Spires

Composer: Compton, Matthew
Octaves: 5-7
Level: 3
Publisher: Beckenhorst Press, Inc.

Book of Days

“Book of Days” is one of the greatest hits by Irish New Age artist Enya, and arranger Kevin McChesney now brings its flowing, rhythmic melody to handbells in a truly magical arrangement.

Composer: Enya & Ryan, Nicky
Arranger: McChesney, Kevin
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 4
Publisher: Jeffers Publishing

Book of Days

Spy Ring

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to have a blast while ringing this unique arrangement by Agent 58 (code name: Tammy Waldrop) that incorporates the themes from “Mission Impossible”, “James Bond”, and “Peter Gunn”. The rhythms might look daunting at first, but it's not Mission Impossible... they'll be easy to master, as the tunes are so well-known.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Waldrop, Tammy
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3+
Publisher: Red River Music

Spy Ring

Christmas Triplets

Beginning bell tree ringers need melodies they know, with only 8 or 9 bells to play. This arrangement includes three familiar melodies, Joy to the World, The First Noel, and Away in a Manger.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Bischof, Jodie & Brocker, Barbara
Octaves: 2-3
Level: NA
Publisher: Tree-O

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Joel Raney has taken Felix Mendelsson’s hymn in fun and unexpected directions, delighting us again with his creativity. Barbara Brocker has now arranged it as a bell tree solo with keyboard accompaniment.

Composer: Mendelssohn, Felix
Arranger: Brocker, Barbara
Octaves: 4
Level: NA
Publisher: Tree-O

Sleigh, The

The A-theme of The Sleigh, scored for 6 ringers (D5-A6), has the melody in the lower bells. The upper bells get the melody in the B–section. This composition would be appropriate for any winter program.

Composer: Dare, John C.
Octaves: 3
Level: 2
Publisher: Dare Team Press

Sleigh, The

Tropical Moment

This composition will stand alone with 3 ringers (F5-D6); the notes- needed chart shows various options for additional ringers, depending on the number of octaves available. Although the title calls to mind a certain geographic setting, the music should appeal to any groups of ringers.

Composer: Dare, John C.
Octaves: 2-3
Level: 1
Publisher: Dare Team Press

Tropical Moment

Whispering Hope

The Hallelujah Ringers of Trinity United Methodist in Murfreesboro commissioned the always-creative Michael Glasgow to arrange the nostalgic Septimus Winner hymn “Whispering Hope.” An ethereal, peaceful introduction leads to a gentle, flowing treatment of the tune, with a meditative interweaving of “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Glasgow, Michael
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: Ring Out Press

Exploring Handbells

EXPLORING HANDBELLS will give directors and ringers an opportunity to experience several techniques for handbells and handchimes. The original compositions in this book were written specifically as a way to practice and explore each technique before combining them with other handbell techniques.

Composer: Radford, Betty B.
Octaves: 2-3
Level: 1+
Publisher: Themes & Variations

Popcorn

This synth-pop instrumental appeared on an album featuring the Moog Synthesizer in the late 1960s. It became an immediate hit and has continued to find new popularity throughout the ensuing decades. Amy has created a delightful arrangement for handbells, handchimes and boomwhackers.

Composer: Kingsley, Gershon
Arranger: Maakestad, Amy
Octaves: 5-6
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Let's Ring the Holiday In

An easy, festive piece which is fun to ring. Use with a choir, Band and/or Orchestra. Great for a massed festival concert. NMP111E is a code for extra parts for orchestra or band (order by instrument).

Composer: Christensen, J.
Arranger:
Octaves: 3-4
Level: NA
Publisher: National Music Publications

50 Quick Hymn Accompaniments

Quickly learned, this shorthand notation allows one octave of bells or chimes to as many octaves as you have, to assist in accompanying hymns with a keyboard (part included) or alone. Be creative and add desired bell techniques to match the text of the hymn.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Honore, Jeffrey
Octaves: 1-8
Level: NA
Publisher: AGEHR Publishing

How Great Thou Art

This lovely hymn was voted the United Kingdom's favorite hymn by BBC's Songs of Praise. 

Composer: Boberg, Carl
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

How Great Thou Art

I Wonder As I Wander

The haunting melody of this piece maintains an open-air atmosphere and sense of wistful wandering!

Composer: Niles, John Jacob
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

I Wonder As I Wander

Clarinet Concerto

This serene concerto, originally scored for clarinet and chamber orchestra, is here set for solo handbells with handchime accompaniment.

Composer: Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: NA
Publisher: RpB Music

Clarinet Concerto

Wachet Auf

The cantata is based on the hymn in three stanzas "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (1599) by Philipp Nicolai It is regarded as one of his most mature and popular sacred cantatas.

Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 5
Publisher: RpB Music

Wachet Auf

Swan, The

"The Swan", is the 13th and penultimate movement of "The Carnival of the Animals" by Camille Saint-Saëns. It was originally scored for solo cello and two pianos.

Composer: Saens, Saint
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 5
Publisher: RpB Music

Swan, The

Leaving of Liverpool

"(The) Leaving of Liverpool", (Roud 9435), also known as "Fare Thee Well, My Own True Love", is a folksong. Folklorists classify it as a lyric lament, and it was also used as a sea shanty, especially at the capstan. The song's narrator laments his long sailing trip to California and the thought of leaving his loved ones (especially his "own true love"). He pledges to return to her one day.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Leaving of Liverpool

Leaving of Liverpool

"(The) Leaving of Liverpool", (Roud 9435), also known as "Fare Thee Well, My Own True Love", is a folksong. Folklorists classify it as a lyric lament, and it was also used as a sea shanty, especially at the capstan. The song's narrator laments his long sailing trip to California and the thought of leaving his loved ones (especially his "own true love"). He pledges to return to her one day.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Leaving of Liverpool

Tales From the Vienna Woods

Composed in 1868, Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald, Op. 325, was one of six Viennese waltzes by Johann Strauss II which featured a virtuoso part for zither. The title of Strauss' dance recalls the folk music of the inhabitants of the Vienna Woods.

Composer: Strauss, Johann
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Tales From the Vienna Woods

Sonata for Flute

This pretty sonata for flute, rearranged for handbells or handchimes, comes from the pen of one of the most prolific composers in history.

Composer: Telemann, G.
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 5
Publisher: RpB Music

Sonata for Flute

Sonata for Cello and Basso

The "Sonata for Cello and Basso" is a tricky piece to play but well worth the effort! The tempo is set to Allegro,dotted quarter = 120, and rhythms must be kept steady.

Composer: Vivaldi, Antonio
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 6
Publisher: RpB Music

Sonata for Cello and Basso

Sheep May Safely Graze

Sheep May Safely Graze (German: Schafe können sicher weiden) is an aria by Johann Sebastian Bach setting words by Salomon Franck. The piece was written in 1713 for soprano with 2 recorders.

Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 3
Publisher: RpB Music

Sheep May Safely Graze

Salut d'Amore

Repeated syncopated rhythms in the bass clef accompany a muted melody in this Edward Elgar composition, originally written for piano and violin.

Composer: Elgar, E.
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Salut d'Amore

Rondeau

The structure of a French Rondeau begins AABACA but this version is in ABACA format. The repeated sections make it easier to learn.

Composer: Purcell, Henry
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 2
Publisher: RpB Music

Rondeau

Excerpts from Pavanne

Fauré's "Pavanne", originally written for the piano but often performed by an orchestra, translates well to handbells or handchimes. The setting provides an excellent opportunity for choirs to develop the melody line by paying special attention to dynamic markings.

Composer: Faure, Gabriel
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Panis Angelicus

The text was set as a motet by several Renaissance composers including João Lourenço Rebelo. Late romantic era settings include those by André Caplet, Saint-Saëns, and, best known of all, the setting by Cesar Franck.

Composer: Franck, Cesar-Auguste
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Panis Angelicus

Panis Angelicus

The text was set as a motet by several Renaissance composers including João Lourenço Rebelo. Late romantic era settings include those by André Caplet, Saint-Saëns, and, best known of all, the setting by Cesar Franck.

Composer: Franck, Cesar-Auguste
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

Panis Angelicus

How Great Thou Art

Russell Brett has created a lovely arrangement for handbells (or chimes), flute, and bass. The melody in this grand hymn is shared between the handbells/handchimes and the flute, while the optional bass provides lower support.

Composer: Boberg, Carl
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

How Great Thou Art

I Wonder As I Wander

This haunting melody will enthrall your listeners. The arrangement offers a refreshing yet wistful harmony that emphasizes the character of the piece.

Composer: Niles, John Jacob
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 4
Publisher: RpB Music

I Wonder As I Wander

Ave Maria

This version of Ave Maria has been attributed to Italian composer Caccini but was actually written by Russian composer Vladimir Vavilov. Its beauty and flowing nature translates well to the handbell idiom.

Composer: Caccini, Giulio
Arranger: Brett, Russell
Octaves: 3
Level: 3
Publisher: RpB Music

Ave Maria

Sospan Fach

Composer: Traditional Welsh Football Song
Arranger: Price, A. Ryan
Octaves: 5
Level: NA
Publisher: Handbell Ringers of Great Britain

We Three Kings

If you want a large scale, tour-de-force setting of this beloved carol, search no further. For SATB choir, brass quintet, handbells (3-5 octave,) percussion, timpani, and organ, this music sparkles with fun.

Composer: Hopkins, John Henry, Jr.
Arranger: Bankson, Jeremy J. & Trenney, Tom
Octaves: 3-5
Level: NA
Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers

We Three Kings

Musician's Hymn

Useful for a sacred concert or the music appreciation services churches sometimes hold, this anthem is based on a Charles Wesley text. The composer's knack for an exuberant organ part is on display, and handbells are optional.

Composer: Fedak, Alfred V.
Octaves: 3-4
Level: NA
Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers

Musician's Hymn

How Can I Keep From Singing

Composer: Lowry, Robert W.
Arranger: Buckwalter, Karen Lakey
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Beckenhorst Press, Inc.

Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands

The arrangement of this ancient Easter hymn begins in a somber, chant-like style with subtle, free-ringing upper bells and low, humming singing bells.

Composer: Walter, Johann
Arranger: Morris, Hart
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands

Just As I Am

The familiar hymn is paired with a delightful original tune. Each tune is heard separately and then together, creating a quiet yet memorable musical moment. While appropriate for Lent, the song can be used year round.

Composer: Bradbury, William B.
Arranger: Tucker, Sondra K.
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Just As I Am

Four Christmas Hymns for Twelve Bells Set 2

This is the second set of handbell pieces by Sandra Eithun for when churches are shorthanded for church services or would like to travel with small groups to other venues like schools, nursing homes, or business events. Each piece uses only twelve bells, spanning F5 to C7, and includes suggested assignments for each bell. Titles included are: "Angel Tidings", "I Wonder as I Wander", "Infant Holy"/"Away in a Manger", and "Joy to the World".

Composer: Various
Arranger: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 3
Level: 2+
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Four Christmas Hymns for Twelve Bells Set 2

Four Christmas Hymns for Twelve Bells Set 1

This collection of time-honored Christmas carols ("Born is the King of Israel", "For Unto Us a Son is Born", "Go Tell It on the Mountain", and "In the Bleak Midwinter") is perfect for the busy Christmas season when you are shorthanded for church services or would like to travel with a small group to other venues like schools, nursing homes, or business events. Each piece uses only twelve bells, spanning F5 to C7, and includes suggested assignments for each bell.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 3
Level: 2+
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Four Christmas Hymns for Twelve Bells Set 1

Adagio for Bells

Bob Burroughs’s “Adagio for Bells” has surprising action, energy, and challenges, and yet it always returns to something soft. This piece is well placed at celebrations and festivals at churches, schools, and universities. It is sure to hold listeners’ interest until the end, and it will become a favorite for bell choirs.

Composer: Burroughs, Bob
Octaves: 4-7
Level: 3
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Adagio for Bells

Hymn Stanzas for Handbells Set 2

This is the second volume in Mueller's series that makes it easy for congregations to sing hymns when handbells provide the only accompaniment. All of the arrangements were written for use by a parish or school handbell ensemble, meaning most of them are simple, straightforward, and easy to learn.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Mueller, Jonathan R.
Octaves: 4
Level: 2+
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Hymn Stanzas for Handbells Set 2

Hymn Stanzas for Handbells Set 1

This series by Jonathan R. Mueller was composed to make it easy for congregations to sing hymns when handbells provide the only accompaniment. All of the arrangements were written for use by a parish or school handbell ensemble, meaning most of them are simple, straightforward, and easy to learn.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Mueller, Jonathan R.
Octaves: 4
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Hymn Stanzas for Handbells Set 1

Let All Together Praise Our God

This arrangement of the Christmas hymn LOBT GOTT, IHR CHRISTEN uses grace notes and unexpected harmonies to create a fresh setting. The tune is also used for the Epiphany hymn “The People That in Darkness Sat.”

Composer: Herman, Nicolaus
Arranger: Hurlbutt, Patricia
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Let All Together Praise Our God

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

John Behnke’s new handbell arrangement of “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” using MAGDALEN unites three different statements of the hymn, with the middle section being in a minor key with mallet work for the bass.

Composer: Stainer, John
Arranger: Behnke, John A.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Meditation on Crown Him With Many Crowns

This piece is a short setting of the hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns.” This meditation draws listeners into reflecting on who Jesus is, on the fact that He has been crowned King of kings and Lord of peace.

Composer: Elvey, George J.
Arranger: Honore, Jeffrey
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Meditation on Crown Him With Many Crowns

Wise and the Foolish Builders

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Arnold, Mark S.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: Choristers Guild