How wonderful it is to be able to play during the Holiday season even with just 4 to 9 ringers! This collection of three short L2/L2+ favorites offers 2 settings to match your ringers’ needs: “A” for D5-C7 (opt. G4-C5) – and “B” for G4-F6 (opt. C4-F4). "He Is Born", "Coventry Caro" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High" will delight your audience or congregation with minimal set-up – these were written for MOSAIC Handbell Ensemble’s ringing at Grand Caverns’ Christmas Candlelight Tour, Grottoes, Va. (See our picture on the cover!)
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
This reproducible collection of three Christmas favorites features a Bell Tree soloist accompanied by a 3-5 octave handchime choir. The result is fresh, interesting, and beautiful. May also be played as traditional, off the table solos.
Composer: Various Arranger: Lamb, Linda R. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Ring Out Press Rating: Easy Medium
Three lovely, easy-to-ring Level 1 and 2 pieces (Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning, Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees and Saw Ye My Savior) are offered in two folios: RE4011A for 2 oct. and RE4011B 3 or 5 octaves. (The two editions are not compatible.) Rich harmonies in these short, interpretive settings will add depth to worship and concert during Epiphany, Lent, Passion Week, Good Friday or communion.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2 Level: 2- Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 2- Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
This set of arrangements ("Ah Holy Jesu", "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", and "Now the Green Glade Rises") provides two selections for Lent and Holy Week observances and one for Easter Sunday.
Composer: Various Arranger: Dennis, Karissa Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: Lorenz Corp. Rating: Easy
This reproducible collection is for a bell tree soloist accompanied by a 3-5 octave chime choir. The three hymns included are appropriate for use at any time during the church year.
Haunting and heroic at the same time, “40 Days in the Desert” captures struggle and victory within the same breath. Written in single pulse 3/4 time, the strong melodic lines are supported by even stronger chords in c minor, with shifts in harmonics to G Major that brighten the mood briefly: Perfect for Lent, Passion Week, or any meditative moment in worship. When using the subtitle “The Ghost of Success” for secular concert and festival, the audience might be reminded of an Anime theme, which is not surprising since the composer, William Peters, was in 7th grade when he wrote this piece. He asked his handbell teacher (Kath Wissinger) to look at it and see if it would work for bells. With some very minor editing, William’s score showcases a new creative talent in handbells and beyond.
Composer: Peters, William Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Quickly learned, this shorthand notation allows one octave of bells or chimes to as many octaves as you have, to assist in accompanying hymns with a keyboard (part included) or alone. Be creative and add desired bell techniques to match the text of the hymn.
Composer: Various Arranger: Honore, Jeffrey Octaves: 1-8 Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
This collection of activities is designed to provide the director with creative solutions for those minutes before rehearsal. The book is arranged in order of difficulty and concepts are listed for each activity. You may pick and choose which activities to offer to your group based on age appropriateness, concept, and church season. Each page may be duplicated as needed for your choir members.
Composer: Wyrick, Ginger G. Octaves: N/A Level: NA Publisher: Abingdon Press Rating:
The 5/8 meter of this original composition gives the music a lilt while the accented rhythms create a joyful, uplifting mood.
Composer: Mazzatenta, Michael Octaves: 5 Level: 3+ Publisher: From the Top Music Rating: Medium Advance
All arrangements can be finished with a fermata, allowing time for ringers to turn to the next carol. This gives the opportunity to play all 7 carols as a set. Approximate performance time: 15 minutes.
Composer: Various Arranger: Childers, Brian Octaves: 3 Level: 2+ Publisher: Bellissimo Publications Rating: Easy Medium
Three well-loved hymns, “Be Still, My Soul,” “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” and “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling” are perfect for a quiet moment in worship or concert. Each Level 3 arrangement uses 8 to 14 bells (including accidentals), is complete on one page (no page turns!), and has rhythms that will keep your ringers nicely challenged.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
“8 Bells for Advent” is perfect for 2, 3 or 4 ringers. Each short L2/2+ carol ("O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"; "Savior of the Nations, Come"; and "Prepare the Way, O Zion" – each with no bell changes) is offered in 4 different ranges, depending on which bells the ringers want to use.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-3 Level: 2+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Share some holiday cheer with a lovely selection of Bell Tree pieces using only 8 bells. “8 Bells for Carols” is perfect for ringing at Red Kettles, in small spaces or as a palate cleanser during a concert. Each Volume features 7 or 8 holiday tunes for bell tree solo (or duet), or 4iH duet, or 3 or 4 ringers using 8 Bells - either G5 to G6 (2 octaves) or C5-C6 or C6 to C7 (1 or 3 octaves) – plus an optional chime solo for added harmony.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1 or 3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Share some holiday cheer with a lovely selection of 7 Bell Tree carols using only 8 bells. "8 Bells for Carols" is perfect for ringing at Red Kettles, in small spaces or as a palate cleanser during a concert. The pieces included in Volume 2 are Easy-Medium difficulty – with trickier patterns and sometimes 2nd voice moving above and below the melody. The Bell Tree part can be played as a single stem-up melody line (easier) or with the added stem-down part (more challenging) – or a second ringer (on the backside of same bell tree or on their own bell tree) can play the stem-down notes.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1 or 3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Share some holiday cheer with a lively selection of 7 Bell Tree carols using only 8 bells. The “8 Bells for Carols” series is perfect for ringing at Red Kettles, in small spaces or as a palate cleanser during a concert. The pieces in Volume 3 are Medium difficulty.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Celebrate! This collection of 3 popular Christmas carols ("Infant Holy", "I Saw Three Ships" and "Deck the Halls") gives you the flexibility of 4 different settings - select the 8 bells that fit your ringers’ needs at the time.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
This 8-Bell collection showcases 3 favorite Easter tunes: 1) HYMN TO JOY (Ode to Joy/Christ is Risen!), 2) LLANFAIR (Jesus Christ is Risen Today) and 3) NOEL NOUVELET (Now the Green Blade Rises) – and all three hymn tunes have additional texts associated with them, allowing each to be played during other liturgical seasons as well.
This 8-Bell collection features 3 thoughtful Lenten tunes: 1) MORNING SONG (Lord, Throughout These 40 Days), 2) MARTYRDOM (Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed) and 3) KAS DZIEDAJA (In the Darkness) – and all three hymn tunes have additional texts associated with them, allowing each to be played during other liturgical seasons as well.
“8 Bells for Spirituals” is a welcome addition to the “Celebrations” Series of ringTrue Music: 3 popular L2/2+ Spirituals - “Guide My Feet,” “Ev’ry time I Feel the Spirit” and “There is a Balm in Gilead” - are cleverly arranged for just 8 bells playable by 4, 3, or even 2 ringers.
Each book is a collection of all-time favorite songs that can be played on any C-c diatonic Handbell or Deskbell set. The songs have been arranged so that either the melody method or chord method of playing can be used. The songs in the score are mostly secular, including "America, Home Sweet Home, Michael, Looby Loo, On Top of Old Smoky, The Alphabet, Three Blind Mice" and more.
Composer: Bergin, B. Octaves: 1 Level: 2 Publisher: Rhythm Band Instruments Rating: Easy
What fun!! "Three Blind Mice", "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "This Old Man" - cleverly arranged for 8, 9 or 10 bells for a light moment in a concert or to lead a sing along. Each short well-crafted Level 2 or 2+ arrangement is set in 4 different ranges for 1, 2 or 3 octaves.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-3 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
This easy anthem for SATB voices and handbells uses text from Numbers 6:24-26. It is a "prayerful" composition.
Composer: Rodby, W. Arranger: Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Easy
Jason Krug has woven together this medley of four hymn tunes (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM, TERRA BEATA, ST. CATHERINE, and GREATOREX), which is the perfect addition for Trinity Sunday, anniversary celebrations, or any worship service that focuses on God as our Father.
Composer: Various Arranger: Krug, Jason Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Lorenz Corp. Rating: Easy Medium
Most commonly know as "Lord, You Give the Great Commission" and "God Is Here!", this setting uses flowing, malleted, echo and chordal accompaniment.
Composer: Taylor, C. Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Easy Medium
The opening character marking of "calmly" calls for a metronome pace of 92=quarter note. The hymn tune is first presented in traditional hymn style, then with a counter melody in fugal treatment.
Composer: Monk, W. Arranger: Herbek, R. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: High Meadow Music Publishing Rating: Medium
Involve your congregation/audience, handchime ringers, and organist in this setting of the hymn tune EVENTIDE. Although those parts are optional to the bell score they combine for a most effective larger work.
Composer: Monk, W. Arranger: Smith, V. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: Concordia Publishing House Rating: Easy Medium
This is a nice arrangement of this tune because of the colorful harmonies.
Composer: Monk, William H. Arranger: Bonde, Allen Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: National Handbell Music Rating: Easy Medium
Susan Geschke’s gift for lyrical melody and lush harmonies adds a new freshness to this beloved hymn.
Composer: Monk, William H. Arranger: Geschke, Susan E. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Easy Medium
This peaceful arrangement is as lovely on handchimes as on handbells.
Composer: Monk, William H. Arranger: Stephenson, Valerie W. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 1+ Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Easy
This is a wonderful meditative arrangement of the hymntune EVENTIDE for two octave handbell or handchime choir.
Composer: Monk, William Arranger: Endean, Judy Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: SoundForth Publications / Lorenz Co. Rating: Easy Medium
The Singing Bell technique is scored on a bass-clef cluster chord with a simple melody above in the introduction to this time-honored hymn tune.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Moats, William Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Genesis Press Rating: Easy Medium
A beautiful, full setting of the favorite hymn tune EVENTIDE.
Composer: Monk, William Henry Arranger: Krug, Jason Octaves: 2-5 Level: 2 Publisher: Ringing Word Publications Rating: Easy
This arrangement of the tune EVENTIDE may be used for services centered on the themes of healing, hope, guidance, faith, and trust, as well as for compline, vespers, or other evening services.
Composer: Monk, William Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Easy Medium
One of the great traditional hymns of the church – EVENTIDE – receives a contemporary yet sensitive setting in this Ron Mallory arrangement.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Mallory, Ron Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Ringing Word Publications Rating: Medium
This quiet and meditative arrangement of "Abide with Me" is perfect for dedication and Communion services.
Composer: Monk, William Henry Arranger: Helman, Michael Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: SoundForth Publications / Lorenz Co. Rating: Easy Medium
Arranged for solo handbells or handchimes with piano accompaniment, “Abide With Me” is simple enough that the novice soloist can actually master it and accomplished musicians can put it together quickly.
Composer: Monk, William Henry Arranger: Doran, Tim Octaves: 2 Level: 1 Publisher: C.A.N. Enterprises Rating: Easy
Cathy Moklebust has arranged William Monk's beloved tune EVENTIDE in a gentle, calming style. It is published in editions for handbell solo and handbell duet/trio with piano accompaniment and optional flute. SOLO version: Uses 17 bells from D5 through C7. DUET or TRIO version: Duet uses 17 bells from D5 through C7; trio uses 26 bells from C4 through C7.
Composer: Monk, William H. Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Easy
This delicate setting of the hymn tune EVENTIDE is a perfect choice for Lent or any quiet moment in worship. A gentle opening verse gives way to a verse in which the melody is given a freer rhythmic treatment. A key change leads to a final triumphant verse complete with harmonic twists and turns.
Composer: Hymn Tune Arranger: Krug, Jason W. Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Grassy Meadow Music Rating: Easy Medium
A happy melody combined with compound meter creates a joyful, festive composition. LV is used extensively.
Composer: McKlveen, P. Arranger: Octaves: 4-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Rating: Medium
Abiding Joy is a compilation of joyous, accessible handbell selections that will bring delight to both ringers and listeners. This reproducible collection contains uplifting hymn arrangements by Patricia Hurlbutt, Anna Laura Page, Valerie W. Stephenson, and Tammy Waldrop, plus a delightful original composition by Brenda Austin.
Composer: Various Arranger: Various Octaves: 2-5 Level: 1+ Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Easy
Dan Edwards has expertly blended two well-known hymns, “Abide with Me” and “Nearer My God to Thee”, into a beautiful and interesting arrangement that would be right at home in many different worship services.
Composer: Monk, William H. & Mason, Lowell Arranger: Edwards, Dan Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 2 Publisher: Ring Out Press Rating: Easy Medium
This rendition of two hymn tunes NICEA and DUKE STREET includes a part for handbells and a part for keyboard (piano or organ). Performance options are given for adapting this to two bell choirs or adding handchimes.
Composer: Various Arranger: Kellermeyer, David M. Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: High Meadow Music Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This original composition comes with rehearsal suggestions that include words to the melody. "If you can sing it, you can ring it!" states the composer. Mallets, optional chimes (E6-A6), and dotted rhythms make up the ambiance and flow. Measures total 50.
Composer: Dare, John C. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Flagstaff Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This rhythmic selection in 5/4 meter abounds with vitality and joy. It is sure to be a favorite with congregation and ensemble alike.
Composer: Edwards, D. Arranger: Octaves: 3 Level: 4 Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Medium Advance
This original work, inspired by Psalm 16:11, is filled with joy from beginning to end. The engaging melody will be remembered long after the music has ended and this piece is bound to become a favorite in your group’s repertoire!
Composer: Hakes, Derek K. Octaves: 3-6 Level: 3 Publisher: From the Top Music Rating: Medium
Written by Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc, the popular praise song "Above All" has been arranged for 3-5 octaves of handbells.
Composer: Baloche, Paul and LeBlanc, Lenny Arranger: Kent, D. R. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Medium
This combination of two popular worship songs, ("Jesus, Name Above All Names" and "You Are My All in All") is also very worshipful and will enhance many types of services.
Composer: Hearn, Naida & Jernigan, Dennis L. Arranger: Ingram, Bill Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: Ring Praise Publications Rating: Medium
"Above All Names" is a set of five hymns of adoration and praise skillfully arranged by Susan E. Geschke, Patricia Hurlbutt, and Bill Ingram. The pieces have no bell changes, and may be played with music stands if desired.
Composer: Various Arranger: Various Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Easy
Utilizing handbells, SATB choir, and various instruments, Arnold Sherman brings both traditional and contemporary elements together in this dynamic new anthem for blended worship.
Composer: LeBlanc, Lenny & Baloche, Paul Arranger: Sherman, Arnold B. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Medium
Winner in the "Original 3 Octave" category of the 1998 Composition Contest sponsored by the Alberta (Canada) Guild of English Handbell Ringers, this original work takes a dotted eighth-sixteenth motive and expands it against flowing accompaniment.
Composer: Merrett, F. Arranger: Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: High Meadow Music Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Fully scored to keep all ringers involved, this medley of “How Great Our Joy,” “Unto Us A Boy is Born,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” fits equally well in worship or concert settings.
Composer: Various Arranger: Rogers, Sharon Elery Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: Alfred Handbell / Jubilate Music Group Rating: Easy
Commissioned by the handbell ensemble, "Embellish", this original work is a true showpiece!
Composer: Sherman, A. Arranger: Octaves: 3-6 Level: 4 Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Medium Advance
Don't overlook this happy, festive piece because it has been in the catalogs awhile!
Composer: Young, Philip M. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Shawnee Press, Inc. Rating: Easy Medium
This original piece in the tradition of "Festive Peal" (AG35303) is your festival solution! With compatible arrangements for choirs containing two to six octaves of bells without bell changes, your ringers can play this piece without tables or from memory for greater impact in your next concert or service.
Composer: Thompson, Karen Octaves: 2-6 Level: 2+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This creative arrangement is based on the hymn tunes OLD 100th and ST. ANNE. Perfect for a celebration of any kind.
Composer: Hymn Tunes Arranger: Raney, Joel Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Medium
This useful, festive arrangement works well with 3 octaves.
Composer: Glaser, C. Arranger: Sherman, A. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Medium
For 3 to 6 octaves of handbells and organ or handbells with brass and timpani, this setting of the powerful hymn "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" includes an optional SATB choral part, entering for a festive conclusion.
Composer: Glaser, Carl G. Arranger: Sherman, Arnold Octaves: 3-6 Level: 2+ Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Easy Medium
This expansive original work is rich in beautiful melodies and opportunities for musical contrast.
Composer: Payn, William Octaves: 5-7 Level: 3+ Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Medium
Opening Sentences, Responses to Prayer, and Responses to the Benediction for voices ranging from unison to SATB with handbell accompaniment are in this collection.
Composer: Various Arranger: Hopson, H. Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Lorenz Corp. Rating: Easy Medium
These short acclamations unite the joyful sounds of bells and voices in 19 choral sentences for worship. Handbells provide the most effective accompaniment, but tubular chimes or Orff-type instruments may be substituted with minor adjustments in chordal selections.
Composer: Various Arranger: Hopson, H. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Lorenz Corp. Rating: Easy
Using only four or five ringers, these eleven acclamations could be used as processionals (the first eight measures can be repeated ad lib,) or as interludes or responses. Often the briefest snippet of a seasonally-appropriate hymn tune is quoted.
Composer: Kosche, Kenneth T. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
This original composition from Kathleen Wissinger introduces ringers to the joy of melodic eighth notes.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: 2- Publisher: Hope Publishing Co. Rating: Easy
"Accolade for Bells" is for use with 4 octaves of bells, but is basically for 3 octaves.
Composer: Smith, D. Arranger: Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Hinshaw Handbell Series Rating: Easy Medium
Using a text from John 1:29-34, this versatile piece can be performed as a handbell anthem, handbells with a vocal solo, or as a solo with keyboard accompaniment.
Composer: Hartley, A. Arranger: Octaves: 5 Level: NA Publisher: Thomas House /Descant /Gold Coast Music Rating: Medium
These creative arrangements of folk melodies are accessible both for beginning groups looking to play something familiar, as well as groups working on advancing their skills from beginner to intermediate. The titles in this set – all of them from England, Ireland, and Wales – are well-known traditional folk tunes which have also been paired with sacred texts in church settings, making them suitable for school, church, and community groups alike.
Composer: Various Arranger: Krug, Jason W. Octaves: 2-5 Level: 2 Publisher: Choristers Guild Rating: Easy