40 Days in the Desert

Haunting and heroic at the same time, “40 Days in the Desert” captures struggle and victory within the same breath. Written in single pulse 3/4 time, the strong melodic lines are supported by even stronger chords in c minor, with shifts in harmonics to G Major that brighten the mood briefly: Perfect for Lent, Passion Week, or any meditative moment in worship. When using the subtitle “The Ghost of Success” for secular concert and festival, the audience might be reminded of an Anime theme, which is not surprising since the composer, William Peters, was in 7th grade when he wrote this piece. He asked his handbell teacher (Kath Wissinger) to look at it and see if it would work for bells. With some very minor editing, William’s score showcases a new creative talent in handbells and beyond.

40 Days in the Desert

All Time and Space (Rhapsody in A Minor)

Stunning and ethereal, this original masterwork explores the vastness of the universe in 3 distinct sections, informally titled “Let There Be Light,” “Space Cowboys” and “The Great Expanse.” A welcome addition for advanced Bronze level repertoire as each section offers a different challenge in technique, chromatic work and interpretive skills.

All Time and Space (Rhapsody in A Minor)

Amazing Grace

Three variations of Amazing Grace weave a lovely tapestry of this beloved tune: Part 1 showcases the single-line melody with a very simple accompaniment; Part 2 enlivens the tune with an obbligato part in the treble - and the melody and stronger rhythmic statement in the lower bells; Part 3 is bolder yet, with richer chording and some harmonic interest. It’s perfect for any part of a worship service. Notes on setting up a Bell Tree and ways to practice Bell Trees at home are included.

Amazing Grace

Angel Gabriel

"The Angel Gabriel"--a traditional Basque Carol examining Mary’s wonder at bearing the Christ Child - is exquisitely arranged (Level 2) for 2 (A1), 4 (A2) and 3 or 5 (B) octaves. The “A” Scores are compatible. Appropriate for Advent or Christmas - worship, concert and festival - “The Angel Gabriel” adds a wonderful medieval note to the joyous season.

Angel Gabriel

Auld Lang Syne

Cap your concerts with a rousing rendition of this traditional favorite, Auld Lang Syne: sure to be a memorable and heartfelt closing to your Holiday concerts and festivals. Set in a singable key, you can invite your audience to sing along. Words to the song are included in the score so your ringers can sing, too.

Auld Lang Syne

Best Gift I and II

Hear the drone of the bagpipes! This original Celtic jig will delight your ringers and audience from the first note of the lilting original melody and the unusual turns it takes. Bass ringers play the open fifth intervals to support the melody.

Best Gift I and II

Call of the Water

This compelling piece evokes dawn at the shoreline and the promise of a day on the water – gentle pastel ripples at first, then fresh air and invigorating spray, and finally soft sunset on the water at the end. Subtitled “Living Water,” “Call of the Water” is ideal for worship – baptism, commissioning, dedication, meditation, offertory – as well as for concerts and Festivals.

Call of the Water

Celebration and Dance 1

"Celebration & Dance" captures the spirit of a jovial festival following a perilous journey. Two stand-alone compatible scores feature an enticing melody supported with strong rhythmic chordal patterns: "Celebration & Dance I" (for 2-5/6 octaves, RE80231) is Level 2; and "Celebration & Dance II" (for 3-5/6 octaves, RE80232) adds additional Level 3 elements such as 16th notes in the melody line & accompaniment and more complex voicing throughout. Either is great for any uplifting moment in worship or concert.

Celebration and Dance 1

Celebration and Dance 2

"Celebration & Dance" captures the spirit of a jovial festival following a perilous journey. Two stand-alone compatible scores feature an enticing melody supported with strong rhythmic chordal patterns: "Celebration & Dance I" (for 2-5/6 octaves, RE80231) is Level 2; and "Celebration & Dance II" (for 3-5/6 octaves, RE80232) adds additional Level 3 elements such as 16th notes in the melody line & accompaniment and more complex voicing throughout. Either is great for any uplifting moment in worship or concert.

Celebration and Dance 2

Cool Cats 2

"Cool Cats 2 AB", with a cheery and somewhat cheeky melody, mallets, marts, light swing, and optional tambourine, will infuse a little jazz into your worship, concert or festival. Originally written as a trio/quartet/ensemble, this companion folio expands the score for full ringing ensembles - offering 2 non-compatible scores: "A" for 2 octaves (G4-G6, opt. A6) and "B" for 3-5 octaves. Melody is contained in the upper register, with mallets, marts, and full ringing featured in the supporting accompaniment. For a light moment in worship, use the subtitle "Praise Ye the Lord" which fits the rhythm of the melody perfectly.

Cool Cats 2

Festival on Wexford Carol

"Festival on Wexford Carol" celebrates this compelling 12th-century Irish tune in a dignified setting featuring rhythmic mallets in the bass. Unaffected and straightforward, this exploration of intriguing rhythms at a stately tempo will mesmerize your audience - while also preparing your ringers for more challenging up-tempo pieces using 16th note duple and triple rhythm patterns.

Festival on Wexford Carol

Friendship (Rejoice and Be Merry)

"Friendship" - a very special commission - celebrates the bond of friendship and the joy of ringing together. A cheeky melody showcases fun times in friendship while the middle section takes on a more somber tone. Three compatible scores (L1+, L2 and L3) can each stand alone, yet any two – or all three – may be played together in a festival or multi-level/-grade/-generational setting.

Friendship (Rejoice and Be Merry)

Griffin's Hornpipe 1 (Praise God's Name With Dancing)

This catchy original Celtic tune in ABCA form is easily learned and will brighten any concert, festival, or worship service (with the subtitle "Praise God’s Name with Dancing" based on Psalm 149:3). A great L2 teaching piece for form, eight notes, and beginning bell tree as well as for blank key signature modes (Dorian and Ionian).

Griffin's Hornpipe 1 (Praise God's Name With Dancing)

Highland Fanfare

This lively original Level 3+ piece evokes a brisk walk in the Celtic highlands. Spanning the full 5 octave range, Highland Fanfare features triplets in a sweeping melody, close chromatic movement and an unusual table damping technique used as a rhythmic element.

Highland Fanfare

Hyfrydol

This beloved Welsh tune is accessibly arranged for Level 2 choirs using 15, 16 or 19 bells - yet is satisfyingly musical for more advanced groups. Two settings of “Hyfrydol” are included in the folio for flexible needs: “A” for 2 octaves G4-G6 with optional C4-F4 and “B” for 3 oct. (C5-C7) with optional G4-B4. A and B are not compatible with each other, being in different keys.

Hyfrydol

I Love to Tell the Story - A

This gentle L2 rendition of the beloved hymn tune HANKEY features an easy optional Bell Tree obbligato, adding a soft sparkle to the rich chording and simple melody. Two non-compatible scores offer different range possibilities.

Score A is for 2 octaves with optional C5-C6 or C6-C7 Bell Tree.

I Love to Tell the Story - A

I Love to Tell the Story - B

This gentle L2 rendition of the beloved hymn tune HANKEY features an easy optional Bell Tree obbligato, adding a soft sparkle to the rich chording and simple melody. Two non-compatible scores offer different range possibilities.

Score B is for 3 or 5 octaves with optional B-flat3 and F5 to F6 Bell Tree.

Jesus Walked That Lonesome Valley

This compelling Lenten hymn takes its time setting the mood for a quiet moment in concert or worship with a calm 8th note pattern (opt. Bell Tree) and smooth rhythmic chords in the bass. An optional vocal part as well as signing the entire text enhances the message of this compelling hymn.

Jesus Walked That Lonesome Valley

Kingsfold

Kingsfold is a well known traditional English tune from 1893 with over 100 texts associated with it, so it can be used year ‘round in liturgy. This setting would also be ideal as a lyric piece in a concert, school or festival setting.

Kingsfold

Kingsfold

Kingsfold is a well known traditional English tune from 1893 with over 100 texts associated with it, so it can be used year ‘round in liturgy. This setting would also be ideal as a lyric piece in a concert, school or festival setting.

Kingsfold

La Mer (The Sea)

Suzanne Ciani's mesmerizing New Age piano solo is perfectly reinterpreted by LV arpeggios across 5 octaves of handbells with non-stop 8th notes and crashing chords depicting waves. Impressionistic and lush, "La Mer" draws ringer and listener alike into the pulsing power of the sea. Windchimes and suspended cymbal add to the drama.

La Mer (The Sea)

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

The reverence and awe of the Advent season is captured in this starkly simple rendition of “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” by Kathleen Wissinger. The two non-compatible L1+ scores (in different keys) in the folio are based on “Picardy,” a 16th century French carol. Singing bell and the unhurried demeanor of the piece summon a mystic quality that enhances worship, concert and festival.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Manger Lullaby

Three hymn tunes associated with the manger (Mueller, Greensleeves and Cradle Song) are exquisitely rendered in “A Manger Lullaby,” a medley for 3-5/6 octaves bells and optional 3-4 octaves of chimes by Kathleen Wissinger. Snippets of Brahm’s Lullaby enhance the cradle-side themes, and an optional Bell Tree adds sparkle throughout.

Manger Lullaby

Miracle Child 1 & 2

This gentle new original Advent/Christmas carol, "Miracle Child" reverently examines the coming of the Christ Child from different points of view: prophets ("They told a fateful story: Innocence to Glory"), the angel, Mary, the shepherds, the Magi, and us.

Miracle Child 1 & 2

No Greater Love

The delicate, intricately-woven melodic line of "No Greater Love" will capture your listeners' hearts from the start.

No Greater Love

Norwegian Fantasy

“Norwegian Fantasy” blends two tunes that Edvard Grieg adapted for his own use in the early 1900’s: Springdans (Opus 17 – a collection of Norwegian folk tunes) and “Den Store Hvide Flok” (“Great White Host” – the hymn tune for “Behold, a Host, Arrayed in White”) from the 17th century. While not common tunes, they feel familiar and timeless – as many folk tunes do.

Norwegian Fantasy

Savior of the Nations Come

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.

Savior of the Nations Come

Semper Paratus (Always Ready)

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.

Semper Paratus (Always Ready)

Stones Will Shout

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).

Stones Will Shout

Through the Storm

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.

Through the Storm

Watchman Tell Us of the Night

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.

Watchman Tell Us of the Night

We Are Done

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.'”

We Are Done

Who Is This - A

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.

Who Is This - B

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.

Who Is This - B

Wichita Lineman

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.

Wichita Lineman

Winter Scene

"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.

Winter Scene