Adoration

Commissioned for the 1997 Hagerstown Area Handbell Festival, this original work is for double handbell choir and timpani. Choir I is for 2 octaves of bells or choir chimes and Choir II is for either 3,4,5 or 6 octaves.

Advent Celebration

This work is a versatile Christmas selection. It includes a Procession that can be easily memorized, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence", "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" and "Angels We Have Heard on High."

Allegretto

Ludwig van Beethoven's movement from Symphony No. 7 is set here for handbells using various special effects to communicate the original symphony. Mallets on tabled bells, martellato, plucking, thumb damp, and shakes all appear to enrich the texture.

Amazing Grace

This arrangement is a setting of the traditional tune in which the 3rd stanza modulates and uses an arpeggiated bass accompaniment pattern.

Americana Medley

This work is a simply arranged medley of " My Country Tis of Thee", "America The Beautiful", "Let Us Break Bread Together", and "Amazing Grace".

America the Beautiful

Arranged for mixed chorus (SATB) with handbells as the accompanying instrument, this octavo offers a variation to all the choral pieces with voices and keyboard.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Ideal for the less experienced choir, this straightforward arrangement uses traditional harmony except near the end. It concludes with a flourish.

Aria

Imagine a radiant angel floating onto the opera stage with shimmering wings, singing with a pure, clear voice a soaring melody. That's the feel of this original composition for bells and 3 or 5 octaves of chimes (which are NOT optional).

Arioso

This ever popular piece is here arranged for 3 to 5 octaves. Following the dynamic and tempo markings results in a satisfying performance.

At Peace

This arrangement is an excerpt from "Playera" by Enrique Granados, opus 5, number 5. Its 35, andante measures are open-scored, in a gentle 3/4, with a pervasive dotted rhythm in the melody, and no key changes.

Berceuse

From the opera, "Jocelyn", this arrangement offers ringers an opportunity to become familiar with compositions which are a part of our musical heritage.

Be Thou With Me

"Bist Du Bei Mir", Bach's immortal aria, is ideal for any solemn occasion such as a memorial service. Use this piece with medium-high voice or flute.

Black is the Color

This score is ideal for the less experienced choir because only whole, half and quarter notes are used in this arrangement.

Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella

Easy rhythms allow the soloist to perform this solo at a faster tempo. Interesting accompaniment.

Camptown Races

One minute, forty seconds is all the time required to perform this "jaunty" setting of Stephen C. Foster's tune. Staccato technique is in high demand as well as precise damping. There's even time for a couple of mallet rolls on tabled bells and other techniques. A smartly rung "Ring Touch" ends the piece.

Christmas Tidings

The following tunes, "Deck the Halls, Coventry Carol & O Little Town of Bethlehem", are arranged to play as a medley or each can be played individually.

C Major

"C Major" is a handbell adaptation of the first movement of Mozart's Sonata No. 1 in C Major.

Crickbed Sketch

The publisher of this original work describes it as thus: "A flowing, pastoral scene in 6/8." John Steinbeck meets J.R.R.Tolkien. The 6/8 rhythms combine eighths and sixteenths in dotted patterns. Good counting of 16th note passages is a must. The music is very desciptive and lends itself well to interpretation.

Dancing Shoes

In this fast paced original composition, precision ringing is required. Bass plucking is suggested throughout most of the music and is played against a purely rung eighth note melody line.

Dona Nobis Pacem

This version of "Dona Nobis Pacem" is a wonderful arrangement in a quiet setting except for the ending. Flowing eighth notes are the norm here and the tempo is moderate.

Don't Worry It's Only Entropy

Performance notes read: "Entropy" should click like clockwork, feeling phrases of two measures inside phrases of four measures, inside phrases of eight measures. Pay close attention to accents and the patterns will make sense.

Elgantine Recessional

The eglantine is a sweetbriar wild rose of Europe and central Asia. It has small fragrant pink flowers. This image is portrayed in the musical score through use of andante tempo, mallets on suspended bells, and simple rhythms.

Eloge

The composer states: "Eloge is very definitely a serious piece, which blurs the line between the tonal and the atonal."

Everlasting Kindness

Written for the composer's parents 60th wedding anniversary, this original composition-marked "rubato"-is tender with romantic harmonies and use of alternate ossia measures for ornamentation. The music focuses in on the pure, rung sound of bells with only the LV technique being employed.

Fantasy on Shchedrik

"Shchedrik" known in English as "Ukrainian Christmas Carol" is arranged here for a full 5 octaves of bells. Chromatic bell changes, mallets, quick tempo, fast scale passages, and changing meter challenge ringers to sharpen their skills while enjoying this favorite Christmas carol of all countries.

Four Plainsongs

DIVINUM MYSTERIUM (Christmas), PANGE LINGUA ( Holy Week), VICTIMAE PASCHALI LAUDES (Easter) and VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS (Pentecost) are the plainsongs arranged in this resourceful folio. Ranging in performance time from 1:50 - 3:00, these selections work well to "fill in the niches" in seasonal services.

Fugue In C Minor

From the "Well Tempered Clavier", Book 1.

Glory Hallelujah

An arrangement using only whole, half and quarter notes. Ideal for the less experienced choir.

Green Grow'th the Holly

Simple, but energetic rhythms are scored for the optional 2-3 octave handbell part that goes with this original, commissioned SATB anthem with Chamber ensemble.

Grove

The publisher describes this original piece as: "Heaps of suspended malleting and perfect 4ths make this a mysterious change of scene for an advanced first year choir." Ties across bar lines are the main challenge in this otherwise simple piece.

Handbell Mass

This composition is a full mass setting utilizing 5 octaves of handbells and handchimes as the accompanying instrument for the choir. Wind chimes, crotales, suspended cymbal and tambourine add extra sparkle to the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.

Hatikvah (National Anthem of Israel)

This arrangement of the Israeli National Anthem is set for a full 5 octaves of bells. After a two measure intro the melody begins and then is doubled at the octave.

Here We Come A Wassailing

A delightful carol. Bells in the 3 octave range are active.

How Firm a Foundation

Commissioned by a church in Texas for its 125th anniversary, this arrangement of the American folk hymn tune has been set for 3, 4 or 5 octaves of bells. After a short introduction the melody enters in the bass bells with the mid-range bells on chords and the upper bells "dancing" around with ornamentation. A little later the registers "trade" textures. A quicker section involves the use of mallets on tabled bells in the lower voices and the upper bells on the melody in octaves. A broad section finishes the work.

How Great Thou Art

A traditional setting of this favorite. The few 16th notes in the setting are no problem because of the repeated pattern.

I Love To Tell The Story

A traditional setting of the old gospel tune. Another piece in the Hymn Favorites series.

Impromptu (Opus 142, No. 2)

This arrangement provides bell ringers an opportunity to ring happy music from the piano works of Schubert.

In the Garden

Fifteen Hymn arrangements for organ with optional Chimes, Handbells, Solo instrument & Piano or Synthesizer. Performance options in organ score show versatility of this collection.

Jesous Ahatonhia

This popular French folk song became important historically when a Jesuit missionary wrote lyrics to explain the birth of Christ to the Huron Indians. The 1st stanza is chordal, while the 2nd stanza has an arpeggiated bass accompaniment.

Jesus Loves Me

A traditional setting of a hymn popular for decades.

Joyful March, A

Clean, strong melody is a characteristic of Michael Helman's compositions for bells. This piece is no exception. Chordal as well as linear texture are found. A smattering of techniques keeps ringers on their toes. 58 measures in length.

Joyous Christmas Day

The performance notes give directions for performing the piece in its entirety or playing individual tunes from the medley.

Joysong

Composer Kevin McChesney has done a fine job writing this vivacious work for 2, 3, 4 or 5 octaves of bells - quite a feat! It earns its level 5 rating due to a bright, quick tempo and meter changes from simple to duple and back again.

Joy to the World

Festive arrangement requiring advanced rhythmic and ringing skills. Rhythm changes from simple to 10/8 back to 4/4.

Juxtaposition

Described better as a layering of "sound" rather than melody and harmony this original composition moves along in driving rhythm and minor tonalities. Optional hand chimes help to define one layer of sound against the bells.

Kris Kringle Jingle

Merle Petersen has a way with creative titles and ideas. In this delightful romp she combines "Jingle Bells", "Jolly Old St. Nicholas", and Mozart's "Sleigh Ride".

Largo

This fresh arrangement from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is taken from the "Winter" movement. Three octaves of handchimes (F4 up) ring a melody line against a full 5 octave of handbells - neither is optional. Pizzacato strings are represented by plucking treble bells. An interesting addition to concert or worship.

Lauda (Hymn of Praise, A)

Valerie W. Stephenson presents all sides of adoration in her original composition sub-titled "Hymn of Praise". A majestic introduction gives way to an underlying syncopation in the accompaniment. Toll Swings and plucks add fanciful accompaniment later on and leads into a joyful romp. Then the music slows and is full of feeling. A big ending tops it off-all in a performance length of 5 minutes.

Little Brown Church

Another in the Hymn Favorites series, this arrangement of a popular hymn of yesteryear is well accepted by those remembering the tune.

Little Drummer Boy, The

A Calypso beat makes this entertaining for the performers and the audience. Bell assignments are given for 6 or 12 ringers.

Little Ones

An arpeggiated bass throughout most of the music supports beautiful melodic material. Several meter changes from simple to compound meter. LV used extensively.

Lullaby

This quiet, short handbell piece is in 6/8 meter. Only 33 measures.

Magic Bells

An easy piece using multiple bell techniques.

Manhattan Daily News

This collection includes nine preludes that introduce concepts slowly and cover a lot of temporal real estate in the process. Titles include "Fish in a Barrel, Do the Wave, The Squished Bee", etc.

Medioevale

This original composition was commissioned by a bell ensemble and consists of two quartets with optional piccolo or flute and percussion. The sections carry the character markings of "Forcefully, Flowing, Chant-like, Legato, choral-like, Bright Jig" and then a return to Tempo I. 119 measures in length.

Meditation

Challenging 2 octave music is a rare find, which makes this lovely original composition a good resource for those ensembles looking for a step up. The melody is accompanied by lush harmonies in mostly chordal rhythms.

Mighty Fortress, A

An easy arrangement within the capability of beginning groups.

Moonlight Sonata

An adaptation of Beethoven's "Sonata in C# Major", the 1st movement. 51 bells needed.

My Heart Rejoices

Rhythmically easy, this original solo is with piano and optional cello and windchimes.

Nativity Bell Song

A gentle Christmas selection for handbells, voice (solo or unison choir) and flute. Bells, voice and flute are necessary to perform this quiet lullaby. Text and music are original.

Noel

This challenging 2 octave piece is an original composition in a minor/modal feel. The driving, syncopated accompaniment stirs up a feeling of expectancy, which is perfect for the Advent season.

O Come Emmanuel

Ideal for the beginning choir. Uses only whole, half and quarter notes except for 1 measure of 8th notes.

Old Hundred Variations

How many churches, Sunday after Sunday, sing the "Doxology" the same old way? Raymond Herbek has set out remedy that by putting this tune through a several variations. It is set "positively," "Thoughtfully," "Brightly," "With precision," "Playfully," "Sturdily," "Smoothly" and at last "Triumphantly." All this in a variety of meter signatures and keys.

Old Rugged Cross

In 1988 this wonderful tune came into public domain and this is Laurendale's 3 octave arrangement of the hymn.

Onward Christian Soldiers

A 10 measure introduction leads to a simple, easy setting of this popular hymn.

Panis Angelicus

For a flute and handbells. The flute has the solo on the first stanza and plays a duet with the bells on the second. A lot of plucking is used. There is a separate flute score in each copy of the music.

Papillon

The Butterfly in English, this transcription of Edvard Grieg's composition is "a flutter" with chromatic runs in 16th rhythms. Beautiful but it requires a lot of work for the more advanced choir.

Paragon Rag

Scott Joplin wrote the orignal rag upon which this arrangement is based. An excellent choice to sharpen the precision and rhythmic skills of intermediate to advanced choirs, it is perfect for a concert!

Pavane

Gabriel Faure's beautiful original composition is arranged here for 5-6 octaves of bells AND 3 octave of handchimes. This composition is a great piece to work on musical expression in finest details. Delicate lines of music as well as strong, full passages offer contrast and depth.

Peace Be With You

Written in memory of a friend this original composition is marked adagio. The melody gives the impression of comfort and a bittersweet joy. After 16 measures the tempo quickens a bit and the melody moves to the middle bells.

Phoebus Tangents

The publisher writes of this original work: "If a group of genetically-enhanced super-genius chimpanzees ever got a chance to write a bell piece, it would probably sound a lot like this!" This piece consists of lots of syncopation, mallets and a meter change!

Piano Concerto No. 1

Excerpts from the melodic piano Concerto No. 1. Could almost be played by 3 octaves.

Pictures at an Exhibition (excerpts)

Short excerpts from the romantic Russian literature of the past century. Includes: "Promenade, Ballet of Unhatched Chickens, Bydlo, Hut of the Baba-Yaga and the Great Gate".

Plazcol

The composer states: "Play-school," a contrived title for a really serious piece of music, is composed upon a 12-tone row. The interest lies not only in the unusual melodic terrain but in the rhythmic undulation as well.

Polly Wolly Doodle

Using only 8 bells (D5-D6) gives your quartet the option of playing with or without tables and pads (take your bells and go!). Written on treble clef only.

Prelude and Fugue in B Flat

Perform this well know fugue equally well with 3, 4, or 5 octaves.

Premier Danser

The composer states: this piece hopefully recalls to each of us at least one memory or two of our first public performance. This work was written for the AGEHR Area XII Marching Handbell Choir leading the 1994 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Processional to Worship

Based on the hymn tune WIE LIEBLICH IS DER MAIEN, the processional must be played at the tables due to the marted and malleted accompaniment that compliments the spring-like melody. This melody appears in both upper and lower registers, giving all ringers an opportunity to play the tune.

Quiet Silence

Lovely is the best description of this original work for unison male chorus and two octaves of handchimes. The text is taken from the Oxford Book of Prayers, Christmas Vespers, Western Rite. The entire chime accompaniment is chordal with some bell changes.

Raggy Hop

From the Campanile Handbell Series. Music written in swing rhythm and style. Charts given for 6 and 12 ringers.

Ring, The

Robert Schumann provides the source of this music ideal for a wedding or commitment service. Use with a medium voice or a C instrument.

Rococo Ring

Playful, spirited, and with a clean texture, this original work in a baroque, ornamental style is a delightful choice for choirs looking for a challenge. A "rattle shake" is scored, which means to hold the bell in the hand and shake it back and forth. Other staccato effects are scored as well.

Roll the Tube

Ringing skill is needed to perform this music written with a driving rock and roll beat! Charts are given for 6 or 12 ringers.

Sacred Medley

Written for 2-3 octaves of bells or chimes with a performance time of 3 minutes 30 seconds.

Salsa Tucket

This original work of 126 "quick" measures (the meter is cut time) is an Afro-Cuban jazz fanfare for the advanced choir. It contains lots of syncopation, lots of special effects, and lots of bell changes.

Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Constantly moving accompaniment clusters provide a rich accompaniment to the Bradbury tune.

Scherzo

The tune HYFRYDOL is captured in this musical form which is marked by quick tempo, triple meter, vigorous rhythms and marked accents.

Siciliano (from Flute Sonata No. 2)

Constant 8th notes become a rhythmic stabalizer in this famous Bach music.

Silent Night

Commissioned for use as a recessional.

Sing We Now of Christmas

Six Bell Prayer Amens

6 Bell Prayer Amens are in this small collection. The octavo contains full scores plus a separate bell score for each amen.

Slavonic Dance

Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak, is regarded as one of the greatest composers of the nationlist movement. Handbell transcriber, Valerie Stephenson has set dance no. 8 from opus 46 feeling that it lends itself perfectly to the handbell idiom. Performance notes are given to aid the execution of articulations and texture. 149 lively measures.

Sleep Little One Sleep

A simple chordal structure is used throughout most of this piece in compound meter.

Songs of Faith III Joy

Part of a larger suite of four commissioned handbell duets, "Joy" is the third piece in the suite. The tempo is marked 'With Great Joy! quarter note = 112'. Much use is made of mallets on tabled bells and the antiphonal effect.

Songs of Faith II Prayer

Songs of Faith is a collection of four separate pieces for handbell duet. "Prayer" is the second selection and is sub-titled Meditation on Man's Spiritual Nature. Performance notes and suggestions are written into the score.

Songs of Faith I Peace

Songs of Faith is a collection of four separate pieces for handbell duet. "Peace" is the first selection and is sub-titled Preparation of a Pure Heart. The music starts quietly and gradually builds.

Songs of Faith IV Glory

"Glory" is the fourth piece in the suite Songs of Faith, a set of commissioned handbell duets. The tempo is marked "Energetic, with drive! quarter note = 116-132". Performance notes are given to best facilitate an aural and visually pleasing performance.

Spanish Flavor

Two Spanish folk songs are combined in this selection: La Golondrina by Sarradell and La Paloma by Yradier. An optional claves and maracas part is included with this score.

Still Waters

A gentle sprinkling of rain falling on a still lake is the picture evoked by this original composition.

Strike It Up Tabor

Create the feel of a Renaissance fair with this setting of "Ayeres or Phantasticke Spirites" by Toman Weelkes (c.1575-1623). Recorder (or C instrument) and tambourine add a lively touch to the 3/4 meter as do the optional 3 octaves of handchimes. The optional instrument scores are included in the handbell folio. Measures total 56.

Suite of Canadian Folksongs, A

Winner of the Canadian Guild's contest for the 1994 International Symposium. 3 folk songs: "I Went to the Market; The Morning Dew; & Aupres de ma Blonde." The first requires work but the others are very easy.

Sunflower March

Impressionistic. Lazy ragtime. Easy listening. All these labels can apply to this original work of 39 measures. One can almost imagine being in a field of sunflowers on a warm summer day. There are lots of bells changes.

Sunrise

An original composition by composer Dale Jergenson uses several elements to depict the sunrise.

Take Five

Ideal for the jazz enthusiasts! Listening to a recording of Dave Brubeck's band playing this makes it much quicker and easier to learn.

Tallis Canon

From the Popular Classics series, this is an arrangement of the "Tallis Canon" using various accompaniment patterns.

Tempest

Performance notes read: "Tempest" is a raging storm of notes. Think rock 'n roll barrage of beat. There are bell assignments for 6 or 12 ringers.

Three King Swing, The

Jazz up your Christmas concert with this swinging setting of "We Three Kings" blues style. A bluesy vamp in 5/4 gets the piece started and then layers of "fills, "licks" and "bass lines" are added before the melody enters. Fun and challenging!

Three Little Friends

This collection of 3 short pieces, "Butterfly", "Caterpillar", & "Cricket", is a musical descriptions of the three creatures.

Through the Eyes of Love

The theme from "Ice Castles" is here arranged in an easy-going style for the 2 octave choir. No surprises.

Time for Us, A

This popular tune is arranged for 4 octaves using 5 ringers. From the movie "Romeo and Juliet."

Toy Soldier

Delightful march. With a little imagination this can be choreographed.

Turkey in the Straw

Use 7 people or less in this rhythmically easy arrangement of the traditional tune. With 7 ringers there is the option of using table, pads, etc (take your bells and go!).

Two Bell Tree Introits

Two bell tree processionals are included in this set, one for 3 bell trees and one for four bell trees plus 1 or 2 table ringers.

Two Processionals on Silent Night

Top off your Christmas program with one of two processionals. Each is written with simple, repeating patterns that are easy memorize. An ostinato in the bass keeps the steady beat. The first processional is in the traditional 3/4 meter of the tune, and the second is in 5/8, for those of you who require less symmetry in your life!

Variations on Amazing Grace

Variations are stylistically written: Classical, Contemporary and slow Gospel. The Finale is a short rhythmic workout!

Waltz of the Toys

For a change of repertory, you need this delightful piece which uses toy instruments and optional percussion in performance. Ideal for concert or an encore.

Washiki Kane-Dokei (Japanese Chime-Clock)

Four octaves of bells and 2-3 octaves of optional handchimes are scored in this oriental tune, Japanese Chime-Clock. Ostinato patterns accompany the simple melody throughout the work. A dancing piece that shows how bells can ring light and agile.

Wedding March

Use this setting, the traditional wedding march from Lohengrin, with harp or synthesizer when played as a 3-octave quartet. No accompaniment is needed if played as a 5 octave choir piece.

We Three Kings

An ideal piece for the beginning 3 octave choir. Chordally arranged with no rhythm problems.

We've Only Just Begun

Perform with a full choir or use assignments for 5 ringers. Either way - a winning piece.

We Wish You a Ragtime Christmas

The title tells all! Ringers will need a good sense of rhythm to play the ragtime rhythms in this arrangement.

What A Friend

One must be careful to bring out the melody which lies below an arpeggiated treble figure throughout the piece.

When the Morning Comes

Written for the Medallion Ringers of Houston, Texas, this quartet is challenging but a lot of fun to work on. Sixteenth-not rhythms abound as well as syncopations. Two of the quartet positions ring 5 bells each and the other two ring 4 bells each.

Yankee Doodle

Written on the treble clef, this piece is ideal for the beginning quartet because of the limited number of bells (14) and easy rhythms. It may be played without tables and pad giving you the opportunity to play without all normal equipment (take your bells and go!).