Smiles, written in 1917 by J. Will Callahan and Lee S. Roberts, is a song about the happiness brought by a dear one’s smile. We have a special, albeit indirect, attachment to this song, because in front of one cottage at the Bay View Association there’s a sign that declares that this cute little song …
Category: Handbell Ensemble
Jun 21
Children of the Heavenly Father (TRYGGARE KAN INGEN VARA) – for twelve handbells
If you’ve been going to church for a while, you or your children have probably sung (the translation of) this Swedish hymn. Here’s our arrangement for twelve handbells! Children of the heavenly Father Safely in His bosom gather; Nestling bird nor star in heaven Such a refuge e’er was given. Neither life nor death shall …
Jun 16
Doxology (OLD HUNDREDTH) – for eight handbells
The Doxology is sung in churches around the world, often as a congregational response to the presentation of tithes and offerings. We have two versions in our score package based on the hymn tune OLD HUNDREDTH so that you can use the one which is more familiar to your church family. Additionally, our score package …
Jun 14
Tchaikovsky – The Seasons (handbells, two octaves, Level 3 to 5+)
In 2013, we published eight eight-handbell arrangements of selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. That was an exciting time for us, because we were preparing to do preshow for a local ballet company, and wanted to give them a nice surprise. Yes… they were surprised! This time, we have a surprise for you! Nikolay Bernard, the …
Jun 09
I Saw Three Ships – for twelve handbells
I Saw Three Ships is an English carol that dates back to the seventeenth or eighteenth century. Some people think that the “three ships” were the camels (aka “ships of the desert”) that the Magi rode on their way from the east to Bethlehem. Whether or not this is the reference made by the text, …
Jun 06
From Starry Skies Descending – for twelve handbells
The Italian carol Tu scendi dalle stelle is lovely, though perhaps less familiar to Americans than others. Our new twelve-bell arrangement will bring a new bit of joy to your holiday services and celebrations. Our new arrangement of this Christmas song for twelve handbells has versions in Bb major (C5-G5) and C major (D5-A6), so …
May 16
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) – Handbell duet with piano and optional flute
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of this beloved Christmas song. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! If played as a four-in-hand duet, a table will be needed. Also, it would be advantageous to add a …
May 09
Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (HURON CAROL) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3)
This is the oldest known Canadian carol. Gitchi Manitou is Algonquian for “Great Spirit”, the Native American name for God, and the lyrics tell the Christmas story as it might have told been near the Great Lakes. Our new arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells (plus optional three-octave chimes) tells the story with …
Apr 11
Forever (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, Level 5) – new video!
Forever was commissioned in 2012 by Dee Allaway and her family in memory of her father Walter Dennis Oliver. It’s a grand tribute to a man who brought music to his family as well as others around him. At least five octaves of handbells are necessary to play Forever. You’ll find that there are abundant …
Apr 07
I Surrender All (SURRENDER) – for sixteen handbells
Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of this hymn, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. Our arrangement for sixteen handbells is available in C5-Ab6 and G4-Eb6 versions; the latter can be played using a two-octave set. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I …