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.
MEMORIAL MEDLEY - traditional/arr. Kimberly Braswell - handbell tree solo
A quick-to-put-together but meaningful handbell tree solo, this title combines Amazing Grace with Taps. Good for worship service or a funeral (particularly graveside where a larger handbell setup would be a challenge). Can also be used as a 6-in-hand solo or 4-in-hand duet.
MINUET - Bizet/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell trio accompaniment to C instrument solo
A beautiful rendition of the l'Arlesienne Suite Minuet for flute or other C instrument (chime choir, perhaps)! Your ensemble will love the interaction between bells and solo instrument.
MINUTE WALTZ - Frederic Chopin/trans. Scott Pfitzinger - 3-7 octaves handbells - Level IV
Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is a favorite classical piano piece and is only "minute" because it is small. Handbell ensembles are welcome to take this at any tempo they choose, without pressure that it should take only one minute to play.
MOLLY MALONE - Traditional Irish, arranged by Ann Habicht - handbell trio/quartet/quintet
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.
"Molly Malone" is a song about a female fishmonger who died young.
MOMENTARY (SERENITY) by Matthew Compton for 3-7 Octaves Handbells with Optional 2 Octaves Handchimes and Optional Violin and Cello - Level III-
From the composer's dedication: "In times of life where we do not know why things are happening, may we remember that these times are temporary. All things in life, good and bad, are essentially momentary. How we respond to these situations is what helps us grow into better people."
MOONLIGHT SONATA (PIANO SONATA OP. 27 NO. 2 MVT. 1) by Ludwig van Beethoven, arranged by Kurt Meyer for Handbell Solo with Piano and Optional Cello
This practical setting of Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterwork is sure to be a standard in handbell solo concerts. Overall, the solo part is not difficult, allowing the ringer room for high artistry and musicianship. The cello part, while optional, adds a magical dimension.
MORNING HAS BROKEN - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet
Using bold, confident motions, visually lifting praises on behalf of those listening and watching, Morning Has Broken is a joyful hymn. This popular hymn may be played with or without repeat, and with or without solo or unison voices or with congregational singing.
Handbells used (and range)
Quartet: 21 bells (C4-C7)
MORNING HAS BROKEN - Bunessan/arr. Joel Gingrich - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
The soaring original melody line with a more dramatic accompaniment. Switches from a minor key to a major key to symbolize the start of the morning, and an ending series of octave melody notes to end the piece majestically.
MORNING MOOD - Edvard Grieg/arr. Barbara Brocker and Rob Pearson - handbell tree solo with keyboard accompaniment
Edvard Grieg's classic tune - stunning on handbell tree! This is part of the "Classical Bell Tree-O" (may be combined with other handbell tree classics - Clair de Lune and Sheep May Safely Graze).
MOUNTAIN STREAMS - Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Part of a larger work called the Colorado Suite, this piece was penned as a tribute to the region of the country that has meant so much to Kevin. Subtitled "Love Song" or "Prayer", this piece may be retitled according to need. This is flowing, lovely music that is sure to reach your listeners.
MULQUEEN'S REEL (Exalt Him/Joyful Dance) - Traditional Irish/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II+/III-
Fast, energetic, and ready to bring down the house! This is marvelous traditional Irish music set beautifully for bells. Use the alternate titles for worship settings. Show your bell choir off at their rhythmic best!
A familiar classic, certainly to piano students, this piece is short, lovely, and to the point. Very little rehearsal is needed, even for groups who are learning the art of effective sixteenth note playing, because this miniature is repetitious and intuitive. For a longer version, create repeats, or use this short piece as a call to worship or short introduction in concert or worship. Also a great selection for any who are learning to memorize music.
MUSETTE - by J.S. Bach, arranged by Kevin McChesney - handbell trio or ensemble
This 16-bell lively arrangement is scored for trio or ensemble. Some four-in-hand techniques will need to be applied to effectively perform this at tempo.
MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo/duet with keyboard accompaniment (includes handbell trees)
This piece is quite effective either as a solo or a duet. Maintaining high energy throughout, the handbell trees at the end top it all - a spectacular piece for celebration or worship where a patriotic number is appropriate.
MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II
This lovely Lowell Mason tune is one of the loveliest and most heartfelt hymns. This is a sweet, easy-to-learn setting that allows the handbell choir to participate in concert or worship at their musical best. Perfect for a slower number in festivals, and great for youth and less experienced choirs.
MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE - arr. Brian Childers - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
Often the greatest hymns of the church became great because of their simplicity of speech and their profound heartfelt message. Brian Childers' setting of My Jesus, I Love Thee is prayerful, flowing, and beautifully expressive from the first moments to the last.
NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE - arr. Kimberly Braswell - handbell tree trio (unaccompanied)
One of the most meaningful hymns of the church is given a lovely, simple-to-learn setting for handbell tree trio. A beautiful addition to worship or concert.
NEARER, STILL NEARER - arr. Lorie Line/handbell setting by Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level II+
No one brings beauty to a traditional hymn as simply and wonderfully as Lorie Line. This setting of her keyboard arrangement of Nearer, Still Nearer makes a magical addition to worship or concert.
NESSUN DORMA - Giacomo Puccini/arr. Kevin McChesney - 4-7 octaves handbells with optional solo voice - Level III
It's not hard to hear why this is considered one of the most beautiful melodies ever created. This is Puccini at the top of his form - and in his case, that's saying a lot! Your ringers are given the opportunity to play this rich music with heart and profound expression. Re-title to Prayer or Interlude for use in worship. It takes a special singer to add the vocal part, but the good news is this is actually a key lower than the original. Lovely, lovely music.
NEW LIFE - Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
Premiered by the 2001 SEE Dream Team, this original work, a moving quartet, received many accolades! The melody is straightforward - the challenge is to present the music in a flowing, legato style. Optional parts written for a fifth or sixth ringer are included to make this truly expandable to fit your needs. This piece plays quite well on its own, or use it with companion tune "New Life Epilogue" (for handbell quartet) for a thematic worship or concert setting.
New Life (handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
NEW LIFE EPILOGUE - Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet/ensemble
A variation on the New Life original tune, with a similar atmosphere but in a major key. May stand alone or be played in conjunction with New Life, either together or at separate times.
NIMROD FROM "ENIGMA VARIATIONS" - Edward Elgar/arr. Kevin McChesney - brass quintet with optional timpani - Level 3/4
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful melodies in all of classical literature, Nimrod is elegant and profoundly moving. A rich, approachable rendition for brass quintet. Perfect music for worship or concert.
The file download includes the full score and the individual parts for Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Horn in F, Trombone, Tuba, and Timpani.
NORWEGIAN MELODY - Edvard Grieg/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-7 octaves handbells - Level III
A classic from the piano repertoire, this music is evocative of faraway places, mountainous and beautiful. A lovely fanfare comprises the first and last sections, with a delicate melodic section in the middle, all certain to show off your bell choir's musicianship. Suitable for varied uses in worship and concert.
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD (NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT) - Sigfrid Karg-Elert/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with brass quintet or organ - Level III
Masterful music arranged masterfully! This standard from the organ repertoire is given exciting new life in this arrangement (and the related products listed below). There could not be more perfect music to raise the roof in your worship service, concert, or festival!
Now Thank We All Our God (3-5 octaves handbells with brass/organ)
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD (NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT) - Sigfrid Karg-Elert/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional trumpet - Level III
Masterful music! This standard from the organ repertoire is given exciting new life in this 3-5 octave setting. Add optional trumpet for even more flare! There could not be more perfect music to raise the roof in your worship service or concert!
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD (NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT) - Sigfrid Karg-Elert/arr. Kevin McChesney - brass quintet with organ - Level 4
Masterful music! This standard from the organ repertoire is given exciting new life in this setting for brass quintet and organ. There could not be more perfect music to raise the roof in your worship service or concert!
The file download includes the full score and the individual parts for Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Horn in F, Trombone, Tuba, and Organ.
Now Thank We All Our God (brass quintet with organ)
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD (NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT) - Sigfrid Karg-Elert/arr. Kevin McChesney - brass quintet - Level 4
Masterful music! This standard from the organ repertoire is given exciting new life in this brass quintet setting. There could not be more perfect music to raise the roof in your worship service or concert!
The file download includes the full score and the individual parts for Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Horn in F, Trombone, and Tuba.
NOW THE GREEN BLADE RISETH (SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS) - French Carol/arr. Kevin McChesney - four-in-hand handbell ensemble with keyboard accompaniment
One of the most popular handbell arrangements in history is now available for handbell ensemble with keyboard. Driving rhythm and wonderful harmonies and musical artistry make this a magical offering for worship or concert. A four-in-hand arrangement for quartet or suitable for use by a larger ensemble. Terrific for times when the full choir isn't available and a full, beautiful sound is desired.
Now the Green Blade Riseth (Sing We Now of Christmas) (handbell ensemble)
NOW THE GREEN BLADE RISETH (SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS) - French Carol/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet
One of the most popular handbell arrangements in history is now available for handbell quartet. Driving rhythm and wonderful harmonies and musical artistry make this a magical offering for worship or concert.
Now the Green Blade Riseth (Sing We Now of Christmas) (handbell quartet)
NOW THE GREEN BLADE RISETH (SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS) - French Carol/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
One of the most popular handbell arrangements in history is now available for handbell solo with keyboard. Driving rhythm and wonderful harmonies and musical artistry make this a magical offering for worship or concert.
Now the Green Blade Riseth (Sing We Now of Christmas) (handbell solo)
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL - arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell quartet
Bold moments in this quartet setting are augmented by quiet and prayerful adoration passages. Legato lines and making sure the melody is heard are among the musical challenges in this. Because of the reserved tone of this setting, consider using it during Advent, as a softer moment in a concert, or on Christmas Eve.
Handbells used (and range)
Quartet: 23 bells (C4-C7)
O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL - Veni Emmanuel/arr. DWMorgan - brass quintet - Level 4
An arrangement of the traditional Advent song capturing the anticipation of the Messiah. This arrangement requires the trumpets to play independently and as an ensemble, features a short trombone solo statement of the opening theme and time and style variations.
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, and Tuba.
