Our “standard” eight-bell Holy Manna was the very first score we published. Now we have a “Surprisingly Easy”™ version that you can enjoy! Purchasing this 8-bell score gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you …
Tag: handbells
Handbells were invented in 17-century England as a practice tool for tower bell ringers. They could then rehearse in warmer and cheerier places than belfries - to wit, the local pubs. At some point, someone noticed that it was possible to play tunes (rather than just "changes") on handbells, and so "tune ringing" began. The music available from Choraegus followed the tune ringing tradition as practiced and performed in the modern era,
Aug 22
Close to You (Handbells, 3 to 7 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 4)
Hal David and Burt Bacharach teamed up to write (They Long to Be) Close to You, a gentle, plaintive song about romances that ended up being daydreams. Although hundreds of artists have recorded this song, most of us remember it as the Carpenters’ big hit of 1970. Our arrangement is scored for three to seven …
Jul 31
Deck the Halls – Twelve handbells
This boisterous – yes… that seems to be an appropriate choice of words! – arrangement of a 16th century Welsh tune Nos Galan is tremendous fun to play. Fa la la la la la la la! Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa la la la la, la la la la Tis the season …
Jul 28
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (INFANT HOLY, INFANT LOWLY) – Twelve handbells
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is a reflection on the wonder of the Christ Child in the manger – it’s the mystery of God coming to live among us on earth. You’ll enjoy playing our new twelve-bell arrangement of this carol! Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ …
Jul 24
Come Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Eight handbells, “Surprisingly Easy”™ version
Come, Thou Almighty King is a grand hymn about our need for the Lord to have our loyalty. The tune ITALIAN HYMN was written in 1769 by Felice de Giardini, who had a thoroughgoing musical career as a violinist and composer. We published a “standard” eight-bell arrangement of this hymn sometime ago, and today we …
Jul 19
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell version!
Quite a few years back, we started writing our “Surprisingly Easy”™ arrangements to provide a less demanding approach to our eight-bell music. We were pleased to see that many duets/trios/quartets tried them, both as a way to prepare something for their church services or concerts and as an introduction to small ensemble playing. Many, many …
Jul 14
I Surrender All – Eight handbells
Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of I Surrender All, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. William S. Weeden write the hymn tune that many of us know well. Our new version of this classic hymn of dedication presents the hymn tune SURRENDER in a signable fashion. All …
Jul 09
Beloved Friend (Handbells, 3-7 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3)
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 …
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 …