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 …
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,
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 …
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, …
Apr 11
Ukrainian Bell Carol (Handbells, 5-7 octaves, Level 4)
Ukrainian Bell Carol was first known as “Schedryk”/«Щедрик» when Mykola Leontovych wrote it in 1916. And then… in 1941, Peter Wilhousky wrote the lyrics entitled “Carol of the Bells”, the title under which credit is usually given in the United States. We present our arrangement of Leontovych’s composition under its “more original” title. We think …