ONCE TO EVERY MAN AND NATION - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II-
One of the stirring and powerful hymns of the church receives lively, artistic treatment in this "can't lose" arrangement. Your bell choir will be confident and sound its very best after just a couple rehearsals!
Once to Every Man and Nation (3-5 octaves handbells)
OPEN MY EYES THAT I MAY SEE - Clara H. Scott/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
Scored as a true quartet, this piece can be used by duet players (play only the top two lines) or by larger ensembles by assigning fewer bells per person. Keep the tempo up and the mood lively!
Open My Eyes That I May See (handbell duet/trio/quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
OSTINATO ON JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY - arr. DWMorgan - brass quartet with organ - Level 4
A Level 4 arrangement for an Easter musical offering suitable for a Prelude, Offertory or Postlude. This arrangement features a sixteenth note ostinato in the Organ right hand and modulates from concert C Major to D Major. All instrumental parts require solid technical competency with Trumpet 1 and the Trombone substitute for Horn requiring a good upper range.
Ostinato on Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (brass quartet with organ)
OSTINATO ON JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY - arr. DWMorgan - brass quintet with organ - Level 4
A Level 4 arrangement for an Easter musical offering suitable for a Prelude, Offertory or Postlude. This arrangement features a sixteenth note ostinato in the Organ right hand and modulates from concert C Major to D Major. All instrumental parts require solid technical competency with Trumpet 1 and the Trombone substitute for Horn requiring a good upper range.
Ostinato on Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (brass quintet with organ)
PANIS ANGELICUS - César Franck, arr. Bob Burroughs - 5 octaves handbells and optional 3 octaves handchimes - Level III
Panis Angelicus by César Franck is such a beloved piece, and this new arrangement will be a real treat for both ringers and listeners. It is not easy; it will take some disciplined rehearsals, but the finished product is sure to be lovely!
PASSACAGLIA ("DIDO'S LAMENT" FROM "DIDO AND AENEAS") - Henry Purcell/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level IV
A passacaglia is a sequence of variations over a repeating bass line. This is music of extraordinary power that provides challenges in ringing chromatics smoothly and gives your choir a tremendous opportunity to show their expressive musicianship. Suitable for concert or worship.
PASSACAILLE - Sylvius Leopold Weiss/arr. Kevin McChesney - 4-6 octaves handbells - Level IV
A beautiful sequence of variations on a bass line (the definition of Passacaille or Passacaglia) from the Baroque Period, this arrangement of a classical guitar standard is sure to be exciting to play and moving to listen to in concert or worship.
PAT-A-PAN - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet
A challenge for a duet team; still plenty to do for a quartet! This lively setting of the familiar Christmas carol is flashy and vibrant on bells! Fast tempo and quick rhythms mean some rehearsal is needed to achieve clean damping.
PAT-A-PAN - Traditional French, arranged by Linda Scholes for Handbell Ensemble
This accessible arrangement of the traditional French carol was crafted during the pandemic with social distancing in mind. 18 bells can be played by 5-9 ringers, no bell sharing, accidentals, or key changes.
PEACE FROM "THE ROYAL FIREWORKS MUSIC" - G.F. Handel/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II
If you're looking for music of elegance and prayerful beauty that is simple to put together in just a couple rehearsals, look no further than Peace from Handel's beloved "Fireworks Music." Straightforward to read and to play, this is graceful music for worship, concert, school, and festivals.
PEACE LIKE A RIVER - arr. Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment and Bb or C instrument
A wonderful dialog between the three performers! Use any Bb or C instrument (both scores are included in your download) to augment this handbell solo. New Orleans jazz style adds to the flavor of this offering.
PEOPLE, LOOK EAST - French folk melody/arr. Karen Roth - handbell duet/trio/quartet
An easier arrangement with a full sound. Only 10 bells in this active, lively setting. A modal, ancient sound, this work should be presented with confident, large ringing strokes.
PLAYERA - Enrique Granados/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet with keyboard accompaniment
Fiery piece for advanced duet teams. Choreography is a must! David Jordan (from Handbells Unlimited!) writes many specifics on how to put this together.
PRAELUDIUM - Johann Kaspar Ferdinand Fischer/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level IV
Don't blink! It goes by fast! There are a LOT of notes played quickly in this short musical burst of energy. The challenges are speed and working as an ensemble, and the result is electrifying music!
PRAELUDIUM - Johann Kaspar Ferdinand Fischer/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet
Whew! Can you say "presto"?! This is a true work of speed and of contrasts. Your quartet will feel the stretch in accomplishing the performance of this music!
PRAISE GOD, PRAISE HIM - arr. Kevin McChesney - 2-3 octaves handbells with optional percussion - Level III-
The lively and jazzy hymn tune Tandanei finds an exciting treatment in this full-sounding arrangement for 2-3 octaves with optional tambourine and finger cymbal. Great for youth and adults, festivals, worship, and concert.
PRAISE HIM, ALL CREATURES - arr. Michael Kastner - handbell quartet
A mixture of the "Old 100th" tune commonly associated with the Doxology in many churches, and All Creatures of Our God and King, melody is shared by all four voices. Great for worship or concert venues.
PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY - LOBE DEN HERREN/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell ensemble with keyboard accompaniment
This popular handbell choir arrangement is now available for handbell ensemble with keyboard. The lilting accompaniment brings energy to this powerful tune, making it an excellent selection for worship throughout the year.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (handbell ensemble)
PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY - LOBE DEN HERREN/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet
This popular handbell choir arrangement is now available for handbell quartet. The lilting accompaniment brings energy to this powerful tune, making it an excellent selection for worship throughout the year.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (handbell quartet)
PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY - LOBE DEN HERREN/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
This popular handbell choir arrangement is now available for handbell solo with keyboard. The lilting accompaniment brings energy to this powerful tune, making it an excellent selection for worship throughout the year.
PRAYER (PRIÈRE À NOTRE-DAME) - Léon Boëllmann/arr. Jefferey A. Hall - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level IV-
This is sophisticated, haunting music for worship or concert. The Level IV- rating is for bell changes and accidentals, but it won't take much rehearsal time to work those through. Beyond that, this title is technically straightforward and you can show your choir at its musical best.
Prayer ("Prière à Notre-Dame") (3-5 octaves handbells)
PRAYER - Fernando Sor/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II+
Direct of speech and beautiful in its artistry, this piece is found in the literature for classical guitar and translates wonderfully into a simple title for bells suitable for general worship, communion or other times of prayer, and concert. School groups could retitle the piece to Prelude. This miniature is special music, offering a great opportunity to show your handbell choir at their expressive best.
PRAYER - Frederic Hand/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment
One of the most beautiful melodies ever written for classical guitar - and perhaps one of the most beautiful melodies ever written period - is now available for handbell solo (optional duet) with keyboard. Every moment is intensely worshipful and expressive. This is accessible music that shows you at your artistic best.
PRELUDE IN F - J.S. Bach/trans. Betty Radford - handbell quartet
A classic keyboard piece by Bach is transcribed in an accessible and useful way by Betty Radford. Suitable for worship or concert, this is timeless music from the Baroque Period.
PRELUDE IN G MINOR (BWV 929) - J.S. Bach, transcribed by Nan Beth Walton - handbell quartet
This transcription of the Prelude in G Minor will give your quartet ample opportunities for teamwork, both in terms of sharing bells between the positions and in keeping the running eighth note lines smooth. Also available as a quintet if you have another ringer and need it to come together faster.
PRELUDE IN G MINOR (BWV 929) - J.S. Bach, transcribed by Nan Beth Walton - handbell quintet
This transcription of the Prelude in G Minor will give your quintet ample opportunities for teamwork, both in terms of sharing bells between the positions and in keeping the running eighth note lines smooth. Also available as a quartet if you're looking for more of a challenge!
PRELUDE NO. 1 - J.S. Bach/trans. Karen Roth - handbell trio with optional solo or C instrument
This transcription of Bach's "Prelude No. 1" is for trio or larger ensemble. This work is perhaps best known through its transformation into "Ave Maria" by Gounod, and includes a part for C instrument or chime or bell soloist.
Prelude No. 1 (handbell trio with solo/C instrument)
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PROCESSIONAL FANFARE - Bob Burroughs - 2 octaves handbells - Level I
This is a very easy Level 1, 2 Octave Processional with only quarter and half notes - easy to memorize with only ONE accidental. A good ‘walking’ tempo will let this piece flow nicely. When used as a processional, repeat as needed. A striking piece that will thrill the listeners.
PROMENADE (FROM "PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION") - Modest Mussorgsky/trans. Kevin McChesney - 5-6 octaves handbells - Level III+
The majestic strains of the opening fanfare from Mussorgsky's beloved "Pictures at an Exhibition" will fill your worship service or concert hall with stirring, magical sounds. The counting is not as challenging as it first appears with a little practice. A great festival selection!
PUER NOBIS - arr. Janet Hall - handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
Puer Nobis is associated with the Christmas/Epiphany text What Star Is This With Beams So Bright, and doubles as the Easter hymn That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright. An intimate, very practical one-page setting for ensemble.
Puer Nobis (handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
RAG-TIME DANCE - Scott Joplin/trans. Kevin McChesney - 4-5 octaves handbells - Level V
Made famous in the movie The Sting, and used in many other television programs and movies, this is one of Joplin's liveliest and most entertaining pieces. Transcribed here for bells in a setting that is sure to bring down the house, more experienced groups will delight in including this piece in their concerts!
RAVEL'S BOLERO - Maurice Ravel/arr. Scott Pfitzinger - 4-6 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes - Level V
A fun arrangement of the famous "Bolero" that uses a variety of styles and techniques, including New Age, Swing, March, and Hard Rock, building up to bombastic finale. A challenge to play but a blast to perform!
REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTMAS - arr. heather keith - handbell tree solo (unaccompanied)
Reflective, as the name says, a handbell tree solo with lots of space for thoughtful movement to enhance the music. Contains "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming", and "In the Bleak Midwinter".
9 ideas (all beginning with "p") to help you make rehearsals efficient and joyful.
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.
REJOICE! - Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level III
This is an energetic original composition that is sure to find a place in contemporary, traditional, or blended services as well as on the concert stage. The syncopated rhythms are accessible and the running mallet line in the bass propels the piece so that listeners are bound to find their hearts pounding and their feet tapping. There are some bell changes to work out, but not many and they are repeated. Plenty of musical and visual opportunities for church, school, and community groups.
REJOICE! - Darwall and Marion/arr. Bill Ingram - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
A clever blendng of the tunes Rejoice, the Lord is King and Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart, this tune is an easier one to learn. A bold ringing style will help distinguish the third verse. Advanced techniques are not required to perform this, but the use of four-in-hand might smooth out the eighth note runs.
RESOUNDING ALLELUIAS - Matthew Compton - 3-7 octaves handbells with optional 2 octaves handchimes - Level III
Joy and praise - "Alleluias" indeed - abound in this original work. Catchy melodies and beautifully-crafted use of LV and mallets make this piece a rewarding and worshipful experience for ringers and congregation. Let your Alleluias resound!
REVERIE - Claude Debussy/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment
Reverie, a Debussy classic, is set for solo or duet by Kevin McChesney. It plays well as a solo, but presents wonderfully as a duet. Either way, this is a wonderful addition to any concert situation needing something mellow and soothing. There is plenty of potential for beautiful presentation and opportunites for expressive ringing.
REVERIE - Robert Schumann/arr. Derek Hakes - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
From Scenes from Early Childhood, this beloved classic is arranged for solo and piano accompaniment by Derek Hakes. A quite lovely and practical transcription, this can be used with contrasting instruments (such as bells and chimes) or with bells alone.
Note: another STEP title, "Reverie," the Debussy classic arranged for solo/duet by Kevin McChesney, is offered here.
RICERCAR DOPO IL CREDO - Girolamo Frescobaldi/arr. DWMorgan - brass quartet/quintet - Level 3
A transcription of a late Renaissance/early Baroque organ piece by Girolamo Frescobaldi. This transcription requires players to play independent parts with recurring themes. The piece may be presented as a Quartet using either the Trombone or Tuba playing the bass part or as a Quintet using both the Trombone and Tuba. The transcription presents a good opportunity to develop ensemble and listening skills and is usable as a prelude, offering or postlude for worship.
RING OF FIRE: CONCERTO FOR HANDBELL CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA - Kevin McChesney - 5-7 octave handbells with orchestra - Level VI
The vision behind Ring of Fire, Concerto for Handbell Choir and Orchestra, is to bring the handbell choir fully into the view of a wide concert audience as a musical instrument of much expressive intricacy and power. The solo part for handbell choir is virtuoso music and it is hoped that this piece will inspire higher achievement in handbell ringing and composing, and will offer a wide-ranging audience an appreciation of this versatile instrument.
RING THY GRACE - arr. Sandra Eithun - handbell solo/quartet/ensemble with keyboard accompaniment
A unique title, set for both solo and larger ensemble. Sandra has woven Amazing Grace and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing into a bright, fresh texture that is bold and rich with musical possibilities.
The goals of the bell (or other musical) program can be boiled down to: We want our group to perform with confidence. Here are five suggestions for instilling and developing confidence in our ringers.
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.
An arrangement of the traditional spiritual song, this arrangement requires both trumpets to play independently. Additionally, the key changes may present a challenge for younger groups, Db, modulating to Eb, then F. The arrangement does not require extensive technical capability.
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 Trumpet substitute), Trombone 1, Trombone 2, and Tuba.
Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow (brass quintet/sextet)
Full of festive rhythmic fun, this original 12-bell composition would make a joyous and uplifting choice for use in worship, as a processional prelude or recessional postlude, or for social distance ringing. With a fanfare-like introduction, a melody that develops into a call-and-response motif, and a high-energy ending building upon the theme of the introduction, both ringers and listeners alike will surely enjoy the catchy musical elements in this musical selection!
ROCK OF AGES - arr. Lorie Line/handbell setting by Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with piano - Level II
No one brings new life and fresh perspective to traditional hymn classics like Lorie Line. You're certain to perform this music of great joy and spiritual strength again and again in concert and worship.
ROCK OF AGES - arr. Lorie Line/handbell setting by Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
No one brings new life and fresh perspective to traditional hymn classics like Lorie Line. You're certain to perform this music of great joy and spiritual strength again and again in concert and worship.
RONDO A LA TURQUE - W. A. Mozart/arr. David Jordan - handbell trio
Fast paced and lively, this piece will knock the audience's socks off! Mostly malletted throughout, dynamic variations become key in making it musically excellent. A fun trio!
