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 …
Tag: AGEHR Level 4
This composition is a handbell choir score rated at AGEHR Level 4. Most time signatures, including complex ones, are allowed, though with possible limitation on how frequently meter changes occur. Most beat subdivisions being permissible. All articulations are permitted.
Apr 25
Squirrels (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Our garden has lots of large trees. With those trees come many lively, carefree squirrels. They’re a bit like the sparrows Jesus talked about – they don’t worry about things, because God provides for them. I think the Father above knows when even the smallest, cutest squirrel drops to the ground, too. This original piece …
Apr 21
His Eye is on the Sparrow (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4-)
Our Heavenly Father watches over us all the time. He cares about what happens to us. This song by Charles Gabriel (from 1905) has told Jesus’ words from Matthew 10:29-31 in a way that has touched hearts for over a century. Here’s our arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells. Purchasing the handbell choir …
Apr 18
Home at Last (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, Level 4+)
I wrote several dozen choral pieces for Living Water, my choir at Valley Church of Cupertino. It occurred to me that some of those songs might be reworked into handbell pieces. Home at Last is the first one to be arranged. Today we have a new video of the handbell arrangement to share with you! …
Apr 04
New video for A Celebration of Our Life – for Handbells, 5 octaves, and handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 4
A California couple commissioned A Celebration of Our Life for their 30th wedding anniversary, and had their church’s handbell choir premiere it when they renewed their vows. We’re pleased to share our new video of this piece, and hope that you’ll have something to celebrate when you play it! Purchasing the handbell choir version of …
Jan 20
America the Beautiful (AMERICA/MATERNA) – Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves, Level 4
I think of America the Beautiful as a “wannabe national anthem”, because it says so much about what matters in the country where I live. Our Level 4 arrangement for three to five octaves of handbells will sparkle in your church service or patriotic gathering. O beautiful for spacious skies / For amber waves of …
Jan 10
Gaudete! (Handbells, 3-8 octaves, plus handchimes, 3-4 octaves, Level 4+)
Here’s our new arrangement of this sixteenth-century Christmas song! It’s scored for three to eight octaves of handbells plus three or four octaves of handchimes – and if you have a percussionist, there also is a cajón part! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen …
May 24
Procession and Celebration (Handbells, 5-7 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4)
Shosh Meyer is a friend from Oregon who does marvelous things with the handbell program at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Beaverton, Oregon). Her love for music in general and handbells in particular has inspired the many, many ringers who have been involved in her ministry. Erik, Julie, and Jan Tate were three of those blessed …
Apr 22
Winter Dance by Seiichi Kyoda (Handbells, five octaves, plus handchimes, 1 octave, Level 4)
Uttara-Kuru is a recording group that combines traditional Japanese instruments with modern electronica. The result is an intriguing blend with a distinct expression. Their Winter Dance by Seiichi Kyoda is an adventure to a remote village where the community celebrates the cold season by dancing as the snowflakes drift arount them. Our arrangement for five …
Apr 08
Happy (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes F6-C7, Level 4)
We’ve rearranged this Low Ding Zone original composition for (a normal) handbell choir! With a light, bouncy melody and plenty of action everywhere else on the staff, your handbell choir will have a great time playing this piece. By the way… please note that it’s not to be confused with the Pharrell Williams song from …