Bernie Foulk rang with the Kalamazoo Ringers from 2022 to 2025. I and the rest of the ensemble had hoped to have many more years of ringing with him, but that was not to be. After a short illness, Bernie headed for the next life, and we started missing his wit, charm, enthusiasm, and especially …
Tag: handbell ensemble
This composition is for handbell ensemble. The pitch range depends on the whim of the composer; there are pieces of this type for all ranges of handbells. The number of ringers can also vary quite a bit, but the general rule is that this number is smaller than that of a full-sized handbell choir.
Jun 30
Every Time I Feel the Spirit – Twelve handbells
The African-American spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit represents a bit of rich musical history. Many such spirituals had their origin from a time when and a place where injustice and oppression was chronic. In such circumstances, hope came from knowing that God still watched over His children, no matter where they were. Here’s …
Jun 29
Brother James’ Air – Twelve handbells
In 1913, James Leith Macbeth Bain composed a melody to go with the words of the 23rd Psalm; it’s recognized as BROTHER JAMES’ AIR. The tune lilts gently, reflecting on the peace and hope this psalm has given to many generations. Our arrangement for twelve handbells is available in three keys (C#5-G5, B5-F5, and F#5-C7) …
Jun 25
Silver Bells (Handbells, 3 to 7 octaves, Level 4)
The film Lemon Drop Kid from 1951 has a scene with a grumpy, unhappy Santa standing by a donation kettle. The impression he presents is completed with a gruff singing voice and a clanky bell. He’s, shall we say, doing poorly at generating donations. Along come Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. They straighten him out …
Jun 05
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched! If your ensemble is on the smaller side, this two-octave arrangement is for you! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them …
May 28
We Place Upon Your Table, Lord (DISTRESS) – Eight handbells
Walker’s Southern Harmony (1835) contains many hymns of the day. We Place Upon Your Table, Lord celebrates the Lord’s Supper, reminding us of how the simple elements bread and wine direct us to reflect and act on the profundity of the eternal life that Christ gives us. This short and simple, yet elegant, arrangement for …
May 26
My Jesus, I Love Thee (GORDON) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
My Jesus, I Love Thee presents the truth of salvation simply: Christ’s giving Himself on the cross for our sins offers us everlasting life, but also demands our complete devotion when we accept that marvelous gift. The hymn also states that truth elegantly; the easy-to-understand words allow the deep truth of God’s love to come …
May 08
It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
The story behind “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss – look it up – testifies of the incredible peace God gives through our faith in Him, and how He continues to give that comfort to believers today. It’s amazing how one man’s experience and faith can touch the hearts …
May 05
Adoro Te Devote – Eight handbells
The Latin plainchant Adoro Te Devote dates back to the 13th century. Our arrangement for eight handbells works well as an introit, or to enhance a thoughtful time during your church service. It is one of the five Eucharistic hymns composed and set to music for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, instituted in 1264 by …
Apr 17
Christ the Lord is Risen Today (EASTER HYMN) – Eight handbells
One of the hymns that (just about) always is included in Easter services is Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The Resurrection is remembered in an “Alleluia!” at the end of every line, bringing out the eternal rejoicing that the Resurrection guarantees. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, …