This hymn tune was published in 1768 in Kyriale (Luxembourg). You’ll find it in today’s hymnals with the texts At thy feet, O Christ, we lay and Spirit, Working in Creation. Here’s our arrangement – your handbell choir will enjoy playing it! Handbells (three or five octaves), plus handchimes (two octaves) Level 2+ Purchasing the …
Tag: handbell choir
A handbell choir is an ensemble of handbell musicians, each of whom usually has a specific subset of the entire set of bells assigned to them. The group members play the entire score by their combined efforts via a unique type of teamwork where expression and musicality are dependent on the ensemble members fusing their efforts to form a greater whole.
The sets of handbells played by handbell choirs vary in size, usually stated as an integral number of octaves. For instance, a three-octave bell choir uses notes from C4 to C7, while a seven-octave choir plays C2-C9.
Handbell choirs also use additional instruments, the most notable being handchimes. Handchimes bring a different sound to the mix, and are used for effect and contrast. Other ancillary instruments include, flute, trumpet, clarinet, and percussion; of the percussion family, the cajón is perhaps one of the more popular recent additions.
Jun 07
“Battle Hymn” for Twelve Bells
Battle Hymn of the Republic is one of the best-known American patriotic hymns of the nineteenth century. Here’s our arrangement for twelve handbells! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored, He has lost the fateful lightening of …
May 31
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place (LANDÅS) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3)
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place elegantly states the key truth of salvation: It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.” No effort on our part will make a difference either way, because all we need to do is put our trust in Him. Here’s our new arrangement of this …
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 15
Peace (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Turmoil is a standard of life for many. We have the varied components of our lives competing for our attention, often all at the same time, and so there are times when that competition puts us into mental paralysis. Getting nothing done can become an all-too-regular occurrence! The good news is that Christ offers peace …
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 …
Apr 05
The Heavens Declare Your Glory – for 3-5 octaves of handbells
J.S. Bach wrote hundreds – thousands – of works during his amazingly productive lifetime. They were such works of groundbreaking genius (“Why shouldn’t harpsichordists use their thumbs?”) that the repertoire he created continues to be a large part of our modern musical life. Even if you can’t name a Bach work by title, you’ll probably …
Apr 01
Kingsfold (KINGSFOLD) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 2)
The English tune KINGSFOLD has been matched with many hymn texts, such as O Sing A Song of Bethlehem, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, and I Sing the Mighty Power of God. There are others as well (and probably there are more that will be added to the list!), so as long as …
Mar 29
Vårvindar friska
The post title is “fresh spring winds” in Swedish. It’s a pretty folk song that has been matched with one or two hymn texts more recently. That means it will work well with a variety of opportunities! Our arrangement is Level 3+, and it’s tremendous fun to play! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this …