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)
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.
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 3 octave version, linked in "Related Products" below.
DESCANT ON AUSTRIA - Austria/arr. Bonnie Linder - handbell trio/quartet/quintet/ensemble with keyboard accompaniment
Keyboard is included in this descant for hymn accompaniment. May be performed without singing by bells and keyboard alone. Play as a trio for a challenge (three staves are provided) or assign to more ringers for quick learning.
Descant on Austria (handbell trio/quartet/quintet/ensemble)
DEUS IN ADJUTORIUM from Vespers (1610) - Claudio Monteverdi/trans. Kevin McChesney - 3-5 octaves handbells with brass sextet and optional organ - Level I+/II-
DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH - Traditional/arr. Karen Roth - handbell duet/trio/quartet
Another amazing 8 bell (9th bell optional on the last note) work! This will have your audience or congregation wondering where all the music came from. Assign to just two ringers for a four-in-hand challenge, or to three or four ringers for quick mastery.
Ding Dong Merrily on High (handbell duet/trio/quartet)
DONA NOBIS PACEM - arr. Kimberly Braswell - handbell tree trio (unaccompanied)
A beautiful arrangement, simple to put together and a lovely addition to worship or concert. Ideal for less experienced handbell tree players and for a quick put-together for more experienced players.
DONA NOBIS PACEM - Traditional/arr. Blanche Marie Lewis - handbell trio
Three ringers using four-in-hand technique present a lovely arrangement that is elegant and direct in its speech and that will create a lovely moment in worship. There is beautiful use of the singing bell technique as well.
