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.)
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.
