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: accompanied
Accompanied handbell works can range from solos to larger ensembles, or as a combination of a number of different instruments. Our accompaniments are usually for piano or organ. There also are works with other instruments, such as flute, trumpet, or cajón.
Mar 22
Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY) – for eight handbells and piano
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ compositions are highly regarded across the world. Come Down, O Love Divine (tune: DOWN AMPNEY) is a fine example of his work! Our arrangement for eight accompanied handbells presents this hymn thoughtfully. Come down, O Love divine; seek out this soul of mine, and visit it with Your own ardor glowing. O …
Feb 27
Simple Gifts (six handbells and piano)
Our six-bell arrangement of Simple Gifts has a contemporary twist which gives the pianist a fun part to play. It’s fairly easy for the ringers as well, and the ensemble combines to produce a nicely syncopated version of what usually is presented as a rather straightforward tune. Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to …
Jan 26
Oh, How I Love Jesus – for six handbells and piano
The tune OH, HOW I LOVE JESUS is a simple one; its composer is unknown. It’s been sung for quite a long time as a gentle expression of faith in Christ for young children and mature adults. Our arrangement for six handbells and piano is fairly easy to play, and emphasizes the simple directness of …
Jan 23
Hyfrydol for six accompanied handbells
Our very first arrangement for six handbells and piano was Hyfrydol. True to form, it starts easily enough, but becomes more and more involved. If you like roller coasters, this piece is for you! Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to three copies for your handbell group (plus the …
Jan 02
Merry Ninth Day of Christmas!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many handbell groups closed down for a couple of years, because it was considered risky to gather. So they played it safe, hoping to weather the storm and bring everyone back together after the disease was better understood (and yes, vaccinations had been developed). Kalamazoo Ringers was no exception, and like …
Dec 27
Merry Third Day of Christmas!
I had shoulder surgery a in May of 2020. Lest you worry that bass ringing was the cause, the orthopedist assured me that it was all due to “normal wear and tear”. It meant postoperative pain pills (the powerful kind), and half a year of rebuilding. It’s quite a regimen, as those of you who …
Nov 08
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (GOD REST YE MERRY) – for eight handbells and piano
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is an 18th century English carol that’s been a source of Christmas celebration for generations. Here’s our arrangement for eight handbells and piano – with a delightful and exciting metric twist! God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay; remember Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas Day to …
Nov 03
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (JEFFERSON) – for twelve handbells plus piano
The words for this Advent hymn fit many hymn tunes such as HYFRYDOL. Here’s our accompanied twelve-bell version on the less well-known hymn tune JEFFERSON. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope …
Oct 28
Singing I Go – for twelve handbells
We’ve arranged William Kirkpatrick’s happy, lively hymn Singing I Go (also known as The Trusting Heart to Jesus Clings) as a very accessible score for twelve bells. Your ensemble of three to six ringers will enjoy playing this! The trusting heart to Jesus clings, Nor any ill forbodes, But at the cross of Calv’ry sings, …