Jesus is the one who calls His people from their former sinful life to a life destined for heaven. In between those two, believers have the joy of showing what that salvation means to them. Fairest Lord Jesus is one of those hymns that speaks volumes of this. We’re pleased to publish our new handbell …
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.
Mar 22
Day By Day (BLOTT EN DAG) – for handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 3
God isn’t just interested in what happens in our lives; He pays attention to every moment of every day we live. That’s why we can rely on Him completely in all circumstances and situations. Here is our handbell choir arrangement of the hymn Day by Day. Day by day and with each passing moment, strength …
Mar 15
Celebration – for handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 1
I directed a beginning handbell choir at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California in 2006-2007. Alas, we only had our loaner bells for a year (thank you, Area 12!), and then had to pass them on to another fortunate group. This piece, Celebration, was a great starter for new ringers. It’s active and …
Mar 08
For the Beauty of the Earth (DIX) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
When we published our arrangement of For the Beauty of the Earth (hymn tune DIX) a while back, we know it would be fun to play. Now that we’ve figured out how to make “clone” videos of larger-scale pieces, we have a new video to show how it really sounds on handbells! This piece is …
Mar 01
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) – for Handbells, 3/5 octaves, Level 3+
Written in 1849 by Cecil Frances Alexander, this joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched. Add a bit of rhythmic touch, and you have our arrangement for handbell choir! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. Purchasing the handbell …
Feb 22
Newness (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2)
The Bible tells us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It’s all about the beauty and joy of a redeemed soul experiencing God’s love and guidance from day to day and minute to minute. This original piece depicts how that newness feels. Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to …
Jan 02
Rhapsody in Blue (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, plus handchimes, 5 octaves, Level 6+)
Rhapsody in Blue, the iconic work by George Gershwin, entered the public domain as of 2020. It’s our distinct pleasure and privilege to present this new arrangement for handbells! While none of the sections of this arrangement are of an AGEHR Level higher than 5, playing this arrangement in its entirety would be a tremendous …
Dec 05
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, with Organ, Level 3)
This arrangement of the long-time favorite, Be Thou My Vision, was included in the Michigan AGO’s gift to their conference participants in July 2019. It combines handbells and organ into an expression of praise; we hope you’ll enjoy it! MP3: Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up …
Apr 07
Newsflash! New cajón part for “Ye Jazzy Gentlemen”!
Our handbell choir arrangement Ye Jazzy Gentlemen has been crying out for the addition of a percussion part for a long time now, so we’ve (finally…) added one for cajón! Do take a look, and enjoy! MP3:
Nov 05
Two new arrangements for Christmas!
We’ve just released two new Christmas carol arrangements for handbell choir (three to five octaves) – do take a look! Sing We Now of Christmas Preview: [sg_popup id=”11418″ event=”click”]Page 1[/sg_popup] [sg_popup id=”11420″ event=”click”]Page 2[/sg_popup] MP3: O Come, All Ye Faithful Preview: [sg_popup id=”11431″ event=”click”]Page 1[/sg_popup] [sg_popup id=”11434″ event=”click”]Page 2[/sg_popup] MP3: