DEUS IN ADJUTORIUM from Vespers (1610) - Claudio Monteverdi/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with brass sextet and optional organ - Level I+/II-
DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH - Traditional/arr. Karen Roth - handbell duet/trio/quartet
Another amazing 8 bell (9th bell optional on the last note) work! This will have your audience or congregation wondering where all the music came from. Assign to just two ringers for a four-in-hand challenge, or to three or four ringers for quick mastery.
Ding Dong Merrily on High (handbell duet/trio/quartet)
DONA NOBIS PACEM - arr. Kimberly Braswell - handbell tree trio (unaccompanied)
A beautiful arrangement, simple to put together and a lovely addition to worship or concert. Ideal for less experienced handbell tree players and for a quick put-together for more experienced players.
DONA NOBIS PACEM - Traditional/arr. Blanche Marie Lewis - handbell trio
Three ringers using four-in-hand technique present a lovely arrangement that is elegant and direct in its speech and that will create a lovely moment in worship. There is beautiful use of the singing bell technique as well.
DREAMSCAPES by Marquise Usher for 5-7 Octaves Handbells with Optional 7 Octaves Handchimes - Level IV
This original composition opens with a delicate, unresolved unison statement. This intentionally static phrase gives way to the promise to come, and "Dreamscapes" delivers. The lyric melody blossoms with intricate LV accompaniment, supported by the chimes, doubling the bass bell line. Shifts in the harmony and chordal structure enhance the dreamlike quality of this work. The recap of the fragile opening melody, awakens in a satisfying ending.
DRUM CAROL - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional percussion - Level III
Mallets and optional percussion bring fire and excitement to this arrangement of the traditional carol (also known by the title "The Little Drummer Boy"). An absolute winner for worship, concert, and festivals.
EASTER REJOICING - arr. Julie Turner - 3 or 5 octaves handbells - Level II
Based on the hymns “The Day of Resurrection”, “Crown Him with Many Crowns”, and “Rejoice, the Lord is King”, this energetic but easy-to-learn piece is the perfect addition to your Easter season! Available for 3 or 5 Octaves (two files will appear in your download queue upon purchasing).
EGO SUM PANIS VIVUS (I AM THE LIVING BREAD) - trans. DWMorgan - brass quartet - Level 3
A transcription of a William Byrd renaissance vocal motet for brass quartet. This transcription requires players to play independent parts. This piece is primarily in 4/4 time with some 6/4 measures. The transcription presents a good opportunity to develop ensemble and listening skills.
This is a transcription of the keyboard favorite. Suitable for church, community, and school groups, this is a well-crafted setting that will transport your listeners.
ENGLISH DANCE - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet
Play this lively 9-bell arrangement with as few as two ringers - or assign to as many as four to minimize techniques needed and rehearsal time. Use for any occasion! A single page with built-in repeat.
ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING - NUN DANKET & OLD 100TH, arranged by Kevin McChesney for 3-5 Octaves Handbells and Optional 3-5 Octaves Handchimes with Optional Brass Quintet, Organ, or Piano, and Optional Timpani
Enter Into His Gates With Thanksgiving (3-5 octaves handbells)
ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE - John Bacchus Dykes/arr. DWMorgan - brass trio - Level 2/3
An arrangement of John Bacchus Dykes’ 19th Century hymn transposed to Bb Major in a trio setting. The arrangement does not require extensive technical capability, but includes a solo for the lower voice (trombone or substitute) and requires the ensemble to be mindful of accidentals, particularly in the trumpet parts. The arrangement includes an optional 3-fold Amen which can be played or omitted.
FAIREST LORD JESUS - Crusader's Hymn/arr. Sandra Gay - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment
Simple to master and won't task your accompanist, this arrangement of the Crusader's Hymn will win praise and enthusiastic response from your congregation or audience. The second verse uses the bottom half of the third octave, unusual for bell solos (or duets). These deep, rich tones generate a new focus for your audience.
FAITH OF AMERICA - arr. Juanita Thurow - handbell duet
A wonderful patriotic medley including the tunes "Materna" (America the Beautiful), "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee), and "St. Catherine" (Faith of Our Fathers).
FAITH OF AMERICA - arr. Juanita Thurow - handbell trio/quartet/ensemble
A wonderful patriotic medley including the tunes "Materna" (America the Beautiful), "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee), and "St. Catherine" (Faith of Our Fathers).
FAITH OF OUR FATHERS - Lorie Line/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
No one brings new life and beauty to an old favorite hymn like Lorie Line. This lovely handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment is technically accessible and flows gently from the performer's heart to the hearts of those listening. An arrangement of simple elegance, lending a gentle contemporary feel while preserving the awe and power of the traditional hymn.
FANFARE (Pavane) - Luis Milan/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-7 octaves handbells - Level II
Sometimes the simplest and most direct music is really the best. This wonderful music from the Renaissance Period still has much to say today. Originally written for the lute and the vihuela (a predecessor of the modern classical guitar), it makes an exciting fanfare for bells, suitable for worship, concert, and festivals.
FANFARE - Anon. 16th Century, arranged by Kevin McChesney for Handbell Ensemble
Subtitled "Proclamation" or "Capriccio" this is appropriate for any worship or concert setting. This will keep a four-in-hand duet pair busy! Or divide it up for four ringers (two bells per person) for a quick addition to any repertoire.
