your cart today, or contact Teton Music for school purchase orders, educator pricing, and classroom quantity quotes.