Hart Morris combines 5/4, 3/4, 10/8 and 3/8 meter in presenting an infectious rhythm that should be easy to catch due to its repetitiveness. This work was commissioned by the Advent Ringers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kettering, OH.
Composer: Morris, H. Arranger: Octaves: 5-6 Level: 6 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
The author of this text is a music therapist-board certified, handbell specialist, church musician, music educator and licensed practical nurse. With this background she presents 7 chapters on successfully integrating bells/chimes with her interest group. Very informative and practical text.
Composer: Marks, L. Arranger: Octaves: N/A Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating:
"Valse des Fleurs" is a difficult transcription of the famous Tchaikovsky music. Bells are primary instrument but sections suggest chiming instruments be used with the bells.
Composer: Tchaikovsky, P. Arranger: Yoshida, T. Octaves: 5-6 Level: 6 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
Commissioned for a college handbell choir this original composition is set for 3 to 6 octaves with performance notes given for each octave.
Composer: Buckwalter, K. Arranger: Octaves: 3-6 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
The chorale plus four creative variations are presented on the hymn "A Mighty Fortress".
Composer: Luther, Martin Arranger: Helman, Michael Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
An easy arrangement of 3 simple variations on a tune used by many congregations to sing "Jesus Christ is Risen Today".
Composer: Williams, Robert Arranger: Bedford, Michael Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing," is the most used text for this hymn-tune. Here it is presented in a big, chordal setting, a staccato accompaniment section, a slow, flowing section which utilizes the echo technique and then back to the beginning texture.
Composer: Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Perfect for everyone’s Christmas concert, "Very Merry Christmas" combines “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “The Wassail Song”.
Composer: Pierpont, James Arranger: Lamb, Linda R. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Perfect for the Easter season, this powerful arrangement creatively incorporates the well-known hymn "The Strife is O'er."
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Honore, Jeffrey Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Ascending higher and higher, "Vivamente," a new original work by Michael Mazzatenta will have you playing as the title says, “in lively fashion.”
Composer: Mazzatenta, Michael Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This spiritual "blues" is a short arrangement packed chordally and rhythmically. Use congas (Bongos) to further emphasize the rhythm.
Composer: Arranger: Morris, H. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 5 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
Commissioned for the Area 12 Handbell Musicians of America Conference at Disneyland, this engaging piece will transport all you hear it to memories of favorite Disney movies.
Composer: Hascall, Nancy Octaves: 3-6 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Flowing rhythms in light texture provide the atmosphere needed to present the beautiful traditional English melody. The last section thickens up a bit and broadens to bring out the depth of the music.
Composer: Arranger: Matheny, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
This text, which explores the Kodaly Hand Signals with special handbell choirs, has emerged after years of trial and error. Excellent resourse for those working with "special people".
Composer: Champagne, A. Arranger: Octaves: N/A Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating:
Linker and McFadden have another winner on their hands with this piece for bells and keyboard. The Parts complement one another, and there is a section for the bells to ring solo. Medley of "Kresmer & St. Catherine".
Composer: Various Arranger: Linker, J./McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating:
Hal Hopson has painted a dramatic Lenten picture in his beautiful arrangement of this beloved spiritual.
Composer: Various Arranger: Hopson, Hal H. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Beginning choirs are given the opportunity to use vibrato, echo, and singing bell techniques with this fascinating work from Jill Fedon.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Fedon, Jill Octaves: 3-5 Level: 1+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
A challenge from beginning to end, "Wesleyan Rhapsody" will keep ringers on their toes.
Composer: Allured, D. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
John Matheny has arranged a new, lovely and mysterious setting of "We Three Kings" that paints a picture of the Magi.
Composer: Hopkins, Jr., John Arranger: Matheny, John Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
GREENSLEEVES and KINGS OF ORIENT are the two tunes featured in this flowing arrangement that contrast eighth-note accompaniment with chordal texture and echo technique.
Composer: Various Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Beautiful, new harmonies fill this special new setting of "What Child is This" (Greensleeves). Swings and echoes will draw the listeners into the visual and aural aspects of this piece.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Guebert, Alex Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This arrangement combines "What Child is This" and "The First Noel" into a wonderful Christmas offering with the possibility for adding a string orchestra and tambourine.
Composer: Various Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 3-6 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This incredible arrangement of a beautiful French carol by master composer Fred Gramann employs the singing bell technique. After a mysterious beginning, this carol comes to life with mallets and thumb damps.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Gramann, Fred Octaves: 4-7 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
For all those directors of 4 and 5 octave young ringer's choirs or anyone looking for an beginner friendly handbell arrangement, this rendition of the popular spiritual should fit the bill.
Composer: Arranger: Mitchell, K. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
A bouncing bass line, gyro technique, jazzy chords and syncopated rhythms all join to add fun to this wonderful, old spiritual.
Composer: Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
A four note bass pattern, played first as quarter notes and later as eighth notes, propels this joyful and moving arrangement of the famous American Gospel hymn.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Gregory, Thomas Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Looking for a piece that works in contemporary worship? "Where You Lead Me", with optional title "Follow Your Heart", can be played as a bells-only work.
Composer: Lamb, Linda Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
A show piece for the advanced bell choir.
Composer: Rossini, G. Arranger: Thompson, M. L. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 5+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
This arrangement of a familiar and beloved Scottish melody will soon become a favorite for your choir.
Composer: Traditional Scottish Arranger: Nelson, Susan T. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
This composition was selected by the Handbell Guilds of Canada as the Canadian composition for the sixteenth International Handbell Symposium in Jeju, Korea. The flowing lines and lush harmonies depict the beauty of winter in Canada.
Composer: Hatch, Winnagene Octaves: 3-6 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Mr. Mazzatenta created this original work in honor of Elizabeth Bradford, a pioneer of handbells.
Composer: Mazzatenta, Michael Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This 2013 Area 2 Festival Conference Division winner is a joyful original piece that features handchimes, suspended mallet work, echoes, and martellatos, and a wonderful melody making this piece a winner for all.
Composer: McKlveen, Paul Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Great for Easter or any other festive time, this fun original work for 2–3 octaves of bells will be a welcome addition to any choir’s repertoire.
Composer: Geschke, Susan E. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
"Within the Darkest Night" is a hauntingly beautiful, lyrical original composition.
Composer: Hakes, Derek K. Octaves: 3-6 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
The title is descriptive of the nature of the music.
Composer: Wagner, D. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This inspiring original work, with its ABA form, is lyrical and moving. "With Quiet Grace" is sure to captivate all who experience it!
Composer: Krug, Jason Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Winner of the 2016 Handbell Musicians of America’s David R. Davidson Composition Contest, this original piece portrays a shepherd on a hill playing a lonely pipe tune when interrupted by angels announcing the birth of a Savior. A spirited dance ensues as the music flows from heaven to earth and back.
Composer: Riker, Robert Scott Octaves: 5-7 Level: 5 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
In her performance notes, Kirtsy Mitchell writes: "Handbells may be sounded by ways other than ringing. This arrangement uses several stopped sound techniques. Where percussion instruments are indicated by a special notation you may use a drum, rhythm sticks or clap your hands."
Composer: Arranger: Mitchell, K. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
A fun time is in store for quartets who ring this medley of "Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and "Up on the Housetop". This is a nice, clean score with performance notes written into the music.
Composer: Various Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This popular Bible story is put to music with optional lyrics for singing along and optional percussion effects, making this great for a children's bell choir.
Composer: Thompson, Karen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
This lively original Spanish dance is super fun to play with a catchy tune that engages all of your ringers! With mallet rolls, thumb damps, and shakes, it features wonderful opportunities for handbell choreography.
Composer: Axelson, Gloria Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium