BALLAD - Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3-5 octaves handchimes and optional flute - Level III+
A lovely, flowing original work with a light contemporary flavor, this beautiful piece is a worshipful addition to services or concerts. The flute is optional.
BALLADE - Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
An original composition effectively adapted from an earlier guitar and recorder duet. Legato line and potential four-in-hand usage are some of the technical challenges. A fairly lengthy work, use in worship as an anthem - especially one which celebrates children.
BARCAROLLE - Jacques Offenbach/arr. Beth Davidson - handbell duet with keyboard accompaniment
A "barcarolle" is a song sung by Venetian gondoliers. You can hear the sway of the gondola in the gentle rhythm and light classical flavor of this piece. The work makes a brilliant handbell duet with keyboard accompaniment. The parts are even in difficulty and well-thought-out, and the partnership between bells and keyboard is lovely.
BE STILL MY SOUL - arr. Kimberly Braswell - handbell tree duet (unaccompanied)
This arrangement of one of the great hymns of the church is perfect for beginning bell tree ringers of different experience and confidence levels. Part 1 has only six bells and carries the recognizable melody. Using a few more bells and some faster passages, Part 2 consists of lovely harmonies that support the familiar tune. The two parts come together to create a worshipful moment for church or concert.
BE THOU MY VISION - Irish Traditional/arr. DWMorgan - brass quartet - Level 3
A Level 3 arrangement for a General Worship musical offering suitable for a Prelude or Postlude. This arrangement requires performers to play independent parts and includes a section with a 2nd Trumpet melody line but does not present significant technical challenges for a level 3 group. The arrangement is in Eb Major and is accessible for worship offerings and school or community groups.
BE THOU MY VISION - SLANE/arr. Matthew Compton - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II+
The beautiful favorite hymn is treated here with thoughtfulness and dignity in this uncomplicated arrangement. You'll be ready to present this prayerful music in worship or concert with just a few rehearsals.
Be Thou My Vision (Compton) (3-5 octaves handbells)
BE THOU MY VISION - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Lovely and contemporary flowing style, innovative in that it creates an atmosphere of freedom and improvisation, or may be played strictly as written and still sound free and spontaneous.
BE THOU MY VISION - Traditional/arr. Kimberly Braswell - handbell tree trio with solo/C instrument
There is a sense of peace in this ethereal arrangement of "Be Thou My Vision." Handbell tree trio is joined by a handchime soloist or C instrument. The handbell tree parts are designed for two more experienced players and one less-experienced learner.
Be Thou My Vision (handbell tree trio with solo/C instrument)
BEACH SPRING - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet with keyboard or harp accompaniment
The solo player is featured - the second part is easier so it may be played by an "apprentice." Use keyboard or harp for accompaniment figures - be sensitive to where the melody is in the bells and where the melody is played by the accompanist, making musical adjustments as needed.
This light and lively original piece features mallets and has a "catchy" tune that ringers and listeners will find themselves singing long after the presentation is over. A delightful selection for concert, worship, or festival.
BEFORE AND AFTER - Robert Huppert - handbell tree/handchime duet with classical guitar or piano
An original piece with great beauty and expression. Sure to be a classic for concert and worship, this lovely offering may be accompanied by classical guitar or keyboard.
Dealing with the taxing nature of musical work can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Being happy in your work means not only doing the work you love to do, but also NOT doing the work you DON'T want to do. Here are some thoughts on delegating and making sure your work is energizing to you.
For more handbell lessons presented in a unique and enjoyable format, be sure to check out Kevin McChesney's book, Limericks, Lessons, and Life in Handbells! Links in the "Related Products" section below.
BELL FANFARE - Bob Burroughs - 2 octaves handbells - Level III+
A Level 3+, 2-octave piece that will really challenge your ringers - and energize both them and the listeners! Rhythms will be challenging at first, but walking through the first page will get the ringers on board. LOTS of accidentals, so ringers will be stretched in a rewarding way. This exciting piece can open a service, end a service or be a standalone piece.
BELL SYMPHONY - Henry Purcell/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III
This short work portrays the peals of a bell tower. Suitable for worship or concert, this lovely piece makes a good combination with Purcell's Trumpet Tune, also available on this site. A musical and visual stunner!
BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS - ST CHRISTOPHER, arranged by Peter de Mets for 3-5 Octaves Handbells - Level III
In his solid arrangement of this classic hymn, Peter de Mets brings the audience on a journey through the many emotions of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and saving grace through the use of creative harmonies, lush chords, and triumphant fanfares. Whether used as a powerful meditation during Lent or Holy Week or as a provoking reminder of our faith throughout the year, Beneath the Cross of Jesus is a sound addition to any worship service!
Beneath the Cross of Jesus (3-5 octaves handbells)
BENEDICTION - John Newton/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet/trio/quartet with keyboard accompaniment
John Newton's hymn tune set by Kevin McChesney for soloist and trio with full accompaniment. Common uses in weddings, memorial services, blessings, and (as the title says) benedictions. Subtitled "May the Grace of Christ Our Savior" as per the words in the hymn, this title could be easily substituted when appropriate.
BLESSED ASSURANCE - arr. Brian Childers - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional flute or violin and optional percussion - Level IV
Imagine your congregation or audience completely mesmerized by beautiful, worshipful music. That's what you'll find when you explore the musicality and heartfelt wonder in this magical arrangement of the favorite hymn. Your choir will be at their musical best, and your listeners will be transported. (See the Related Products below for a link to the handbell solo version of this arrangement.)
