COME, CHRISTIANS! JOIN TO SING! - MADRID with HYFRYDOL, NEW BRITAIN, NICAEA, & EIN FESTE BURG, arranged by Peter de Mets for 5 Octaves Handbells and Optional 3 Octaves Handchimes - Level III+
Come, Christians! Join to Sing! (5 octaves handbells)
COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING - Nettleton/arr. Mark Beall - handbell quartet
Lively quartet rendition of the tune Nettleton by Mark Beall. Covers 2 octaves so it is accessible by most ensembles. A stretch piece for beginners and a fun addition for experienced groups.
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (handbell quartet - Beall)
COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING - Nettleton/arr. Matthew Prins - handbell quartet
A light, energetic arrangement of one of the great hymns of the church. Mallets throughout make for a lively time in worship or concert and develop your quartet's sense of playing musically together. A sure favorite!
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (handbell quartet - Prins)
COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS - arr. Jean Coniber - handbell quartet
This is an ingenious and very lovely arrangement of the great Hyfrydol hymn tune with the traditional "Dona Nobis Pacem." While the text "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" is appropriate for Advent and Christmas, this hymn tune is associated with many texts, so this straightforward and easy-to-learn quartet can be used all year long in worship and concert.
COMFORT YE from "MESSIAH" - arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional C instrument - Level II+
A beautiful setting of one of the best-known arias from Handel's "Messiah." A great opportunity to show your ringers at their musical best, and to create a lovely moment in concert or worship. C instrument part is optional.
This is a brief tour of the elements of clear, inspiring conducting. Directing a musical group is much more than just keeping time and showing a beat pattern. Read about some simple devices to improve your directing skills.
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.
11 guidelines concerning copyright for the handbell (and other) musician. Staying true to copyright laws is pretty straightforward when you know some simple fundamentals.
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.
Copyright: 11 Guidelines Concerning Copyright for the Handbell Musician (article)
CRADLE SONG - CRADLE SONG, arranged by Ann Habicht for Handbell Solo with Piano
Featuring one of the two main tunes associated with the carol "Away in a Manger", this setting of CRADLE SONG is a sweet and reflective solo accessible to all levels of soloists. With a range of C5-G6, this solo also fits within the two-octave range of handbells, perfect for soloists with fewer octaves of bells at their disposal.
CREATOR OF THE STARS OF NIGHT - Conditor alme Siderum/arr. Judith Treisback - handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble with optional C instrument
Innovative Christmas melody for three or more ringers. Use an optional C instrument to play one of the parts for a unique musical effect. Use handbell tree or more ringers to play the running eighth notes. Quite versatile for various group sizes!
Creator of the Stars of Night (handbell trio/quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS - arr. Karen Robards - 2 octaves handbells - Level III-
The majesty and grace of one of the great hymns of the church is presented in an accessible and versatile setting for 2-octave choir. It comes together with few rehearsals, and bring stirring music to your services and programs.
CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS - George J. Elvery/arr. Karen Robards - handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble
The majesty and grace of one of the great hymns of the church is presented in an accessible and versatile setting for four-in-hand ensemble. It comes together with few rehearsals, and bring stirring music to your services and programs.
Crown Him With Many Crowns (handbell quartet/quintet/sextet/ensemble)
DANCE (Celebration) - Gaspar Sanz/arr. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with optional tambourine - Level II
This versatile arrangement is lively and takes only a few rehearsals to put together. Renamed Celebration it is suitable for worship. The addition of tambourine adds an exciting Renaissance flavor.
DANCE - Gaspar Sanz/arr. Kevin McChesney - handbell duet/trio/quartet
A lively madrigal-style arrangement using just 8 bells. A duet team can play this using four-in-hand. A quartet can perform this without bell changes. Processional possibilities and great any season.
DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY - Tchaikovsky/arr. Sue Garton - handbell solo with keyboard accompaniment
From Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker", arranged for soloist and accompanist by Sue Garton. Use of a handbell tree for arpeggiated chords provides an absoluely dazzling effect!
DAVID'S DANCE - Peter de Mets - 3-5 octaves handbells - Level IV
Lively and enthralling, this original composition will get your listeners' toes tapping (in 7/8!). This is a very approachable piece for choirs that are gaining experience and those with more experience will find it a quick study for inclusion in concert or worship. Great possibilities for musicianship in bringing out melodic lines and making the rhythms speak, and also some great possibilities for visual presentation.
The audio recording is by the Impulse Handbell Ensemble of central New Jersey.
The Doxology is sung in many churches every single Sunday! Here this great and beloved tune is set in an energetic and challenging arrangement with a lot of surprises - and it's fun to play! "Dazzle" your ringers and congregation!
Note: This version is compatible with the 4-5 octave version, linked in "Related Products" below.
