JESUS, LOVER WITH MY SOUL - ABERYSTWYTH, arranged by Dillon Ekle for handbell tree solo with piano
ABERYSTWYTH is a classic Welsh hymn tune by Joseph Parry, best known with the Charles Wesley’s text, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” This arrangement plays on the rolling, tumultuous melody, evoking the hymn’s words: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly while the nearer-waters roll, while the tempest still is high; hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!”
JINGLE BELLS FANTASY - arr. Bob Burroughs - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III-
An arrangement that is full of techniques, energy, chordal surprises, a key change or three, which choirs and listeners alike will enjoy. Great for a Christmas concert opener or feature, there are lots of bells to play and ringers stay busy. This will become a staple for your Christmas presentations.
JOY IN ALL THINGS - Brian Balmages/arr. Kevin McChesney - 5-7 octaves handbells with optional 2-5 octaves handchimes, optional brass quintet or organ, and optional percussion - Level VI
A dazzling masterwork adapted from concert band repertoire for handbells alone or for handbells with brass quintet or organ and optional percussion. Sparkling original material surrounds this magnificent arrangement of the hymn "Come, Christians, Join To Sing". A knockout for the advanced choir!
JOY TO THE WORLD - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with brass or organ and optional timpani, snare drum, and suspended cymbal - Level III
Joy to the World never sounded like this before! An electrifying take on the traditional favorite! Unstoppable energy is the fabric of this setting for bells and organ or brass. Great for worship, concert, and festivals!
This product includes the organ and handbell score.
JOY TO THE WORLD - arr. Sandra Eithun - handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
Joyous arrangement of this Christmas "staple" for three or more ringers. Assign two bells per person for six ringers, or go with more of a challenge for fewer ringers.
Joy To The World (handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
Written for the installation of the new lead pastor at the composer's church during the COVID-19 pandemic, this short and joyful piece is intentionally written for a limited number of ringers with no bell changes. The piece is aptly titled; it will bring joy to your worship service or concert!
JOYFUL AND TRIUMPHANT - ADESTE FIDELIS, arranged by Ann Habicht for Handbell Solo with Piano
A 6/8 take on the popular Christmas carol "O Come, All Ye Faithful", this arrangement for handbell solo with piano uses only 7 bells and should come together fairly easily. The melody passes between the handbells and the piano, creating an engaging and worshipful offering for your Christmas services or concerts.
JOYFUL BELLS - Bob Burroughs - 2-3 octaves handbells - Level III
As the title suggests, a truly joyful selection. The rhythm may look difficult but once the first page is mastered, the rest is a piece of cake. There are three key changes so the ringers get some fine practice at the skills involved. There are some mart lifts - always fun!
JOYFUL, JOYFUL - Lorie Line/arr. David Jordan - handbell duet with keyboard accompaniment
An exhilarating contemporary arrangement of one of the great hymns of the church. The interplay between the two ringers and the keyboard makes this handbell/keyboard chamber music, and the lively rhythms will lift the spirits of your listeners to new heights in worship and concert.
JOYFUL, JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE - Beethoven/arr. Bill Ingram - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Appropriate for almost any occasion - worship, weddings, concerts, programs - this Beethoven classic is likely the best known melody in the world. Easily memorized by a solo ringer, tempo may vary according to taste. Staccato markings for the second verse indicate mallets used on bells resting on an added table. Try this one for variety in your repertoire.
JUST AS I AM - WOODWORTH, arranged by Kurt Meyer for Handbell Ensemble
In this 8-bell setting of a beloved tune, a flowing filigree permeates the music, with the melody weaving in and out in a graceful and captivating way. Introspectively reflecting on the calm transparency, contrasts in the musical textures further enhance the overall listening experience.
JUST AS I AM - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet or handbell trio with piano
When it comes to music of great intimacy and heart to offer in worship or concert, it is hard to imagine improving on Kevin's standard "Just As I Am."
Note: there are two options for purchase. One is a solo/duet, the other is a trio. Both have the same piano part; the handbell part is expanded (and, in some cases, redistributed) to add a third ringer. The audio preview is the trio arrangement.
KINGSFOLD - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Legato and beautiful - challenges for the medium soloist are in presentation and control. Simple and elegant traditional English melody that is the basis for several hymn tunes. Use legato ringing style and inner focus to create contrast and musical expression. Accompany with keyboard, organ, or harp.
Handbells used (and range)
Solo: 16 bells (Bb4-C7)
This article provides tips and tricks for both directors AND ringers on how to study scores and come to rehearsals prepared to make music!
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.
KUM BA YAH - arr. Julie Turner - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes and optional percussion - Level III
A traditional favorite receives a fresh, exciting treatment as only the amazingly gifted Julie Turner can do. The contemporary style, including a middle section with a Latin flavor, make this arrangement a must for traditional, blended, and contemporary worship or concert.
LAGRIMA (The Tear, Prayer) - Francisco Tarrega/arr. Kevin McChesney - 2-3 octaves handbells - Level II+
Tarrega wrote for classical guitar and was noted for his romantic original music which was intimate and expressive in character. This is one of his most haunting and lovely tunes, set here for 2-3 octaves.
LAGRIMA - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet/quintet/ensemble
Quartet, quintet, or sextet by Francisco Tarrega, arranged for bells by Kevin McChesney - a musically challenging but achievable ensemble presentation of the familiar tune. Assign to just four ringers for an advanced ensemble or to five or six ringers for ease of learning. Dynamics and other musical considerations make this a more intense work. Enjoy the challenge!
LAND OF REST - arr. Kevin Bryant - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3-5 octaves handchimes - Level II
Truly one of the loveliest hymns in existence, Kevin Bryant offers this very special, easy-to-learn arrangement well-suited for groups of all experience levels. Use of handchimes is optional.
LARGHETTO (FROM SINFONIA NO. 11) - Georg Benda/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III
Georg (Jiri) Benda was a Czech composer known for writing operas and melodramas. This is a transcription of the second movement of his Sinfonia #11, capturing the sounds and colors of the original. Although the notation may make it look fast, this was the slow movement of his sinfonia. It should be played lightly and only quick enough to keep it fun.
LAUDATE DOMINUM - Mozart/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Solo may be played on bells or on chimes and might even be shared between two ringers to facilitate ease of learning and playing the faster figures. Perfect for any occasion.
LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS - arr. Sandra Eithun - handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet
A lively 12 bell rendition by Sandra Eithun. Assign to as few as 3 ringers for a four-in-hand wonder - or assign to as many as 6 ringers for easy learning.
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet)
LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE - traditional/arr. Thomas S. Baxter - 2 octaves handbells - Level I
A lovely and expressive setting of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." A beautiful selection for ensemble (see Related Products below) or for 2 octave handbell choirs seeking an intimate and peaceful selection.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Baxter) (2 octaves handbells)
LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE - French Folk Melody/arr. DWMorgan - brass quartet - Level 3
An arrangement of the traditional ancient Advent tune for brass quintet. While not technically challenging, this arrangement modulates from D minor to F minor and is accessible for both worship offerings and school or community groups. Interest for this quintet builds with ensemble nuances, changes in balance, and dynamics.
LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE - French Folk Melody/DWMorgan - brass quintet - Level 3
An arrangement of the traditional ancient Advent tune for brass quintet. While not technically challenging, this arrangement modulates from D minor to F minor and is accessible for both worship offerings and school or community groups. Interest for this quintet builds with ensemble nuances, changes in balance, and dynamics.
LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE - traditional/arr. Thomas S. Baxter - handbell ensemble
A lovely and expressive setting of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." A beautiful selection for ensemble or for 2 octave handbell choirs (see Related Products below) seeking an intimate and peaceful selection.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (handbell ensemble)
LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER - African-American Spiritual/arr. Kay M. Hessemer - handbell quartet
One of the most beautiful spirituals is given a sensitive and lovely treatment in this accessible quartet arrangement. Sure to create a special moment in worship or concert.
LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER - Traditional African-American spirituals/arr. Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment and optional flute or violin
Flowing and stunningly beautiful, Brian Childers' arrangement incorporates Let Us Break Bread Together and Kumbaya. Breathtaking with handbells and keyboard, and add optional flute or violin for another worshipful dimension. Perfect for communion, general worship, or concert.
LIEBSTER JESU - J. S. Bach/arr. Michael Kastner - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment
Four-in-hand not required, but probably desirable to play this smoothly and musically; divide into two assignments for quicker learning (and fewer techniques required).
LIFT THINE EYES - Felix Mendelssohn/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II
This well-known chorus from Mendelssohn's masterwork "Elijah" receives a treatment that is simple to achieve but very beautiful to listen to. The text is "Lift thine eyes to the mountains whence cometh help. Thy help cometh from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He hath said, thy foot shall not be moved. Thy Keeper will never slumber." Prayerful, bold, and lovely music.
LIFT THINE EYES TO THE HILLS (NEW MOUNTAINS RISING) - Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional brass quintet and/or organ and optional timpani - Level IV
This is an original work for 3-5 octaves handbells alone with optional brass quintet and/or organ, and optional timpani. With the alternate title "New Mountains Rising", this music celebrates the inspiration of God’s creation in bringing our hearts into harmony with Him. A wonderful selection for festivals!
Audio Preview: Bells alone first, Bells with Brass at 5:18, Bells with Organ at 10:36.
Lift Thine Eyes to the Hills (3-5 octaves handbells)
LIFTED FROM THE RIVER - JESUS LIFTED ME & PEACE LIKE A RIVER, arranged by Ann Habicht for Handbell Tree Solo with Piano
A medley of the Spirituals "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" and "Peace Like a River" for handbell tree and piano, this arrangement is simple to learn and play, creating a reflective atmosphere to add to your service. Only requiring 8 bells on one strand, it is also useful for situations where you have limited space.
Who couldn't LOVE the Peanuts' theme song "Linus and Lucy"? The Peanuts TV specials are not only iconic holiday traditions for millions, but they also made popular a unique and delightful style of jazz. "Linus and Lucy" is one of the most recognized and adored instrumental compositions of all time. Solo/ensemble ringer Megan Reishus has created an arrangement for trio/optional quartet of this beloved music.
LO, HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING - Mark Beall - handbell quartet
Lovely and not difficult setting by Mark Beall for quartet. Bells within the 2-octave range make this accessible for any quartet; expressive elements make it interesting for experienced groups as well.
LOS PECES EN EL RIO - Mexican/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 4-6 octaves handbells - Level IV
This piece combines two Mexican Christmas songs, "Los Peces en el Rio" and "Dale, Dale, Dale." Variations on the first theme involve many techniques, including malleting (suspended and on the table), plucks, pluck-lifts, and gyros. The piece ends with a rousing rendition of "Dale, Dale, Dale," which Mexican children sing when trying to hit the piñata, getting faster and faster, with marts simulating the swings at the piñata.
LOVE AND LIGHT - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional 3-4 octaves handchimes - Level IV
Written in honor of a very special music lover and supporter, this arrangement combines the famous hymn "The Gift of Love" and the traditional great hymn "Be Still My Soul". The tapestry is alive with musical and artistic elements that will show your church or concert choir at their musical best. Special music indeed for concert, festival, or worship.
This arrangement of the hymn-tune BEECHER can be a great piece to encourage your Level II choirs to move on to more difficult music. To make the piece easier, the director may need to reassign some bells out of their normal playing position. Scattered sixteenth-note turns suggest a Level III- rating, but mostly this piece is a solid Level II. With a character marking of "unhurried," it is sure to be a peaceful moment in the service.
LULLABY (Prayer) - Cesar Franck/arr. Kevin McChesney - 2-3 octaves handbells - Level III
This beautiful miniature is well-suited to the bells and immerses the listener in a dreamy atmosphere. Re-titled to Prayer, it is suitable to general worship. This is an opportunity for your ringers to be transparent, where the listener comes away remembering nothing but the music.
MacALLISTRUM'S MARCH (With Timbrel And Dance/March/Procession) - Traditional Irish/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional percussion - Level III-
Clear instructions on this technique and how best to make it a smooth and effective part of your music.
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.
MARCH - Igor Stravinsky/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell trio/quartet
With arpeggiated patterns, changes in dynamics, lines and phrases must be legato and even between the ringers. Taken from a Stravinsky piano collection, this is both exciting and bold.
MARCH FROM THE NUTCRACKER - Tchaikovsky/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell sextet
Loads of fun and highly recognized, audiences will eat this up! Mix of staccato and rung notes provide a technical challenge. Mallets and judicious use of thumb damps as you transistion to ringing will help. There is additional challenge in voicing the ensemble to sound like one group and balancing speed with staying out of each other's way - creating an overall presentation which is as pleasing to watch as it is to hear.
MARCH OF THE TOYS - Victor Herbert/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quintet
The familiar Victor Herbert tune is arranged for quintet by Kevin McChesney. This piece is great fun to play and to listen to! Lively and rythmic playing are more important than speed (remember this is a march).
MARCH TRIUMPHANT - Brian Childers - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II+
A majestic original work that fits any worship service or concert, this is also the ULTIMATE selection for massed ringing! Quick to put together, lots of musical possibilities with great teaching opportunities concerning techniques for all levels. Bold sounds and uplifting music that is quite simply a sure success in all settings.
MASCHERADA - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet
A setting of a Renaissance dance appropriate for concert of general worship. Assign for two four-in-hand ringers or assign to more players for quick learning.
MASTERS IN THIS HALL - French Traditional/arr. DWMorgan - brass quartet - Level 4
A Level 4 arrangement for an Advent or Christmas Worship musical offering. This arrangement presents technical and range challenges, most notably playing a 2 against 3 pattern and range in the 1st trumpet and horn. Due to the horn range, there is not a trombone substitute for this part. The arrangement is in F minor but moves between F minor and F major with the use of accidentals. This arrangement is accessible to worship, school or community groups.
MASTERS IN THIS HALL - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet
10-bells and well-crafted rendition of this traditional Christmas tune by Kevin McChesney. Lively and energetic! Familiar tune gets traditional treatment on the first verse; more work on verse 2 with a strong 6/8 accompaniment figure added. Most quartets can perform this in just a few rehearsals, but challenging for four-in-hand duet ringers.
MASTERS IN THIS HALL - NOËL! NOËL, arranged by Ann Habicht for Handbell Tree Solo with Piano
"Masters in this Hall" has a sixteenth-century feel with lyrics sharing the news of Christ's birth. This arrangement can be performed on handbell tree, as indicated on the piece, or as a six-in-hand solo.
This product provides a way for you to purchase the right to include Sonology Music/STEP titles on CDs being produced and sold (see Related Products below for Synchronization License products if you are producing DVDs).
The invoice you receive upon completion of the order will serve as your "proof" of that right. The cost is $0.0175 per minute per disc for pieces longer than 5 minutes (for pieces shorter than 5 minutes, see Related Products below), and will round off to the cent when added to your cart.
This product provides a way for you to purchase the right to include Sonology Music/STEP titles on CDs being produced and sold (see Related Products below for Synchronization License products, if you are producing DVDs).
The invoice you receive upon completion of the order will serve as your "proof" of that right. The cost is $0.091 per title per disc for pieces shorter than 5 minutes (for pieces longer than 5 minutes, see Related Products below).
Your quartet will be at their musical best in this accessible, beautiful original work. Your listeners will truly be suspended out of time, and your ringers have a wonderful opportunity to show their sensitive musicianship and artistry.
Handbells used (and range)
Quartet: 23-25 bells (C4-C7, A3 and D7 optional)
MEDITATION FOR BELLS - Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Original solo melody with accompaniment by Brian Childers, this piece has a moving, contemplative tone in the solo part, complimented by a steady and supportive accompaniment line.
MEDITATION ON "WONDROUS LOVE" - arr. Craig Laumann - 3-5 octaves handbells and optional 3 octaves handchimes- Level II
This is truly sophisticated and engaging music, a journey that contemplates what Christ's "wondrous love" really means to the individual and to humanity. A thoughtful and lovely offering.
Meditation on "Wondrous Love" (3-5 octaves handbells)
MEDITATION ON A SCOTTISH MELODY - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
Straightforward, hauntingly lovely melody which can be done by four ringers using four-in-hand, or reassign for more ringers and shorter learning time. Useful in worship or concert.
Meditation on a Scottish Melody (handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
MEDITATION ON STILLE NACHT - arr. Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
A verrrryyy sensitive arrangement of the beloved Christmas favorite, Silent Night. Not difficult to master mechanically and plenty of challenge for expresiveness and musicality.
