This enchanting Japanese folk song will inspire your ringers. A fine teaching piece for matching ringing strokes on chords and playing melodic 8th note lines with balanced tone and rhythm – as both clefs play each part in turn. Bold and full, Sakura II will become a favorite concert or Festival piece whether played alone or paired with other ringing ensembles playing Sakura I (a compatible Level 1 version).
Composer: Japanese Folk Tune Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
This beautifully scored interpretation of a Japanese folk song includes all ringers in a delicate 16th-note embellishment with one major key change. This arrangement emphasizes the importance of balanced voicing among main themes and counter-themes.
Composer: Japanese Folk Tune Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
Level 1 fun with our favorite amphibians! Two perfectly paced pieces for ringers moving from whole and half notes to quarter notes, with the added enticement "Everyone gets to play flats – including Gb!" Your ringers will be excited to have "real" music with a fun colorful cover that they can confidently learn and perform.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-5 Level: 1 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
From the new "Expandabell" Music Series from Above the Line Publishing. Can be done by any of the modes listed on the "information" line.
Composer: Wissinger, K. Arranger: Octaves: 3-4 Level: 3+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating:
Mysterious and lush: 2 options in this flexible score allow anywhere from a single Bell Tree Soloist up to a full 5 octave choir using suspended mallet rolls to perform this brief but lovely piece for Advent and the Holidays. There is also an opt. chime duet Eb5-C7, 13 chimes.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Bell Tree Solo (C5-C7; 21 bells, commissioned by Sueda Lutrell) that coordinates beautifully with Lorenz’s published piece LC201399L (You will need to purchase this score as well for performance.) The Solo line can also be played by an adept ringing duet, trio or small ensemble.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
Finally! The missing piece for Armed Service tributes and patriotic concerts: Semper Paratus (Always Ready) – the U.S. Coast Guard marching song. Skillfully arranged to honor this branch of the armed service, Semper Paratus features a fully orchestrated Level 3 score on 3-7 oct. handbells.
Composer: Van Boskerck, Captain Francis Saltus Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-7 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
Your ringers will enjoy every sneaky antic in "Shenanigans" – 8th note half-steps, surprising harmonic shifts with lots of level-appropriate accidentals, marts and mart lifts. Two non-compatible scores are included in the folio: "A" for 3-5 oct. and "B" for 2 or 2 ½ octaves (G4-G6, opt. C4-F4). Use the sub-title "Trick or Treat" for a seasonal program or "Trial and Temptation" in a sacred worship setting during Lent.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
This intriguing new children’s anthem is all about the camels that the Wise Men will ride. Slow and plodding with an irregular meter that feels very natural, “Ship of the Desert” draws images of readying the camels for a journey (packing water bags and provisions) and of a camel’s unique physical attributes to deal with the harsh desert environ…..the tagline: “Ship of the desert on seas made of sand.”
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2 Level: 1 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Celebrating the life of Kipp Willnauer, this upbeat piece (commissioned by Area 8 HMA and Kipp's friends and family) is based on a hymn that Kipp once arranged. His score is the basis for the first section. Solid Level 2, 3-6 octave scoring throughout includes all ringers as each variation explores new rhythms and ranges for the melody.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-7 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
This original Celtic jig of Medium difficulty can be played by 2-11 ringers using bells and opt. chimes. The jaunty melody (A5-C7) can played by Belltree solo, a 4iH duo or 3-6 ringers, and the supporti
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
This inaugural release in the Solo Time series, with alternate titles “Better Days Ahead” or “My Heart Sings”, is a spritely, 3-part piece in 4/4 time with upbeat first and last sections and a more somber middle section. It features an easy 8 or 10 bell solo with options for many different ranges and piano accompaniment (played in person or using the Zip file accompaniment). Requiring only straight ringing, it is ideal for either handbells or hand chimes.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-5 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
"Solo Time 2" is a cheery presentation that will lift up your ringers and audiences. The alternate titles "Venture Forth!" and "Faithful Journey" promise a positive future ahead and allow the piece to be used in either sacred or secular settings. Focusing on 4iH technique in an easy-medium setting, it uses only four notes in the entire melody line (!) with the piano or guitar offering harmonic interest.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
"Solo Time 3 – Walk the Walk 3" reinvents the bright original piece “Walk the Walk” as an easy-medium Bell Tree solo or duet using 11 bells: G5 to C7. It is a sacred piece that adds sparkle to your worship service or sacred concert. Accompaniment options include piano, guitar, or L1 handbell ensemble, as well as a free downloadable accompaniment track. Compatible with "Walk the Walk 1" (RE27041) and "Walk the Walk 2" (RE70032R).
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
“Solo Time 4 – Down to the River" is a delightful, extremely versatile rendition of this lovely spiritual, with a variety of ringing and accompaniment options, from Bell Tree solo to full choir with live accompaniment or downloadable mp3 track. Perfect for a quiet moment in worship or concert, it also can serve as an interlude between concert pieces, allowing the other ringers time to reset for the next piece.
Composer: Various Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1, 3 or 5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
“Solo Time 5 – Dorian Epic” is a short, bold piece in Dorian mode using 8 bells for Bell Tree Solo, 4iH duet, or 8 bell ensemble. Dorian mode offers a refreshing palette of tone colors; with lowered 3rd and 7th tones in a major scale, it sounds somewhat exotic, mostly minor. It is ideal as a prelude for worship, using the subtitle “Steadfast Faith”, or as a short transitional piece for a school program or concert.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
4 to 6 ringers on G4-Bb5 (10 bells or 12 bells with opt. C/D6) supply a rich accompaniment for a soulful Cello/Bell Tree/C instrument solo. Two optional bass parts make it even fuller (C4-G4 & C3-G3 chimes are ideal).
Composer: Spiritual Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Long a favorite of adventurous trio ringers, “Song for a New Day” is reissued in a reproducible trio score of medium difficulty (19-21 bells, 2 or 3 octaves - RE6036ABR) and also in a small Level 3 ensemble score for a few more ringers (19-21 bells, 2 or 3 octaves - RE8036AB) from ringTrue. Short, bright and cheery with lots of movement, it’s perfect as a Call to Worship or as a light palate cleanser in a concert.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
The parable of “The Sower” springs to life in this lively, original composition. Mallets and thumb damps set the tone for a light-hearted walk - scattering seeds along the way. The sower’s theme is airy and optimistic, telling the story of the journey.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
"Square One" is designed to be a complete pedagogical Level 1 method for teachers and directors.This long-awaited teaching method is now available! Proven in classroom and concert, "Square One" builds ringer confidence and knowledge step by confident step. Note reading on the staff and good ringing technique are introduced with carefully planned first-ringing experiences. Sixteen successive lessons, lettered A through P, are crafted to build skills and use rote/unison & chordal exercises, engaging etudes, and assessment pages. Digital version available with purchase and registration of Square One. To register your purchase, click HERE.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
“Painted Desert” is a lovely, dignified solo piece for L1 groups and is also compatible with a soon-to-be-released 3-5 oct. version – making it ideal for multiple grade/class/level presentations/concerts and for multi-level festival repertoire options. Great for workshops, classes or pedagogical studies – and to get a feel for the methodology used in Square One (RE3013R).
The capstone 3-piece suite featured at the end of the Square One method book is also available in this separate folio for concert, worship or festival use. Almost all techniques and theory covered in Square One lessons are included in one of these three engaging pieces.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
"Stone Soup" is a European/Scandinavian folktale dating to 1720 introducing the characters of The Traveler, Iron Pot, Stone, Villagers, and Food. Part of the Chord Stories series from ringTrue Handbell Music.
This light-hearted excursion features thumb damps, grace notes, echoes and marts as two themes are introduced and then cleverly layered together. "The Stones Will Shout," based on Luke 19:20, personifies unique geological features called "Hoodoos" - eroded sedimentary rock outcrops in the desert southwest which uncannily resemble human figures (as seen on the folio cover).
Haydn’s familiar 4th “Surprise” Symphony springs to life in this fun piece with thumb damps or marts and echoes. Optional repeats (one with first and second endings) in both the A and B sections allow for a longer performance. Easy 8th note runs for a few ringers add some sparkle.
Composer: Haydn Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
This peaceful interlude evokes a lush forest glade with dapples of sunlight. “Sylvan Glen” features an easy Bell Tree solo using 8 bells C6-C7, and accompaniment options including easy harp, piano, guitar, bell tree (G4-G6), bells or chimes – or even a lower C instrument like a viola or cello.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: 2+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
An initial offering in the new “First String Series” (featuring belltree pieces for one octave, more or less), “A Thankful Heart” will fast become a go-to favorite for its lovely theme and its versatility: play it as a simple, poignant belltree solo on 8 bells using either G5-G6 or C6-C7 – or add the piano accompaniment for a fuller presentation.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
“This is the Day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Be Glad!” Part of the “Sing & Ring” series from ringTrue Handbell Music, this cheery unison song is based on Psalm 118 and has options for piano accompaniment, easy guitar chords and/or chords rung on bells or chimes.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1-5 Level: 1 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
A masterful and heart-felt tribute to the 32 victims and the survivors of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, “Through the Storm” personifies the range of emotions felt by all who experience great joy, immense loss and courageous hope.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-6 Level: 4 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium Advance
Part of the First String series of bell tree pieces of one octave, more or less, Jeremiah Clarke’s "Trumpet Tune" is iconic for wedding processionals – and will be welcome as a festive note in worship and concert as well.
Composer: Clarke, Jeremiah Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Bell Trees are intriguing and so much fun to play! Let’s start with “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”! The first three progressive 6-bell Bell Tree pieces (Scores A - Very Easy, B - Easy & C - Medium Easy) were featured in the Spring 2019 issue of Overtones. A few more challenging variations are included in this folio (D1- Med. Difficult and E - Difficult) - plus a duet option (D2 - Medium) - plus a piano accompaniment for each setting – and all are reproducible. Each short piece stands on its own – but all versions can be tied together and presented as a medley – presented by different ringers - or by a single ringer - for a nice surprise in a concert or a capstone presentation at the end of a workshop.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 1 or 3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Inspired by a specific request and his own family heritage, Roy Attridge penned “Two Tongan Songs” which feature the national anthem of Tonga (Fasi fakafonua) and a beloved traditional hymn ('Ilonga ha taha). The national anthem is fully chorded (with a few 8th note runs) - scored on a single page.
Composer: Traditional Tongan Songs Arranger: Attridge, Roy Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Introducing "Building Blocks" – a most-welcome and long-needed series featuring workshop and class notes from experienced handbell educators sharing their expertise, experience, and insight to help make your rehearsals more productive and your ringers more confident. Each Building Block edition will give you tools and ideas to more effectively and knowledgeably lead your own ringers in explorations covering a wide range of topics. The kick-off edition, Unison Exercises - Intro and Level 1, introduces the concepts and theory behind Unison Exercises (UE) and how to create and use them in a rehearsal and classroom setting, teaching note-reading & new skills. An extensive explanation of hows and whys is accompanied by seven reproducible practice sheets for your ringers, plus a blank template for you to create your own.
“Upbeat!” is exactly that! A lively piece that features….upbeats! Carefully and clearly scored for “new-to-8th-note” ringers, this jaunty piece is easy to ring yet sounds big and complex, so even more established groups will enjoy ringing it as well. The sprightly melody is played in all ranges.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2, 3 or 5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Advent is a time of awaiting magical promises. This simple and haunting rendition of "Veni Emmanuel" (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; 15th century, France) perfectly embodies that special feeling of wonder as we await the coming of the Christ Child.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 1+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
A Split-Level piece, some parts are intentionally Level 1, but with lots of techniques, they are still fun to ring. Add tambourine and finger chimes for some sparkle.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-5 Level: 1+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
A welcome addition to the "Sing & Ring" series, "Walk the Walk - II" will delight singers, ringers and audience members. Based on Jesus' admonition to "Feed my sheep....Walk the walk with me" - the catchy original tune and very accessible accompaniment options allow all ages of musicians and multiple grades in a school to take part in the fun.
Mysterious and majestic, this arrangement of the lovely Welsh tune (ABERYSTWYTH, Joseph Parry 1876) features a solo line question and an obbligato answer, then moves to a more fully scored section. An exceptionally versatile score, it is offered in 2 settings to adapt to the number of available ringers.
Composer: Parry, Joseph Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Set a reverent mood during Advent/Christmas season with this ethereal arrangement of “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” – set for an easy-medium level Bell Tree solo and piano. The Bell Tree range is 17 bells C5-C7 (opt. D7, Eb7) – and this melodic line can also be played by a 4iH trio or a quartet or any number of ringers.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Hosanna! Celebrate Palm Sunday with this engaging Chord Story that follows Jesus along the road into Jerusalem. The disciples, the crowds, the palm branches and even the donkey have parts in this tale! Each character has a short musical “theme” played by a few ringers during the narrated story; all teachable by rote and ready to perform within minutes.
The Madden Brothers’ pop rock hit “We Are Done” is deftly captured in this spirited rendition by Kathleen Wissinger. Driving rhythms and full harmonies make it ideal for high school and college groups as well as for community and advanced ensembles. This boisterous contemporary song speaks of yearning to be recognized and valued without judgement: “No, we won't just go back Home without you hearing The sound when the many say, 'We are done.'”
Composer: Madden, B. & Madden, J. & Valentine, Eric Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 4-6 Level: 3+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
"Wellerman", a traditional New Zealand sea shanty (c. 1860), hit the internet by storm in early 2021 with Nathan Evans' TikTok collaboration. This jaunty arrangement includes some of the voicing heard in the now-famous recording. Two non-compatible scores are included in the folio: Score A is Level 2 for 2 octaves, and Score B (more complex) is Level 3 for 3 or 5 octaves.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2, 3 or 5 Level: 2+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
This vibrant “concert-length” piece for 12-16 bells (for 3-8 ringers) will really “wow” your audience. Made famous from a Tik-Tok video, Wellerman is a traditional New Zealand sea shanty that your compact group can now play, covering 12 bells from F5-C7 with options to add DE5 for 14 bells and B5C5 for 16 bells, plus a few D7/E7 notes in the final choruses ( clever drummer can play these if needed).
Composer: Traditional Sea Shanty Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy Medium
Here's a great closer for your holiday concerts! It's always nice to have a small piece stuck in your back pocket in case the audience begs for "just one more!" This Level 2, 3-5 octave setting won't require a lot of rehearsal time to learn, and the 2-page format makes it easy to play with no page turns.
Composer: Traditional English Carol Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
It’s a rare L1 piece that offers a truly beautiful interpretation that more advanced groups will also love playing - and this is one. Understated and plaintive, yet fully orchestrated for 3 or 5 octaves with compelling harmonic structure, “What Wondrous Love is This?” will become a classic in your group’s repertoire. It’s ideal for bells or chimes - or a mixture of both (options are noted).
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 1 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
Calling God’s people to worship, “When We Gather” is based on Matthew 18:20 - “When two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.” Delicate at first, then soaring with a rise in key, the Level 3, 3-6 oct. handbell score can stand alone as a grand musical prelude in worship or a strong concert piece in its own right.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-6 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
This little-known Southern Harmony gem enthralls with a unique form, minor mode and intriguing melody. These L3 arrangements explore three variations (verses) utilizing martellato statements and interesting harmonies. In addition to the traditional Lenten text associated with this tune, two insightful new hymn texts for Epiphany and Palm Sunday expand liturgical-use possibilities. Two non-compatible Level 3 scores allow for different bell and vocal ranges. Score A is for 2 octaves with optional A6, F3-F4, and vocal solo or unison hymn.
Composer: Southern Harmony Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 2 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
This little-known Southern Harmony gem enthralls with a unique form, minor mode and intriguing melody. These L3 arrangements explore three variations (verses) utilizing martellato statements and interesting harmonies. In addition to the traditional Lenten text associated with this tune, two insightful new hymn texts for Epiphany and Palm Sunday expand liturgical-use possibilities. Two non-compatible Level 3 scores allow for different bell and vocal ranges. Score B is for 3-7 octaves with optional vocal solo or unison hymn.
Composer: Southern Harmony Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-7 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
Glen Campbell's iconic ballad, "Wichita Lineman," is faithfully and beautifully interpreted for handbells in this specially commissioned piece. Slow pop syncopations and lush chording based on Glen's original performance will entice your ringers and mesmerize your audience.
Composer: Webb, Jimmy Arranger: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3-6 Level: 3 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
Lift your face to the wind, hoist the sails and take an invigorating trip with “Wind in Our Sails,” an original “sea ballad” for 3 or 5 octaves bells or chimes, Level 2: Easy to learn yet powerful in scope. The lovely tune is introduced as a solo line with an optional bell tree or solo C instrument and builds in strength throughout the piece.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 2 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy
"A Winter Scene" is based on the Gustav Holst tune CRANHAM and Christina Rossetti’s poem “In the Bleak Midwinter" - beginning as an impressionistic and literal presentation of the poem's first stanza: yearning for the Savior to be born.
Composer: Holst, Gustav Arranger: Reese, Alan Octaves: 4-6 Level: 3+ Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Medium
Subtitled “Prayful Moments” for sacred use, this 3-octave Level 1 piece is wonderfully interesting and thoughtful - starting in c minor and brightening to C Major in an easy transition. Appropriate for bells or chimes, “Written on a Postcard” is an original “through” piece (each section is different) that travels through a series of vignettes, each with its own personality. And rightly so, since each 8-measure section was written by a team of three or four 5th graders in Kath’s handbell class as their composition project for Spring 2022.
Composer: Wissinger, Kathleen Octaves: 3 Level: 1 Publisher: ringTrue Rating: Easy