Appropriate for worship or concert, quartet setting of this favorite is a sure winner. Practical and light, the use of mallets brings a lively dimension to this tune. This is a bright, fresh setting with great technical facility.
BLESSED ASSURANCE - Phoebe Knapp/arr. Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment and optional C instrument
Dramatic setting for solo ringer and optional C instrument by Brian Childers. Accompaniment includes keyboard and optional percussion (timpani, suspended cymbal, glockenspiel, and wind chimes), C instrument (such as flute). An outstanding offering for worship or concert - gives the solo ringer every chance to really shine in this exuberant arrangement of the hymn tune Assurance.
BLESSED ASSURANCE - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 1 octave handchimes - Level V
This is a set of stunning variations on Blessed Assurance, one of the great hymns of the church. The piece takes ringers and listeners on a journey through musical styles from down-home Gospel to upbeat jazz. Challenging and engaging, the various musical "feels" are accessible and this is sure to be a favorite for ringers, congregations, and audiences.
BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment
Musically straightforward, play as a solo or divide up the solo for two ringers making it easier to learn and less of a challenge. As a solo, some four-in-hand may be needed to make the runs smooth and musical. Legato ringing is a must; some LV might be included along with relaxed and natural movements.
Handbells used (and range)
Solo/duet: 13 bells (D5-B6)
BOLERAS SEVILLANAS - Traditional Spanish/arr. Karen Roth - 3-7 octaves handbells - Level III
Short, lively, and packs a punch! Great music artfully arranged in a setting that will take experienced groups only a couple of rehearsals to make concert-ready and makes for great technical and musical learning for less experienced groups. A perfect encore!
BRANLE by C. Gervaise, arranged by Kevin McChesney for Handbell Ensemble
In the style of the Renaissance, this straightforward arrangement is easy for a quartet to pick up and learn in few rehearsals. A duet team can play this 8-bell arrangement using four in hand or off-table techniques.
Specific assignment suggestions are offered for performing this as a duet, trio, or quartet.
BRETHREN, WE HAVE MET TO WORSHIP - HOLY MANNA/arr. Kevin McChesney, embellishments by Luke Nabeta - handbell quartet/ensemble
A bright setting of the hymn favorite which depends a lot on rhythmic drive. Technical considerations include a running mallet line in the part of Ringer 4. Great opportunities using musical as well as physical expression are possible with repeated chords and an LV section which begs for stunning visual display.
Brethren, We Have Met To Worship (handbell quartet/ensemble with embellishments)
BRETHREN, WE HAVE MET TO WORSHIP - Holy Manna/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet/ensemble
A bright setting of the hymn favorite which depends a lot on rhythmic drive. Technical considerations include a running mallet line in the part of Ringer 4. Great opportunities using musical as well as physical expression are possible with repeated chords and an LV section which begs for stunning visual display.
Brethren, We Have Met to Worship (handbell quartet/ensemble)
BRING A TORCH - Traditional French carol/arr. Kevin McChesney - 2 octaves handbells - Level II
A flowing and engaging arrangement of a Christmas classic that is not hard to learn. Your congregation will enjoy a big, full sound that is achieved with just a few rehearsals.
BRING A TORCH - Traditional French carol/arr. Kevin McChesney - 4-in-hand handbell quartet
A flowing and engaging arrangement of a Christmas classic that is not hard to learn. Your congregation will enjoy a big, full sound that is achieved with just a few rehearsals.
BY AND BY - Spiritual/arr. Karen Roth - handbell quartet
From the African spiritual, direct in its message; moving and lifting. Syncopation and accented offbeats are a challenge along with the mix between ringing and staccato techniques. A similar look between all ringers will enhance the visual aspect of the presentation.
Handbells used (and range)
Quartet: 17-19 bells (E4-B6, parentheses indicate notes to omit for two octave groups)
CANON IN D - Pachelbel/arr. Michael Kastner and Nancy Schmidt Kastner - handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
Effective as a quintet, the top part may be played by one ringer, making it a quartet. Other performance options are provided in the score. This piece was actually used at Michael and Nancy's wedding as their "musical vows."
Two full scores are provided - in the original key of D and in the key of C. May be presented alone or as a prelude to any one of a number of full choir arrangements available.
Canon in D (handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
