Wonderful things happen on social media from time to time. In this case, the suggestion for a bass handbell solo on ST. ELIZABETH came via Facebook. This solo is “reasonably easy”, with a pleasant countermelody in the middle verse. The ending has an option for a hook and Shelley, but comes with the notation “play …
Tag: hymn
Hymns are the musical substance of the traditional church. They typically have high doctrinal content with classical/choral music. Many of the older (up to the 20th century) were written with four choral parts for choirs to sing.
Modern hymnals go beyond this definition, however, because continuing history provides more and more choices of music for worship. New hymnals include more international and contemporary songs as well. This is in keeping with the definition "hymn: a religious song or poem of praise to God".
Sep 30
Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah (PRAISE JEHOVAH) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+)
God is in charge of everything. He created the universe, and it’s only because of His power that it all holds together. Yet He’s interested in each of our lives, and even about the smallest things we do. He knows how many hairs we have on our heads, and accounts for each sparrow and tree. …
Sep 09
All Creatures of Our God and King (LASST UNS ERFREUEN) – for sixteen handbells
The Church has worshipped the Creator with this hymn for centuries. Here’s our arrangement for sixteen handbells, suitable for four to eight ringers. We’ve also made it available in two versions: C5-A6 (three octaves) and G4-E6 (two octaves). All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing, alleluia, alleluia! …
Aug 12
The Lord is My Shepherd (POLAND) for handbell choir
Caroline Harnly, a longtime friend and director of the San Francisco State University Handbell Choir, commissioned this arrangement of the POLAND hymn tune in honor of her mother. It’s for four to five octaves of handbells plus two octaves of handchimes, and is Level 3. Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission …
Aug 05
A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth (AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3-)
The hymn tune AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON dates from the sixteenth century. It’s from the Strassburger Kirchenant of 1525. We’ve found it to be a bit of an earworm, probably because of its harmonies. We hope you enjoy playing our Level 3- arrangement for three to five octaves of handbells. A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth, The …
Aug 02
Larry and Carla’s Sixth “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Hymn Collection !!!
Our sixth (!) collection of “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell hymns is like our previous five collections. It contains music that you can prepare relatively quickly, and which will enhance your worship service. You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with two bells each. Beginning ringers will have fun …
Jul 29
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (BRADBURY) for twelve handbells plus piano
We present our first score for twelve handbells and piano. It’s an arrangement of Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us that’s fairly easy to learn. And despite having no bell changes, there are sections in different keys! As usual, this score is available in C5-G6 and F5-C7 versions. There is an accompaniment track corresponding to …
Jul 23
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus (STORIES OF JESUS) – for sixteen handbells
William Parker and Frederic Challinor joined forces to write this hymn in 1885. Many of Parker’s hymns were sung in schools in England. Our sixteen-bell arrangement will make a great addition to your handbell ensemble library! Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear; Things I would ask Him to tell me if …
Jul 12
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (BEECHER) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3+)
God is so great and so incredible that His love is overwhelming. His care for us is beyond anything we could expect or hope for, and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is beyond comprehensibility. We hope you’ll enjoy playing our arrangement for handbell choir! Love Divine, all loves excelling / Joy of heaven …
Jul 09
O, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (EBENEZER) – for sixteen handbells
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus is sung to the hymn tune EBENEZER, which means “stone of help.” Jesus is the Rock of Ages, and our Eternal Rescuer; He is the One to whom we must turn for salvation. Our new arrangement for sixteen handbells is straightforward to play with a bit of enjoyable …