This medley of familiar hymns has a special part written for a "guest" ringer! Get your pastor, a potential new ringer, a child, even an unsuspecting volunteer from the audience or congregation into the act! All they need to do is ring when you point at them. This part could also be played by a "bored" ringer who is tired of not having enough notes to play. Entertaining and fun, a sure-fire winner in your concerts and worship services.
This medley of familiar hymns has a special part written for a "guest" ringer! Get your pastor, a potential new ringer, a child, even an unsuspecting volunteer from the audience or congregation into the act! All they need to do is ring when you point at them. This part could also be played by a "bored" ringer who is tired of not having enough notes to play. Entertaining and fun, a sure-fire winner in your concerts and worship services.
Ringers have differing musical tastes (so do directors), so naturally an individual ringer is unlikely to love every piece we play. This article is a discussion of the meanings behind "I don't like this piece." It is also a reminder of the purposes of presenting our music and what ringers and directors can do to serve those purposes, even on pieces that aren't group favorites.
I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS - arr. Blanche Marie Lewis - unaccompanied 6-in-hand handbell solo
The perfect arrangement for a ringer who is learning 6-in-hand and a quick learn for experienced 6-in-hand ringers. Beautiful music for worship or concert, listeners are sure to be moved by this traditional favorite.
I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY - arr. Bob Burroughs - 3-5 octaves handbells, optional 3 octaves handchimes, and optional tubular bells - Level III
This straightforward arrangement of I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day, set for 3-5 octaves handbells, optional 3 octaves handchimes, and optional tubular bells, is full of dynamic and chordal surprises as well as echoes of the Westminster Quarters. Tubular bells, if available, add an exciting dimension.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (3-5 octaves handbells)
I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY (THOMAS TALLIS' "THIRD TUNE") - Third Mode Melody, Archbishop Parker's "The Whole Psalter Translated Into English Metre, Thomas Tallis/arr. Kay M. Hessemer - handbell quartet
I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY - arr. Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
The wonderful interplay of bells and keyboard bring two favorite hymns alive - "I Love to Tell the Story" and "Beneath the Cross of Jesus". A powerful and worshipful solo or duet.
I SAW THREE SHIPS - Traditional/DWMorgan - brass quartet - Level 3
An arrangement of the traditional English Christmas carol for brass quartet. Perfect for a musical worship offering, “I Saw Three Ships” is also suitable for community or school groups. Written in G Major, the melody line shifts between the instruments and offers challenges for balance, dynamics, and structure while maintaining the technical boundaries of a Level 3 arrangement.
I SAW THREE SHIPS - Traditional/arr. DWMorgan - Brass Quintet - Level 3
An arrangement of the traditional English Christmas carol for brass quartet. Perfect for a musical worship offering, “I Saw Three Ships” is also suitable for community or school groups. Written in G Major, the melody line shifts between the instruments and offers challenges for balance, dynamics, and structure while maintaining the technical boundaries of a Level 3 arrangement.
I SAW THREE SHIPS - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet
This arrangement is true to the lively, bouncy joy of the carol. Listeners will not only know that they've experienced a fresh perspective on a traditional favorite, but will thrill to the sheer happiness of this setting.
I WANT JESUS TO WALK WITH ME - arr. DWMorgan - brass quintet - Level 2
An arrangement of a traditional spiritual song that retains the original minor mode and spiritual feel. This arrangement, in 2/2 time, requires a capable first trumpet player but otherwise is not technically demanding.
The file download includes the full score and the individual parts for Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Horn in F (as well as a transposed part for Trombone substitute), Trombone, and Tuba.
I’M GONNA LIVE SO GOD CAN USE ME – arr. DWMorgan – brass quintet - Level 3
An arrangement of the traditional spiritual song. This arrangement begins with a fully voiced chorus followed by 3 up tempo swing choruses and a brief a tempo coda. The arrangement does not require extensive technical capability, but does feature the trombone for one chorus and requires both ensemble and independent capabilities and a strong tuba player. The arrangement has 2 choruses in Ab modulating to Bb for the final 2 choruses.
I'VE GOT PEACE LIKE A RIVER - arr. Patricia Sanders Cota - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
An expressive and quite bold setting, your body posture and movement add to this spiritual rendition. Try using chimes or an octave lower than written on the first verse.
IN HIS HANDS - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-6 octaves handbells with optional vocal choir (SATB/SAB/2-part mixed chorus) - Level III
An accessible and gorgeous combination of two favorite modern hymns of the church - On Eagle's Wings and Hymn of Promise. The blending here is breathtaking and is sure to bless your worship services and concerts. And the use of It Is Well With My Soul is stunning and sure to be very moving. Available for handbell choir alone, handbell choir and vocal choir (SATB, SAB, or Two-Part Mixed), or vocal choir and keyboard (see Related Products below).
IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER - Gustav Holst/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
The magical emotions of the music and text to this evocative carol permeate this accessible, artfully crafted arrangement. Create moments of peaceful worship in your services and concerts with this timeless classic.
IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST - arr. Alan Lohr - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level IV
One can almost hear the "rat-ta-tat" on the snare drum through the malleted, 16th-quarter note motif the arranger uses in the beginning section of this hymn arrangement. Later the melody is presented on top of tall chords with eighth-note accompaniment underneath.
IN THE GARDEN - arr. Lorie Line/handbell setting by Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II+ or III
This beautiful favorite hymn is made even more beautiful in Lorie Line's sensitive arrangement. The original material that is woven with the hymn creates a setting that is flowing and prayerful. Easily put together in just a couple rehearsals, with a couple more challenging options for more advanced groups.
IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING - by Edvard Grieg, transcribed by Dillon Ekle for Handbell Quartet
Dillon Ekle has very cleverly created a quartet transcription of the Grieg favorite that is not only wonderful to play and to listen to, but is highly accurate to the original! So the speed contest is on!
In the Hall of the Mountain King (handbell quartet)
IN THEE IS GLADNESS - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional tambourine - Level III
This set of variations on the traditional hymn spans many moods and musical ideas. Your choir will shine as they bring to life the excitement and beauty of these picturesque scenes. A marvelous work for worship and concert. (Also comes with an extended version if you can't get enough!)
INFANT HOLY, INFANT LOWLY - arr. Bill Ingram - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
An easier setting with a peppy twist in the middle verse. Provides a simple statement on the first verse and an antiphonal effect of malleting the bells while the keyboard has the melody on the second verse. This tune is a Christmas season favorite!
INGRESSION - Joel Gingrich - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Mellow and contemplative, yet passionate! This is an original work and does not require a lot of techniques. An accomplished soloist will find a lot of musical purpose and opportunity for expression while a beginner will enjoy the art of presenting something musical without having to master a lot of tricky skills. Ingression, according to Merriam-Webster, is the act of entering, or the power or liberty of entrance or access to an area with restricted access. (Heaven, maybe?) Enjoy this heavenly offering.
INTERLUDE - Kevin McChesney - 2-3 octaves handbells - Level III
Direct and straightforward in its communication, Interlude is a lovely, flowing original work that makes for a prayerful moment in worship or a reflective moment in concert. With a soaring, beautiful melody underpinned by legato LV's, this introspective piece can be put together in just a few rehearsals and shows the handbell choir at their musical and expressive best.
INTERLUDE (FROM THE "ST. FRANCIS SUITE") - Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II
From the larger work the "St. Francis Suite," these lovely moments in the form of "Interlude" work beautifully for handbells only. Perfect for concert or a meditative moment in worship, this is music that can be accomplished in a couple of rehearsals. The musical challenge is to bring out the lovely lines, bass, alto, and soprano, and to preserve the lovely contrapuntal nature of this intimate music.
Interlude (from the "St. Francis Suite") (3-5 octaves handbells)
INTERMEZZO - Georges Bizet/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with flute/violin - Level III
A timeless classic from Bizet's legendary opera "Carmen" receives a lovely treatment. The beauty of bells and flute or violin soars in this easy-to-learn arrangement.
Includes a full score for bells and flute or violin, and also a bells-only score. Some groups will prefer to read with the flute/violin part in view; others will prefer to read only the bell part.
INTERMEZZO - Georges Bizet/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment
A lilting solo for off-table or handbell tree performance, this McChesney arrangement stands well on its own as a keyboard-accompanied solo. However, a second part is provided: add a second ringer for a wonderful duet, or add a C instrument (such as flute) on the second part for a stunning offering.
INVITATION - Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III
This energetic original work is an invitation to worship, concert, and celebration. It is a sequence of "scenes," as if the listener is walking around an active church, looking into each window and door along the way, glimpsing celebration and joy. Note that the midi recording does not include the optional opening and closing sections.
IRISH SUITE #1 - Traditional Irish, arranged by Ann Habicht - handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet
In "Irish Suite #1", Ann Habicht offers a variety of traditional Irish tunes accessible to handbell trios with 4-in-hand ringing, or add more ringers as needed to make these pieces come together quickly for your group! An "appendix" with just the melody for each piece is included at the end, so that you know what musical line to bring out throughout the arrangements.
Irish Suite #1 (handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet)
IRISH SUITE #2 - Traditional Irish, arranged by Ann Habicht - handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet
In "Irish Suite #2", Ann Habicht offers a variety of traditional Irish tunes accessible to handbell trios with 4-in-hand ringing, or add more ringers as needed to make these pieces come together quickly for your group! An "appendix" with just the melody for each piece is included at the end, so that you know what musical line to bring out throughout the arrangements.
Irish Suite #2 (handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet)
IS THERE ANYBODY HERE? - arr. Karen Roth - handbell quartet
"Is there anybody here that loves my Jesus, anybody here that loves my Lord?" Like so many traditional spirituals, this simple yet memorable song carries an elegant and powerful spiritual message. Set in an accessible style the creates a big, full sound, this quartet is beautiful ensemble ringing at its best.
IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes - Level III
This setting tells a picturesque story of the night of Jesus' birth. The clock tolls a peaceful midnight over singing bells in the introduction, followed by a lovely original tune based on those twelve chords. Then there's a soft, beautiful statement of the favorite carol, followed by a well-crafted intertwining of the carol with the original tune. The arrangement ends with a return of the tolling of midnight.
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (3-5 octaves handbells)
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL - Phillip Bliss/arr. Brian Childers - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III+
This powerful and meaningful hymn is set in a prayerful, ethereal arrangement that adds depth and dimension to your worship services and concerts. This piece showcases your choir at their musical best.
It Is Well With My Soul (Childers) (3-5 octaves handbells)
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL - arr. Bill Ingram - handbell duet
How do you create a full, rich-sounding arrangement for handbell or handchime duet with no keyboard accompaniment? You choose one of the timeless hymns of the church, It Is Well With My Soul, and put it in the hands of trusted and gifted arranger Bill Ingram. Bill has created a setting that is very playable, yet has a rich harmonic texture and a beautiful directness of speech that gives this arrangement an unexpectedly full, vibrant sound.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL - arr. Linda Lamb - handbell quartet
Direct in its speech and filled with elegant beauty, this is a heartfelt setting of the hymn favorite. Use of optional handchimes adds depth to this prayerful music.
JACOB'S LADDER - African-American Spiritual/arr. Kay M. Hessemer - handbell and handchime quartet
The beloved traditional song receives a fresh and unexpected setting in this challenging but accessible 4 octave quartet. Some fun musical twists and turns highlight this special arrangement.
JESU, JESU - Ghanaian Folk Melody/arr. Kevin McChesney - 2-3 octaves handbells - Level I+
"Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you." This simple yet profound message rings out beautifully in this light, easy-to-learn arrangement. Perfect for less-experienced adult choirs and youth and children's groups.
JESU, JESU - Ghanaian Folk Melody/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level I+
"Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you." This simple yet profound message rings out beautifully in this light, easy-to-learn arrangement. Perfect for less-experienced adult choirs and youth and children's groups.
JESUS LOVES ME - Claude Debussy/arr. Fred Bock/handbell duet arr. Janet B. Ives and Debra Ann (Scott) Cotney - handbell duet with keyboard accompaniment
The famous keyboard arrangement by Fred Bock, wonderfully intertwining Jesus Loves Me with Debussy's Clair de Lune, is set here for handbell duet with keyboard. The options make this arrangement appropriate for ringers of any experience level. A beautiful moment for concert or worship.
JESUS LOVES ME - Claude Debussy/arr. Fred Bock/handbell solo arr. Jad Johnson - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
A marvelous transcription for handbell solo and keyboard of the Fred Bock keyboard classic. The finest in musicianship, artistry, and prayerful moments in worship.
JESUS LOVES ME - arr. Blanche Marie Lewis - handbell tree solo/duet (unaccompanied)
The simplicity of this traditional tune receives an elegant treatment. Play as a duet for less-experienced handbell tree players or as an off-the-table duet, or a more accomplished handbell tree soloist plays all the notes. A lovely arrangement for worship or concert.
JESUS LOVES ME / MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE - arr. Bill Ingram - handbell duet
This unaccompanied duet has a full, rich sound, expressing the beauty and devotion of these two beloved hymns. Great for ringers who are less experienced at solo/ensemble ringing, and a beautiful addition to the repertoire of ringers of all experience levels.
Jesus Loves Me / My Jesus, I Love Thee (handbell duet)
JESUS LOVES ME! - William Batchelder Bradbury/arr. DWMorgan - brass quintet/sextet - Level 3
An arrangement of the well-known 19th Century song in 5/4 time (despite the speculation it couldn’t be done). This arrangement requires both trumpets to carry the melody and a strong horn player (or trumpet substitute). The arrangement does not require extensive technical capability, but may be challenging for less experienced ensembles due to the 5/4 time challenges.
JESUS PAID IT ALL - arr. Judy Endean - 2 octaves handbells - Level I+
Flowing, undulating eighth-note-treble accompaniment wavers above the melody in the bass to start off this simple setting of John T. Grape's original. LV technique, varying dynamics and tempo fluctuations are the challenges present for the Level I+ skill level choir.
JESUS, KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS - NEAR THE CROSS, arranged by Bill Ingram for Handbell Ensemble
This classic hymn emphasizes the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross, and this prayerful arrangement is great for use during Lent or any time where a faithful reflection on the work of the cross is appropriate. With 12 bells, it is well suited to 3-6 ringers. Swings and gyros add visual and aural variety while maintaining the meditative atmosphere.
