In the U.S., Now Thank We All Our God is one of the hymns that makes an annual appearance in November (because of the national Thanksgiving holiday, of course)… but it really can (should?) be played all year round! You can play our arrangement for sixteen accompanied handbells with four to eight ringers. If you …
Tag: 2 octaves
Smaller handbell choirs typically have two to three octaves of handbells. The range means that just about every chord can be filled in to the lowest available note without creating objectionable interactions between low notes.
Jun 30
Every Time I Feel the Spirit – Twelve handbells
The African-American spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit represents a bit of rich musical history. Many such spirituals had their origin from a time when and a place where injustice and oppression was chronic. In such circumstances, hope came from knowing that God still watched over His children, no matter where they were. Here’s …
Jun 05
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched! If your ensemble is on the smaller side, this two-octave arrangement is for you! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them …
May 26
My Jesus, I Love Thee (GORDON) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
My Jesus, I Love Thee presents the truth of salvation simply: Christ’s giving Himself on the cross for our sins offers us everlasting life, but also demands our complete devotion when we accept that marvelous gift. The hymn also states that truth elegantly; the easy-to-understand words allow the deep truth of God’s love to come …
May 08
It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
The story behind “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss – look it up – testifies of the incredible peace God gives through our faith in Him, and how He continues to give that comfort to believers today. It’s amazing how one man’s experience and faith can touch the hearts …
Mar 16
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LOBE DEN HERREN) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
The title from Joachim Neander’s German 1680 chorale, reads even more impressively in German: Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” has been a church favorite for many years – after all, our very lives depend on God and His infinite power. Our arrangement for two octaves of …
Mar 10
When Morning Gilds the Skies (LAUDES DOMINI) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
When Morning Gilds the Skies has… well, that “morning” quality on a cool spring day when the sun rises gently in the east over hills of flowers. Our new arrangement will add to your church services in the springtime… or just about any time during the year! When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking …
Mar 06
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (DEO GRACIAS) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High attempts the impossible task of describing God’s transcendent qualities in mere human words. You can’t explain His eternity in a finite amount of time, nor His omniscience with limited experience, nor his holiness from a sinner’s point of view. Se just have to give it all we …
Mar 03
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (RESIGNATION) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2)
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He seeks us when we stray, and guides us when we stay by His side. And one day, He will take us to be in His presence forever. Our two-octave arrangement will give your congregation an opportunity to reflect on these wonderful truths! My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah …
Feb 20
That Easter Day with Joy was Bright (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
That Easter Day with Joy was Bright is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Easter, but can be played for Advent as On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry. Our new arrangement for two octaves will work well with your ensemble, because it’s a very accessible Level 2+. That …