If you haven't encountered the "pluck lift" technique, you'll find it in this setting of the hymn tune EVAN. Two octaves of chimes are required as the beginning 12 measures are rendered on a chime tree. Later the pluck lift effect is combined with the mart lift technique in the accompaniment. The textures build until the end tapers off in echo-like lines and fades.
Composer: Evan Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The tune Sebastian Temple is the basis of this setting, which is subtitled "Prayer of St. Francis". The textures build throughout to a broad, fortissimo, final section that ends with a quiet phrase suggestion an "amen". 52 measures in length and perfect for a short meditation in worship.
Composer: Temple, S. Arranger: Tucker, S. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Attention ringers! Present bells! Forward Ring! Well, you get the idea - this fun setting of the gospel hymn, "Come, We That Love the Lord," will have your ringers and listeners stepping in style. Lots of martial rhythms and staccato technique combined with strong melody and accompaniment set the mood. Shakes are thrown in for extra "umph" and lead to a decisive ending in 71 measures.
Composer: Lowry, R. Arranger: Honore, J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance
Using a Latin sequence of the 16th century, this is a meditative arrangement of the Dies illa" tune. Chordal only whole half and quarter notes." Meter changes.
Composer: Arranger: Bock II, A. Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Martin Luther's triumphant hymn is treated with syncopated melody, antiphonal dynamics, contrasting bells and chimes, and movement through several keys to achieve excitement and strength that the text so aptly depicts. 64 measures in length.
Composer: Ein Feste Burg Arranger: Page, A. L. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
This arrangement uses the "Bunessan" & "Gaelic " tunes. Perform with 3 octaves bells or chimes and organ or a 3 octave bell choir + 5 octaves in lieu of the organ.
Composer: Arranger: Linker, J./McFadden, J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
The flute and handbells used here are a duplication of the solo descant line; a solo ringer can easily ring the handbell line!
Composer: Schack, D. Arranger: Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Two octaves of bells from C5 up are scored in half and quarter-note rhythms throughout most of this anthem based on LASST UNS ERFREUEN. Another text for "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" is included in italics. Scores for brass, bells and congregational singing are found in the back of the anthem folio. Two Trumpets; Trumpet and handbell parts included in octavo.
Composer: Lasst Uns Erfreuen Arranger: Hobby, R. Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Arranger Sharon Rogers combines "Come, You Thankful People, Come" and "Now Thank We All Our God" and marks it to be played "spirited." Staccato technique appears in march-like accompaniment as the piece begins.
Composer: Various Arranger: Rogers, S. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Contrasting sections marked "dancelike" and "meditative" make up this setting of TE OFRECEMOS. A separate part is included for claves, tambourine, and hand drum, and though this is optional, it surely adds to the Latin flavor of the work. Meter varies from 6/8 and 4/4, which challenges ringers musically and rhythmically. 70 measures.
Composer: Te Ofrecemos Arranger: Honore, J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Seven handbells (Bb5-A6) contribute to this lovely Scottish tune with text by Carl P. Daw, Jr. Hal Hopson sets blends the two in a gentle lilt that echos the title.
Composer: Arranger: Hopson, H. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Three octaves of bells provide addional accompaniment in this anthem for SATB voices and piano with flute and ooptional handbells. The subtitle is "Take My Life, That I May Be", which is the hymn text Dori Collins marries to his new melody. Sung and rung freely and smoothly for best effect.
Composer: Havergal, F. Arranger: Collins, D. Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
17 bells ranging from D5 to D7 accompany the latter half of this anthem based on the hymn tune Jerusalem.
Composer: Parry, C. Arranger: Busarow, D. Octaves: 4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
The carol tune IRBY is here set for bells and 2,4 or 5 octaves of chimes. Flowing passages of eighth-notes entwine in a in 12-measure opening that leads to a melody notated for chimes. Later on the eighth-note patterns turn to sixteenth-note figures with the LV technique applied.
Composer: Gauntlett, H./Irby Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Four measures into this anthem and the congregation will be searching for the camels!
Composer: Arranger: Hobby, R. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
2 tunes separately arranged. "O Sleep,... uses compound meter but played at a slow rocking tempo.
Composer: Various Arranger: Beck, T. Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
If you are unfamiliar with the name of this English melody you'll be certain to recognize the lovely tune in this peaceful arrangement for bells and flute. Tranquillo marks the first section with a chordal texture accompanying the flute melody.
Composer: Arranger: Behnke, J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This pastorale is a combination of "Es Ist ein Rose" and Bach's "Pastorale in F." The flute is not optional.
Composer: Bach, J. S. Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Appropriate for worship or concert, the ringers are challenged to play long expressive lines. Ideal for the average 3 octave choir.
Composer: Faure, G. Arranger: McChesney, K. Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The French carol, BESANCON, is here set for 3,4 or 5 octaves with some performance notes given to accommodate.
Composer: Arranger: Moklebust, C. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This folio includes two selections. The first is a plaintive arrangement of plainchants especially enhanced by extensive use of mallets on suspended bells. The second is composed of three short pieces all of which present a mood of the morning. The introduction of the last of these three, Dance, may be used as a processional and/or bell tree. Plainchant is a medley of "Adoro te Devote", "Divinum Mysterium" and "Pange Lingua".
Composer: Various Arranger: Nelson, S. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
A wonderful new, syncopated tune is used in this joyful exciting" arrangement. Use opt. tambourine and finger cymbals. PL, Mart, SW, SK.
Composer: Tandanei Arranger: McChesney, K. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
2 pieces based on "children's" tunes provide music for the less experienced choir.
Composer: Various Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
"Praise, o praise the Lord...Praise, O praise, O servants of the Lord!" This opening text for 2-part treble voices, is taken from Psalm 113:1-7. A second, slower section calls for the additional, but optional, accompaniment of 3 octave of bells. The bells, however, must read off the keyboard part in the anthem.
Composer: Kemp, H. Octaves: 2 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
If desired, the congregation may sing along with this through-composed setting of "Lobe den Herren" for bells and organ. A flourish of chromaticism sets up the melody's entrance, which proceeds in chordal structure. Interludes are interspersed among the stanzas.
Composer: Lobe den Herren Arranger: Moklebust, C. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Based on the hymn tune BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN, arranger Lee Afdahl has incorporated two instances of random ring in the introduction. The melody enters in a single unison line and then is joined at the octave. The texture builds as the piece moves along. Ringers will be challenged to work on linear thinking as they reach the section with running eighth-note passages. Mart-lifts, shakes and LV technique are used.
Composer: Bereden Vag For Herran Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Highlights of this work include a stately walking bass in mm. 1-16, a thumb-damp section with the melody in the middle, the use of triplet figures and a big finish. An optional trumpet part is included.
Composer: Helman, M. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
A separate score for an optional marimba (also playable on synthesizer or keyboard) is included in this original composition, which takes its inspiration from King David's prayer of repentance. The handbell score resembles a marimba percussion score with its sixteenth-note rhythms and patterns. The focus is on the rung sound of bells with no special effects called for other than the LV technique.
Composer: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance
Rejoice! features the familiar hymn tune FOUNDATION, as well as new music by John Leavitt setting the text, "Rejoice, angelic choir rejoice!" Three octaves of bells are optional.
Composer: Arranger: Leavitt, J. Octaves: 3 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Known by either the title or the tune LAUDATE DOMINUM, this lilting tune in 3/4 is first set up by a bell peal 4/4. Finger cymbals enhance the mood in a later section. Open texture keeps the music light.
Composer: Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The festive mood of this arrangement is set in the introduction with hints of the "Marion" tune which is the source of this music. Generally chordal. Majestic ending.
Composer: Various Arranger: Sticha Octaves: 4-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
A handbell adaptiation of the famous organ piece.
Composer: Campra, A. Arranger: Leavitt, J. Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
This original composition with a title play on the Psalm text, is filled with energetic rhythms, bright melody, harmonies out of the key, flowing arpeggios patterns with LV technique, and shakes and a table land damp to the finish to top off the final 105th measure.
Composer: Moklebust, C. Arranger: Octaves: 4-6 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
An arrangement of the "Wojkiewiecz" tune for bells, organ and optional trumpet.
Composer: Wood Arranger: Linker, J./McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The sub-title of this selection is "Three for Christmas." They are each separate and no transition is given for a medley. Each selection is short, making the folio versatile.
Composer: Various Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Inspiration for this original composition comes from Philippians 4:6-7 (Don't worry, but pray and peace will come - loosely paraphrased!) Sections of peaceful "sound" melody alternate with more chordal sections, dotted-rhythm passages, and harmonic changes. 101 measures in length.
Composer: Dicke, M. Octaves: 2 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The arranger has set this lovely Scottish folk tune, alias hymn tune CANDLER, for 3-5 octaves of bells, optional handchimes and instruments in C, Bb or F.
Composer: Candler Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The tune HANSON PLACE is used in this arrangement of the favorite gospel tune.
Composer: Lowry, Robert Arranger: Young, Philip M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Arpeggiated throughout. The high bells of the 4th octave are lovely against the melody in the lower voices.
Composer: Gruber, F. Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
This could almost be labeled a "handbell solo" since only one bell (a F4) is called for.
Composer: Various Arranger: Fleming, L. Octaves: 2 Level: 1 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Six hymn settings for Unison voices, 3-5 octave handbells and organ.
Composer: Various Arranger: Beck, Theodore Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Although not fast, this music is constantly moving. 8th note figures are often play using LV. Windchimes or a Chimetree give an ethereal effect.
Composer: Afdahl, Lee J. Arranger: Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The majority of this setting of the Irish hymn tune is characterized by smooth, flowing textures built on eighth-note pulses. The sections are marked Andante, Rubato and Tempo I. A sprightly passage of staccato adds contrast before returning to a stronger, ending section.
Composer: St Clement Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
3-5 octaves of handbells provide optional, but triumphal accompaniment to this SATB Easter anthem. (The parts are available on the Augsburg Fortress website.) The bells ring in "tall chords" and peal-like passages to emphasize the glorious message of this season.
Composer: Monk, W. H. Arranger: Ferguson, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Open textures with the "airy" sound of mallets on suspended bells, marks the opening sections of this hymn setting on VICTORY. Later the texture takes on a more martial note with mallets on tabled bells in running, eighth-note lines with the theme in chordal texture above.
Composer: Victory Arranger: Zabel, A. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This medley features the Swedish carols Lyssna, Lyssna: Hor Du Anglasangen; Hosianna David's Son!; Kom, Kom, Fager ungersven; Sancta Lucia; and Nar Juldagsmorgon Glimmar. Two octaves of optional chimes add their flavor along with passages of mallet rolls on tabled bells. 121 measures in length.
Composer: Various Arranger: Tucker, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Originally written for a handbell festival conference, this arrangement of the hymn tune, THAXTED, moves through stately chordal, and flowing eighth-note passages along with a malleted bass line and the echo technique.
Composer: Holst, Gustav Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This moving Irish folk song (aka "Danny Boy") has been used with many texts. The arranger here chooses to associate it with "O Christ the Same", set for handbells, optional chimes and C or Bb instrument.
Composer: Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
With the melody in both treble and bass clefs, your ringers will enjoy the challenge this presents. Interesting harmony supports this quiet arrangement.
Composer: Arranger: Young, P. Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
A gentle "meter" syncopation adds energy by a steady alternation of 4/4 and 3/4 time to this setting of ST. HELENA. Additionally, and eighth-note pulse in the accompaniment drives throughout all 59 measures of the work. There are no special techniques, which allows the ringers to focus on the sustained tones of bells and precision damping.
Composer: St. Helena Arranger: Tucker, S. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Two octaves of handbells ring the majority of this anthem for SATB voices, flute, congregation, and optional handbells. Based on the hymn tune "Land of Rest', the text begins 'This is the day the Lord hath made, the hours are all God's own; Let heav'n rejoice, let earth be glad and praise surround the throne".
Composer: Shute, L. Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Linda Shute arranged this 17th century, Dutch tune, Vruechten, as a procession for children, adults, handbells and percussion.
Composer: Arranger: Shute, L. Octaves: 3 Level: 1 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Eastertide is based on the "Vruechten" tune and is rhythmically easy. "Pastorale" is a tranquil piece in 3/8.
Composer: Various Arranger: Bock II Octaves: 2 or 4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Advent material is sometimes hard to find, so it's a bonus to find three of that season's tunes in one folio. First there is the standard "Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel", next is "On Jordan's Banks"/"People, Look East!", and last is "Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah". All three arrangements should rehearse easily.
Composer: Various Arranger: Organ, Anne K. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Each piece in this 3-piece folio has unique features. "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" has a part for a melody line played by C instrument or handchimes as well as optional parts for finger cymbals and hand drum. "When Christmas Morn Is Dawning" is for 4 or 5 octaves with optional 4 octaves of handchimes. And "Lo, How a Rose Is Growing" features optional 4 octave of handchimes.
Composer: Various Arranger: Mathis, W. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The three Spanish carols offer a freshness to any Christmas worship or concert.
Composer: Various Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Bells in the range C5 - G6 are all that are needed for these two, short carols for bells, percussion organ and 2-part, mixed voices.
Composer: Various Arranger: Proulx, R. Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Two separate, brief arrangements (each under 40 measures) are under one cover in this folio. "Comfort, Comfort Now My People" calls for mallets on suspended bells in both the bass and treble accompaniment and frame the melody in the middle. "Creator of the Stars of Night" also uses mallets on suspended bells along with LVed eighth-note figures and movement through three keys.
Composer: Various Arranger: Honore, J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Day By Day and Thy Holy Wings are combined in this setting that incorporates optional 2-4 octave of chimes. The chime melody in the middle and lower registers dominates the first section with lovely overhead accompaniment of mallets on suspended bells.
Composer: Various Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Lots of title options are given with these two Spanish tunes as well as percussion options which make these fresh offerings for worship. The first selection is set in 6/8 with lots of dotted rhythm and LV technique.
Composer: Various Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The two Swedish melodies set in this 3 or 4 octaves arrangements are Tryggare kan ingen vara (Children of the Heavenly Father) and Ner Han Kommer (When He Cometh). "Children" is heard first and is treated in a gentle manner with broken-chord accompaniment. After two verses in a major key the tune is then presented in minor tonality and provides and interesting contrast. After a break the next tune enters and in one section is treated as a march.
Composer: Various Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Nine handchimes in the lower 3-octave range add optional interest to this setting of a Marty Haugen tune. After a brief introduction the first variation employs mallets on tabled bells in martial rhythms to accompany the melody. Later variations are chordal with martellatos, flowing with LVed eighth notes, or spiced with chromatic harmonic shifts. 113 measures.
Composer: Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance
The character marking for this arrangement of the favorite English melody is "with driving motion." The variations alternate between chordal and running eighth-note accompaniment.
Composer: Arranger: Hopson, H. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
In this arrangement of the "Wacket Auf" tune, don't let the sixteenth notes scare you because they form a repeated pattern which occurs measure after measure.
Composer: Nicolai, P. Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The text of anthem was inspired by the book, "Holy Things" by Gordon Lathrop. It is available for SAB or SATB with optional handbells and congregation.
Composer: Keesecker, T. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Three to four octaves of handbells ring additional accompaniment in the first and last sectiopns of this original composition for SATB and piano with optional flute and bells. After some opening alleluias, the text states "We walk by faith and not by sight: with gracious words draw near O Christ, who spoke as none e'er spoke".
Composer: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The numerous arpeggios (played LV) give a feeling of calm and harmonic structure to a lovely tune.
Composer: Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
The title "When Morning Gilds the Skies" conjures up immediate imagery and the music of this setting of the hymn tune LAUDES DOMINE contributes as well.
Composer: Barnby, Joseph Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance