Here’s a thoughtful, meditative hymn about the power and grace of the Lord who holds us in His hands from everlasting to everlasting. We’re sure you’ll enjoy playing and sharing our eight-bell arrangement. I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art, My only Trust and Savior of my heart, Who pain didst undergo for my …
Tag: 8-bell
Starting in 2012, we (Larry and Carla Sue) developed a large repertoire of music for eight handbells which we perform as four-in-hand duets. These pieces ranged from fairly simple to maniacally difficult, and eventually led to the creation of their “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangements so that there would be more options for the ringing world at large.
As eight-bell repertoire works well with a two-in-hand quartet (two bells each) or a four-in-hand duo, or with a trio where the bells are divided 4-2-2 or 3-3-2. We've even seen one instance of playing eight-bell music with eight ringers with one bell apiece, a la Sacred Harp.
Apr 12
Twinkle – for eight handbells
Today’s a twofer day. First off, we have a free eight-bell arrangement of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. We’re certain you’ll enjoy playing this very familiar children’s song! The other part of today’s double feature is the “Twinkle Samba”, an arrangement of the same song in Latin American style. It has some fun challenges, and will …
Mar 11
Sändmannchen – for eight handbells
Johannes Brahms wrote a lullaby that speaks of how the flowers work hard making wonderful scents during the day, and rest at night. A little bit of quietude seems to be a really good idea in today’s world. Perhaps playing and sharing our eight-bell arrangement will bring some peacefulness. Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you …
Feb 25
This Joyful Eastertide (VREUCHTEN) – for eight handbells
Here’s a triumphant hymn for Easter Sunday (and all year round!) from the seventeenth century. You’ll enjoy playing our eight-bell arrangement to celebrate the Resurrection! This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow! My Love, the Crucified, has sprung to life this morrow: Had Christ, who once was slain, not burst His three-day prison, our …
Feb 05
We have practice MP3s!
We have practice MP3s for most of our unaccompanied small-ensemble handbell scores (up to sixteen bells). For a small cost, you get a piano-plus-click-track audio version of the score. This provides a way for your group to hear what they’re playing with a guiding metronome. For our “dual-range” scores, there are separate practice MP3s for …
Jan 14
Lift High the Cross (CRUCIFER) – eight handbells and piano
Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. This arrangement, for eight handbells and piano, will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim …
Nov 19
St. Anthony Chorale – for eight handbells
Joseph Haydn wrote this chorale in the 18th century. Our arrangement for eight handbells is quite accessible, and will be a welcome addition to any church service.
Nov 12
Somos del Señor (SOMOS DEL SEÑOR) – for eight handbells
This gentle Spanish-language hymn reflects on the fact that no matter what may happen to us, we belong to God. We hope you’ll enjoy this eight-bell arrangement! Pues si vivimos, para El vivimos y si morimos para El morimos. Sea que vivamos o que muramos, Somos del Señor, somos del Señor. If we live, we …
Nov 09
Skye Boat Song – for eight handbells and piano
This soothing, plaintive song is about Prince Charles’ escape to the Isle of Skye after his defeat in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Our arrangement for eight handbells and piano is fairly easy; you’ll enjoy playing it! Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that’s …
Nov 05
O Give the Lord Wholehearted Praise (GERMANY) – for eight handbells
This hymn first appeared in W. Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies in 1815. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement! O give the LORD wholehearted praise. / To him thanksgiving I will bring; with all his people I will raise / my voice and of his glory sing. His saints delight to search and trace / his mighty works and …