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Series Title: The Beginning Ringers Series
(Alfred Handbell)
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Song Title |
Composer(s) |
Arranger(s) |
Octaves |
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A Carol Jubilee |
Various |
Rogers, Sharon Elery |
2-3 |
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Review: 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.
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Advent Promise |
Page, Anna Laura |
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2-3 |
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Review: "Advent Promise" has an anticipatory energy about it - just like the Advent season. Fresh original music, along with the hymn, "Come, Thou Long -Expected Jesus," (slightly altered), is fully scored to keep all ringers involved, and spiced with special techniques.
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Amazing Grace |
Towner, Daniel B. |
Helman, Michael |
2-3 |
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Review: "Amazing Grace" is a lovely setting of the beloved hymn, incorporating Grace Greater Then Our Sin, for 2-3 octave beginning handbell choir. It is appropriate for worship services and special occasions.
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Behold! The King Comes! |
Ingram, Bill |
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2-3 |
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Review: An original composition for 2-3 octaves by Bill Ingram, celebrating the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday.
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Bell Jubilee |
Page, Anna Laura |
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2-3 |
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Review: This is an exciting original composition for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir and optional C instrument.
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Bell Peal on Holy Holy Holy |
Dykes, John B. |
Lamb, Linda R. |
2 |
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Review: "Bell Peal on Holy, Holy, Holy" is written in predominantly half and whole notes for easy counting.
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Bit of Bach, A |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
Rogers, Sharon Elery |
2-3 |
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Review: Actually, it's three separate bits of Bach under one cover. "Gavotte" is from the English Suite in D minor. "Prelude in C" is from the Well-Tempered Clavier and "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" comes from Bach's Cantata 147.
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Bit of Beethoven |
Beethoven, Ludwig Van |
Rogers, Sharon Elery |
2-3 |
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Review: "A Bit of Beethoven" is the fourth collection in a series of abbreviated pieces by classic composers for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir.
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Bit of Handel, A |
Handel, G. F. |
Rogers, S. |
2-3 |
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Review: "A Bit of Handel" is an exciting collection of three abbreviated arrangements of compositions by George Frideric Handel for 2-3 octaves of handbell or handchime choir. It includes "Awake My Soul", "Pastoral Symphony", and "Hallelujah Chorus".
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Bit of Haydn |
Haydn, Franz Joseph |
Rogers, Sharon Elery |
2-3 |
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Review: "A Bit of Haydn" is the fifth collection in a series of abbreviated pieces by classic composers for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir. Other collections include: A Bit of Bach; A Bit of Handel; A Bit of Mozart; and A Bit of Beethoven.
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Bit of Mozart |
Mozart, W. |
Rogers, S. E. |
2-3 |
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Review: "A Bit of Mozart" is the 3rd collection in a series of abbreviated pieces by classic composers for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir. This collection, based on pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, includes "Ave Verum", "Arietta" and "Eine Klein Nacht Music." Each of these selections is appropriate for school events, church services, concerts and Young Musician festivals.
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Bound for Glory |
Various |
Waldrop, T. |
2-3 |
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Review: "This Train Is Bound for Glory" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" are the two spirituals which comprise the setting and includes optional sandblocks as the "choo-choo" sound.
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Campana Sonos |
Wissinger, Kathleen |
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2-3 |
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Review: This original composition is an educational etude, which introduces a variety of handbell techniques section by section.
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Chime Suite |
Hollander, L. |
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2-3 |
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Review: Three movements make up this original composition. 1) Faith-bold, with a march-like melody and catching, quarter-half-quarter melody; 2) Hope-patient tempo, minor mode, a gentle, step-wise melody; and 3) Love-confident, peal-like accompaniment, full chords, and a strong, positive ending. Composer suggestions for rehearsal and performance are included on the final page.
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Come Christians Join to Sing |
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Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: Several articulations are used in this setting of the hymn tune "Madrid", echo, martellato, martellato lift, shake, and normal ring. Dynamics from "mp" to "ff" also appear. The melody is offered in both upper and lower registers, giving everyone a chance to participate.
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Come Thou Almighty King |
Giardini, F. |
Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: Pluck, thumb damp and shake techniques are incorporated into this level I setting of the hymn tune, ITALIAN HYMN . 98 measures in length with mostly chordal texture.
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Come Thou Almighty King |
Giardini, Felice de |
Page, Anna Laura |
2-3 |
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Review: The classic hymn "Come, Thou Almighty King" has been given a highly accessible new setting for 2-3 octave handbell choir by Anna Laura Page .
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Crown Him with Many Crowns |
Elvey, George J. |
Angerman, David |
2-3 |
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Review: A grand and joyous setting of DIADEMATA for bells or chimes. Opening rhythm motive is taken from the melody and weaves in and out of the entire piece.
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English Christmas, An |
Various |
Helman, M. |
2-3 |
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Review: "Good King Wenceslas" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", are combined in festive manner for novice handbell ringers. The melodies occur in the lower and upper bells, giving everyone a chance at the tune. For the most part chordal texture is scored with some martellatos and shakes added for effect.
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English Hymn Sketchbook |
English Hymns |
Sondra K. Tucker |
2-3 |
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Review: Sondra Tucker has composed a useful setting of DOWN AMPNEY, FOREST GREEN, and KINGSFOLD in separate movements, which may be performed as Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude, or may be performed individually.
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Entrata and Exuberance |
Tucker, M. |
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2-3 |
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Review: This two-movement composition for handbell or handchime choir offers the beginning ensemble many learning opportunities.
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Fanfare on Old Hundredth |
Hymn Tune |
Angerman, David |
2-3 |
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Review: This arrangement is well-suited for beginning groups and is equally effective on handbells or handchimes.
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Five Carols for Beginning Ringers |
Various |
Page, Anna Laura |
2-3 |
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Review: Christmas is a magical time of year when we remember the Christ Child and what His birth has meant to the world from that time to the present. We love to sing and ring carols of the season as we celebrate and "Five Carols for Beginning Ringers" offers new ringers the opportunity to participate in the Christmas celebration.
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Five for Fall for Beginning Ringers |
Various |
Page, Anna Laura |
2-3 |
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Review: All five selections in this collection offer opportunities to beginning ringers to participate in worship throughout the fall season. Titles include: "Beginning Praise", "A Thankful Heart", "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming", "Angels from the Realms of Glory", and "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child".
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Five Hymns for Beginning Ringers |
Various |
Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: This collection includes the following titles: "How Firm a Foundation", "God is So Good", "As Longs the Deer for Cooling Streams", "Morning Has Broken" and "Amazing Grace".
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Five Spirituals for Beginning Ringers |
Various |
Page, Anna Laura |
2-3 |
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Review: The singing of spirituals is an important part of our musical heritage and offers us wonderful insight into difficult as well as joyful times in our history. It seems appropriate that ringing spirituals will be fun for beginning ringers as well. This collection includes spirituals that may be used by beginning handbell and handchime ringers throughout various seasons of the year. Titles include "Mary Had a Baby", "Were You There", "He is King of Kings", "Kum Ba Yah", and "Great Day!".
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Following Yonder Star |
Hopkins, John H. |
Edwards, Dan |
3 or 5 |
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Review: This rendition of “We Three Kings” has a big sound, but is super easy to prepare for performance.
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For Unto Us a Child Is Born |
Handel, George Frideric |
Eithun, Sandra |
2-3 |
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Review: This arrangement of G.F. Handel’s energetic chorus from "The Messiah" is set in easy to read rhythms and chordal textures, making it accessible to beginning ringers.
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Friendly Beasts |
Traditional French Carol |
Eithun, Sandra |
2-3 |
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Review: The clip-clop of a donkey's hooves, the cooing of a dove, and the mooing of a cow all make a musical appearance in this sweet Christmas hymn arrangement.
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Get on Board Little Children |
Spiritual |
Waldrop, Tammy |
2-4 |
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Review: "Get on Board, Little Children!" is a fun piece for any age "child" to "get on board" and ring.
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God Be With You |
Tomer, W. G. |
Geschke, S. E. |
2-3 |
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Review: "God Be With You" is a beautiful, flowing setting of the familiar benediction for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir. It is useful in worship as a closing hymn and in any other situation where a closing benediction is appropriate.
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Good Christian Friends Rejoice |
Traditional |
Page, Anna Laura |
2-3 |
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Review: "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" by Anna Laura Page is a lively Christmas melody from the 14th century, and is a perfect choice for the Christmas season. It offers beginning ringers the opportunity to participate in special holiday programs with sparkle and excitement.
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Go Tell It |
Traditional Christmas Spiritual |
Waldrop, Tammy |
2-3 |
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Review: Choirs will find this selection a fun, educational, and unique setting of the traditional spiritual "Go, Tell It on the Mountain."
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Happy Song |
Waldrop, T. |
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2-3 |
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Review: "A Happy Song" is a happy original piece for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir. Beginning ringers of any age will enjoy ringing this setting in church or school.
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Here I Am to Worship |
Hughes, Tim |
Labenske, Victor |
2 |
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Review: This setting of the popular worship chorus is artfully arranged for beginning ringers.
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How Great Thou Art |
Various |
Helman, M. |
2-3 |
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Review: Chimes or Bells will feel equally at home in this medley of the title tune and "This Is My Father's World". The melodies are clearly marked throughout with melody lines, enabling the ringers to "track" the music. The LV and shake techniques are used.
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I'm Gonna Let it Shine |
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Angerman, David |
2-3 |
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Review: Three variations of the traditional children's song are found in this 2-3 octave arrangement, which does a good job at using all the bells. Each variation is connected by a bridge based on the opening motive.
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Israel's Joy |
Hebrew Folk Song |
Lamb, Linda |
2-3 |
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Review: Appealing to children, youth and adults, this setting of a Hebrew folk tune pulses with energy and musical color.
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I Surrender All |
Weeden, Winfield S. |
Eithun, Sandra |
2-3 |
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Review: This hymn arrangement is equally accessible for handbells or handchimes. The melody is scored in both upper and middle ranges, allowing for skill development in hearing and bringing out the tune.
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I've Got Peace Like a River |
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Waldrop, T. |
2-3 |
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Review: The three verses of this traditional tune are scored to simulate their meaning. "Peace Like a River" has a bass melody and smooth, upper accompaniment. "Joy Like a Fountain" has a treble melody with chords "spraying" up from the bass range. "Love Like an Ocean" has the melody on top of chords with the shaking technique like shimmering, ocean waves. A random ring opens and closes the arrangement.
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Jesus In the Morning |
Traditional Spiritual |
Hurlbutt, Patricia |
3-5 |
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Review: Alfred Handbell welcomes Patricia Hurlbutt to our catalog with a beautiful and accessible setting of the traditional song.
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Joy to the World |
Handel, G. F. |
Edwards, D. |
2-3 |
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Review: The "JOY" in this setting fo the favorite carol is achieved musically with strong textures, mart-lifts, shakes, echos, and thumb damps. Scored to keep all ringers involved and each register to be parft of the melody at some time during the piece. Performance notes are given on the final page.
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Let All Things Now Living |
English Folk Song |
Eithun, Sandra |
2-3 |
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Review: This simple setting of a classic hymn provides a charming addition to any worship service or school program, particularly for new or beginning ringers.
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Let My People Go |
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Waldrop, T. |
2-3 |
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Review: Arranger Tammy Waldrop spices up the old spiritual "Go Down Moses" with the combination of speech and music in dialog. The bell ringers plead musically and vocally with Pharaoh to "let my people go."
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Lord of Glory |
Pritchard, Rowland H. |
Geschke, Susan E. |
2-3 |
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Review: This selection is a setting of the familiar hymn tune HYFRYDOL, and is appropriate for any time of the year. An alternate title, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" makes it useful during Advent. Especially useful as a teaching piece for beginning ringers because of its repetition of passages.
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Medley of Faith, A |
Various |
Rogers, S. |
2-3 |
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Review: Written with the beginning choir in mind using quarter and half notes only. Appropriate for Lent, Baptism, Dedication and general worship. The medley contains: "Softly and Tenderly", "Have Thine Own Way" and "Near the Cross."
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More Precious Than Silver |
DeShazo, Lynn |
Hollander, Lynne |
2 |
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Review: Satisfying for novice ringers as well as small ensembles, this favorite worship chorus rings equally well on bells or chimes or a combination of both.
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My Friend Jesus |
Various |
Waldrop, T. |
2-3 |
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Review: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus and What a Friend We Have in Jesus" are the two tunes which make up this arrangement. A lilting mood is scored for the first tune and a straight-forward setting with the echo technique for the second. Mostly chordal in texture with an ample supply of special technique.
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O Come Little Children |
Shulz, J. |
Helman, M. |
2-3 |
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Review: "O Come, Little Children" for 2-3 octave handbell choir is a delightful, energetic setting of the familiar Christmas carol that incorporates "Angels We Have Heard on High." It is an excellent choice for beginning ringers to perform during the Christmas season.
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O Come O Come Emmanuel |
Various |
Helman, Michael |
2-3 |
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Review: This is a lovely setting of the 12th century Latin hymn "Veni Emmanuel" that incorporates the traditional Israeli melody "Promised One" for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir.
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Our Hymn of Grateful Praise |
Various |
Helman, Michael |
2-3 |
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Review: Original introductory and transitional music is combined with the hymn tunes DIX ("For the Beauty of the Earth") and ROYAL OAK ("All Things Bright and Beautiful") to create music for the Thanksgiving season or any moment of grateful worship.
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O Worship the King |
Gardiner, W. |
Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: Marked "With Excitement," quarter note = 96-104 with a 3/4 time signature the texture of this work is predominantly full chords. Mart lift and shake technique are called for, but only sparingly.
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Praise the Father |
Various |
Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: Dynamic contrast is an important feature of this setting of the majestic hymn "Stuttgart", which has been set to many texts. "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is incorporated into the work as well. Performance notes give ideas and suggestions for perfecting the work.
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Praise to the Lord |
Lobe den Herren |
Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: A majestic setting of the familiar tune, Lobe Den Herren, that provides ringers with martellato and mart-lifts to give weight to the melody. Rehearsal notes are given for executing special articulations such as the echo and the martellato, and for finding and bringing out the melodies of the work. 107 measures.
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Procession of Crowns |
Holden, Oliver |
Angerman, David |
2-3 |
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Review: CORONATION is the hymn tune treated in a majestic manner in this arrangement. Performance notes are given with helpful drill ideas for executing certain figures within the piece.
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Ring |
Lamb, Linda |
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2-3 |
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Review: Filled with special techniques, including handbell handle clicks, this original works serves as a teaching as well as a performance piece.
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Ring Little Bells |
Traditional German Carol |
Hollander, Lynne |
2-3 |
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Review: This bright selection for the Advent/Christmas season is a "crisp-like-snow" setting of the traditional German carol, "Kling Glocken."
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Round of Praise |
Helman, Michael |
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3-5 |
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Review: This original composition is sub-titled "Festive Rondo." The stately work sounds big, keeps all ringers involved, and its sophistication belies its level 1+ rating.
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Seek Ye First |
Lafferty, Karen |
Hollander, Lynne |
2 |
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Review: This classic praise song is paired with Pachelbel's Canon. A simple arrangement, it is a good choice for beginning ringers.
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Seven Joys of Mary, The |
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Kinyon, B. |
2-3 |
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Review: Set in 3/4 with the tempo marked: with spirit, quarter = 160-176, this traditional English carol is well within reach of the level I choir. Control of dynamics is an important element in this work and a drill has been given in the performance notes to better facilitate this dynamic execution. Even with its 2-3 designation, the third octave upper bells don't see much "action" until midway through the piece.
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Shenandoah |
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Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: Shenandoah is an arrangement of the beloved American folk song for 2-3 octaves beginning handbell choir, handchime choir or beginning ensemble. The piece challenges ringers to learn listening skills.
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Silent Night |
Gruber, F. |
Helman, M. |
2-3 |
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Review: For beginning ringers or experienced ringers wanting to work on their musicality skills, this setting of STILLE NACHT by Franz Gruber works for either group. The echo technique is scored to add shimmering quality to the score. The melody is found in different registers, allowing several the ringers and opportunity to ring the line.
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Simple Song of Joy, A |
Keller, M. |
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2-3 |
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Review: Learning opportunities are abundant in this original energetic piece for beginning ringers. The use of the optional C instrument encourages the ringers to ring independently while simultaneously playing with another instrument. The bells ring in a chordal texture while the instrument provides more intricate rhythms and melody. 45 measures.
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Sing We Now of Christmas |
Traditional French Carol |
Phillips, Judy |
2-3 |
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Review: A spectrum of musical color is created by various bell techniques and the optional tambourine part in this lively setting of the French carol.
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Stand Up and Bless the Lord |
St. Michael/Genevan Psalter |
Page, A. L. |
2-3 |
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Review: "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" is an exciting and majestic arrangement of the familiar hymn for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir. It is appropriate for general worship services and Young Ringers festivals.
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Still Still Still |
Traditional Austrian Carol |
Nelson, Susan |
2-3 |
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Review: This lovely setting of a classic evokes the peaceful nativity.
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Suite for Bells, A |
Althouse, Jay |
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2-3 |
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Review: This original composition consists of three movements, "Moderato", "Adagio", and "Allegro". The names of the movements indicate the tempo at which they are to be played.
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Tall Walls Fall |
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Waldrop, T. |
2-3 |
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Review: This delightful rendition of the old spiritual. "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho", has the ringers marching in place, as Josh's army, before they begin ringing. The suprises aren't over, however. Right before the walls "fall" with a tumble of martellatos, the ringers shout out various warnings "Look out, below!" or "Timber!". Performance notes are given to aid in the various technique execution along with the exhortation "Have Fun !".
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Technicalities for Handbells |
Various |
Wissinger, Kathleen |
3 |
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Review: Alfred presents a new series focusing on learning and teaching handbell techniques. This first volume features mallets in “Rustic Mallet Dance,” and echoes in “Echo Canyon.”
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Three American Melodies |
Various |
Althouse, Jay |
2 |
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Review: 3 tunes separately arranged. "The Ash Grove", "Canon" (Lowell Mason tune), & "Liza Jane", for beginning groups. Basic rhythms, whole, half and quarter notes.
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Three Songs of the American Revolution |
Various |
Althouse, Jay |
2 |
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Review: Ideal for less experienced choirs. This small collection contains "Chester", "When Jesus Wept", & "Yankee Doodle".
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Two Carols for Christmas |
Various |
Krug, Jason |
2-3 |
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Review: Straightforward, creative and fresh, the two carols, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Pat-a-Pan" are handy resources for the Christmas season.
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Two Carols with Percussion |
Various |
Edwards, Dan R. |
3 or 5 |
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Review: Optional percussion - hand drum or tambourine - lends its special flavor to "Pat-a-Pan," a Burgundian carol, and the Catalonian carol "Fum, Fum, Fum."
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Two English Christmas Carols |
Various |
Helman, Michael |
2-3 |
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Review: "Two English Christmas Carols" is a versatile setting of two folksongs, "I Saw Three Ships," and "The Sussex Carol."
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Two Fanfares for Bells |
Keller, M. |
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2-3 |
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Review: Two separate fanfares for the beginning 2-3 octave handbell or chime choir or ensemble team are easily grasped and are appropriate for a variety of performance situations.
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Two Fanfares for Bells Set II |
Keller, M. |
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2-3 |
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Review: Useful for learning and performing, this second set of fanfares present beginning ringers with opportunities for learning dynamic contrasts, thumb damp, hand damp and mallet.
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Two Festive Fanfares |
Keller, M. |
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2-3 |
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Review: This folio contains two individual original pieces for 2-3 octaves beginning bell or chime choir. Fanfare I is in G major, 4/4 time, with repeated sections. Fanfare II is in C major in 3/4 time also with repeats and a D.C. al Fine. These pieces are appropriate for church, school, or festival.
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Two Hymns of the Church |
Wesley, S. S. |
Ingram, B. |
2-3 |
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Review: "Two Hymns fo the Church" includes "The Church's One Foundation" and "My Jesus, I Love Thee" arranged for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir. These arrangements are lovely settings for beginning ringers to use as they begin participating in worship.
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Two Songs for Bells |
Various |
Ingram, Bill |
2-3 |
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Review: "Two Songs for Bells" contains two settings of traditional spirituals for 2-3 octave handbell or handchime choir.
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Variations on Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley |
Traditional Spiritual |
Waldrop, Tammy |
2-3 |
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Review: "Variations on Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley" is a set of variations on the familiar spiritual for 2-3 octave handbell choir with an optional vocal solo.
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Water Is Wide |
Scottish Folk Melody |
Phillips, Judy |
2-3 |
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Review: The legato melody of this lovely Scottish tune offers opportunities to develop expressive ringing.
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Water Music |
Various |
Waldrop, T. |
2-3 |
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Review: Ringers should have a good time getting "ringing wet" with this selection, a medley of "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore and Deep and Wide". Water sounds can be found in the rippling accompaniment of Michael and the frothy shakes in Deep and Wide.
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We Adore Thee |
Beethoven, Ludwig van |
Krug, Jason |
3-5 |
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Review: This triumphant setting of Beethoven’s "Hymn to Joy" is quick to prepare and fun to perform.
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We Gather to Give Thanks |
Various |
Waldrop, Tammy |
3 or 5 |
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Review: Easy to prepare, this medley of "The Doxology," "We Gather Together," and "Now Thank We All Our God" is woven together with new material for a fresh sound.
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Were You There |
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Kinyon, B. |
2-3 |
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Review: Performance notes for making this beginning ringing work successful are included in the back of this folio. The setting of the familiar Lenten hymn allows the beginning ringers to be aware of the melody with relation to accompaniment. Also, many dynamic changes, done correctly, will enhance the musicality of the piece for ringers and listeners alike.
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We Three Kings |
Hopkins, John H. |
Kinyon, Barbara B. |
2-3 |
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Review: This is a beautiful setting of the familiar carol for 2-3 octave handbell choir.
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What Child Is This |
Traditional English Melody |
Hakes, Derek K. |
2-3 |
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Review: This reflective setting of the 16th century English melody, GREENSLEEVES, works equally well for bells or chimes or a mixture of both.
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What Is This Lovely Fragrance |
Traditional |
Mazzatenta, Michael |
3-5 |
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Review: "What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a setting of the traditional French carol for handbells or handchimes.
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