The Estonian handbell ensemble Campanelli visited the eastern United States in 2017, performing in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We had the privilege of tagging along with them for the week, and enjoyed their company and friendship. When we all went to the Malmark factory for a tour, Inna, their director, had us join …
Category: Handbells
Sep 10
New Eight-Bell Music! Hooray! Hooray!
It’s been a while since we released a stack of eight-bell pieces, so we’re excited to share nine new Christmas arrangements! Take a look! Creator of the Stars of Night De Zak van Sinterklaas (Santa’s Bag) Go Tell In on the Mountain Hoe Leit dit Kindeke (Cold is This Little Child) How Great Our Joy …
Aug 31
Los Peces en el Rio (for eight handbells)
This Spanish Christmas carol was part of our “A Carol a Day” postings a couple of years ago, but somehow it escaped official publication! It’s a lively song about how the fish in the river – “los peces en el rio” – rejoiced at the birth of Christ. Here’s where you can find our eight-bell …
Jul 16
I Vow to Thee (THAXTED) for Eight Handbells
I Vow to Thee, My Country is based on the THAXTED theme from the “Jupiter” movement of Gustav Holst’s suite The Planets. In the United Kingdom, it’s sung to words written by Cecil Spring-Rice about dedication to God and country. In some US hymnals, this melody is matched to O God, Beyond All Praising. This …
Jul 12
All Things Bright and Beautiful
We have a lively new arrangement of this pretty hymn. There are plenty of stopped sounds (mallets, thumb damps, martellati…) to keep your ringers fascinated, and the syncopated melody is delightful. We’re certain your congregation/audience will love this one! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to …
Jul 09
A Minor Crash
No… we didn’t have a site problem. This is about an already-available piece for which we finally got a video. A Minor Crash is an original work for five to eight octaves of handbells (plus three octaves of optional chimes). Larry had the privilege of leading the Area 8 BronzeFest ensemble in its first-ever performance …
Jul 05
For the Beauty of the Earth
For the Beauty of the Earth is our newest arrangement for three to five octaves of handbells plus two octaves of (optional) handchimes. Do take a look at it! 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 …
Jun 14
Let All Things Now Living – more accessible, just as much fun…
A few years back, I wrote an arrangement of Let All Things Now Living in the unusual time signature of 11/8. That alone elevated it to an AGEHR Level 5+, but despite that it’s still making the rounds with advanced ringers. It was time to offer something for those who aspire (but, perhaps, are still …
Jun 06
Friskin’ the Whiskers
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 …
Jun 01
A Little Bird Sang to Me…
We’re getting more music out so that you can play it. Klein vogelijn is a Dutch song about a little bird singing in a tree, sharing its God-given gift of music with the world around it. We hope you’ll enjoy playing it!