AULD LANG SYNE - arr. Blanche Marie Lewis - handbell tree solo/duet (unaccompanied)
Ring in the new year - literally! - with this lovely setting of Auld Lang Syne. Play as a duet for less accomplished handbell tree players or as an off-the-table duet, or a more experienced handbell tree soloist plays all the notes.
BRANLE by C. Gervaise, arranged by Kevin McChesney for Handbell Ensemble
In the style of the Renaissance, this straightforward arrangement is easy for a quartet to pick up and learn in few rehearsals. A duet team can play this 8-bell arrangement using four in hand or off-table techniques.
Specific assignment suggestions are offered for performing this as a duet, trio, or quartet.
CARILLON ON NETTLETON - arr. Danny Lyons - handbell solo/duet/trio/quartet
This lovely arrangement of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" was premiered at the 2011 Solo / Ensemble Extravaganza (SEE) by the arranger, who used an impressive 8-in-hand setup to perform the piece as a solo. Add more ringers and/or perform on handbell tree to make the piece more accessible (or, if you're feeling ambitious, the arranger has included instructions for how to set up the bells to ring 8-in-hand) for use in worship or concert.
Carillon on Nettleton (handbell solo/duet/trio/quartet)
CARILLON ON SIMPLE GIFTS - SIMPLE GIFTS, arranged by Danny Lyons for Handbell Solo or Ensemble
Presented in two different keys depending on the needs of the performer(s), Carillon on Simple Gifts is a showcase piece for solo 8-in-hand or bell tree, for duet or trio using 4-in-hand techniques, or quartet with 2 bells per ringer. With ample 8th notes and a 12/8 section, and intended to be played LV, this arrangement brings a true carillon feeling to the popular tune SIMPLE GIFTS.
Carillon on Simple Gifts (handbell solo or ensemble)
COLD DECEMBER FLIES AWAY (CATALONIAN CAROL) - LO DESEMBRE CONGELAT, arranged by Patricia Hurlbutt for Handbell Ensemble
This enthusiastic arrangement of the favorite Christmas carol starts with lovely and straightforward ideas, developing organically into rich and intricate variations. Displaying true ensemble ringing with much more than block chords, this setting shows only 8 bells in the finest musical light!
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.
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)
FANFARE - Anon. 16th Century, arranged by Kevin McChesney for Handbell Ensemble
Subtitled "Proclamation" or "Capriccio" this is appropriate for any worship or concert setting. This will keep a four-in-hand duet pair busy! Or divide it up for four ringers (two bells per person) for a quick addition to any repertoire.
