Commissioned by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers for the 13th International Handbell Symposium in Orlando, Florida, this arrangement of the spiritual "Down by the Riverside" is the third installment in "An American Tapestry."
Composer: Traditional Spiritual Arranger: Sherman, Arnold Octaves: 3-7 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Commissioned by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers for the 13th International Handbell Symposium in Orlando, Florida, this original composition "Jazz Rag" is the second installment in "An American Tapestry."
Composer: Sherman, Arnold Octaves: 3-7 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Commissioned by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers for the 13th International Handbell Symposium in Orlando, Florida, this original composition, "March," is the first installment in "An American Tapestry."
Winner of the 2008 Area XII Composition Contest, this piece is a haunting, “out-of-the-box” contemporary piece. A true new original, it is definitely worth a look.
Composer: Mackie, Kathleen Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
When the handbell ensemble "Bells of the Sound" posted their 2001 Space Theme composition contest, Nancy Hascall responded-and won! Andromeda suggests an experience of travel to a distant galaxy -- the ease of weightlessness, the vastness of space, the perils of asteroids and black holes, the splendor of the universe, and finally, drifting beyond space toward infinity.
Composer: Hascall, N. Arranger: Octaves: 5-7 Level: 5+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
Commissioned for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Milwaukee Area Handbell Festival, this joy-filled, original ABA work for three, four, or five octaves of handbells has an infectious melody and makes great use of mart lifts, echoes, and mallets.
Composer: Behnke, John Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Building from beginning to end and offering options for a bell tree soloist and choir processional, this special arrangement of the tune REGENT SQUARE was written for Rezound's performance at the 2011 Kansas City Symphony Christmas Festival.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Delancy, Lauran Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Setting a 4/4 tune in 3/4 meter is the clever device arranger David Kent uses for his arrangement of the tradition French carol.
Composer: Arranger: Kent, D. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
This show-stopping new arrangement of the hymn tune GLORIA is filled with joyful energy! For an above average bell choir wanting a great new exciting Christmas piece.
Composer: Traditional French carol Arranger: Brengle, Kyler Octaves: 3-6 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
Another imaginative and creative original work by Arnold Sherman, "Animato" offers flexibility and versatility for any sized group or situation.
Composer: Sherman, Arnold B. Octaves: 2-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
An inspiring new original piece whose melody ascends, crescendos, and builds in emotion.
Composer: Mazzatenta, Michael Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
The "Janus" Series of AGEHR publishing was established to give Bronze (difficult) level choirs challenging repertoire. This original composition (winner of the 1998 Donald E. Allured Original Composition Award) by Hart Morris fits the bill!
Composer: Morris, H. Arranger: Octaves: 5-7 Level: 6 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
This piece is for 2 handbell choirs. Choir I is scored for 2 octaves and Choir II for 4 octaves. It can be played in either a church or a secular (concert) setting.
Composer: Payn, W. Arranger: Octaves: 2 or 4 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
Giuseppe Verdi's famous chorus from "Il Trovatore" has bet set by Valerie Stephenson for 3-5 octaves of "very busy" handbells(!) and optional triangle and (of course) anvil(s).
Composer: Verdi, G. Arranger: Stephenson, V. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
This well constructed piece has gentle melodic sections framing an agitato, passionate "B" section.
Composer: Keller, M. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
The "Beacon Hill" tune comes alive in this arrangement. Arpeggiated chords and use of optional chimes create interest and excitement.
Composer: Mason Arranger: Kinyon, B. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Based on the tune "Via Deloroso", "Aria for Handbells" begins and ends quietly. It has big chordal middle section and is most appropriate during Lent or as a general selection.
Composer: Liander Arranger: Wood Octaves: 3-4 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Subtitled "In the Shadow of Thy Wings," this original work is lyrical in nature and begins in a thoughtful character. Expressive ringing is essential for the open, fragile texture which builds throughout before ending in reflection.
Composer: Phillips, Judy Octaves: 3-6 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
One can almost hear the fiddles tuning up in this simple rendition of the traditional folk tune. Mallets on a bouncy bass line add to the perky flavor of this setting.
Composer: traditional Arranger: Mitchell, K. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This title is a pleasant setting based on the Welsh folk melody.
Composer: Welsh folk melody Arranger: Benton, Robin Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
The two tunes used in Betty's arrangement are AFTON WATER and CRADLE SONG. Although gentle in nature, this is a real winner for those looking for an undisputed challenge technically and musically!
Composer: Various Arranger: Garee, Betty B. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 6 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
This is a wonderful and versatile Christmas arrangement of "Away in a Manger" (tune: MUELLER). It is Level 1 difficulty and works for small or large choirs; 2 to 5 octaves.
Composer: Murray, James R. Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 2-5 Level: 1 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Bass bell techniques are discussed by various experts. Topics include: Getting the Most from Your Bass Bells, Bass Bell Techniques, Mallets and Bass Bells, and Bass Bell Assignments.
Composer: Various Arranger: Octaves: N/A Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating:
The harmony is emphasized with the use of LV at strategic points throughout. Sensitivity to dynamics makes this a rewarding ringing experience.
Composer: White Arranger: Matheny Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Part of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers resource series, this course study for elementary age starts "at the very beginning!" Reproduction rights are given for the purchaser of the book. "Beginning Busy Ringers" starts off explaining notes and the staff and progresses towards having kids read from the staff, with the counted beats printed below (or above) the notes.
Composer: Mitchell, Kirtsy Octaves: 3 Level: 1 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
An interesting and useful composition, "Bell Devotion" includes a lot of broken chords but is easy to learn.
Composer: Starks, Howard Octaves: 3 Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
"Bell Fanfare" is a short piece in the style of a fanfare. It would be good as interlude or short festive selection.
Composer: Brown, D. Arranger: Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Yes, it's boogie woogie and blues on bells! Everyone will love this masterful arrangement by noted composer Margaret Tucker. This piece is so much fun it should be illegal!
Composer: Tucker, Margaret R. Octaves: 5 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
"Bell Scherzo" is a sprightly arrangement of lively eighth and sixteenth note figures which allows for the use of several techniques.
Composer: Tucker, M. Arranger: Octaves: 4 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
The famous "lullaby" (Berceuse) by French composer Gabriel Faure is arranged for bells by the English Robin Benton. It is great music and accessible for all choirs.
Composer: Faure', Gabriel Arranger: Benton, Robin Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
From the first few notes, the beloved hymn "Be Still, My Soul" establishes a contemplative atmosphere. The tune is presented twice in E-flat major and then once in F major, bringing the words “then sings my soul” to life in a majestic and powerful way.
Composer: Sibelius, Jean Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
The old Irish folk tune SLANE is here set in a short 46 measures. The melody appears first in the lower registers accompanied by lilting, LV eighth-note passages. Later, after a key change, the tune moves to the upper registers and becomes more ornamented.
Composer: Arranger: Stitt, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Each stanza of this well-known hymn is treated in a unique musical way.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Mullaney, Sandy Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Get ready for a fun, but challenging work out on bell changes and quickly alternating techniques in this jazzy, original composition. Duane Plash manages to get all the ringers involved in the many layers of sound and "riffs" moving through this "basically" d minor tune. Have fun!
Composer: Plash, D. Arranger: Octaves: 4-6 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
This is a unique original piece that breaks the barriers of traditional handbell notation. Using a variety of techniques--gyros, swings, shakes, marts, mallets, and LV--this piece creates tonal colors not heard before in a handbell piece.
Composer: Chapman, Anthony Octaves: 5-6 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
The "King of the Waltz", Johann Strauss, is the source of the famous tunes herein arranged. This piece is ideal for festival and/or concert.
Composer: Strauss, J. Arranger: Merrett, F. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
The sounds of English tower bells thread through this arrangement of the traditional English carol.
Composer: Traditional English carol Arranger: McChesney, Kevin Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
This gorgeous new original work by the noted handbell composer William Payn features low bass chimes throughout the piece.
Composer: Payn, William Octaves: 5 Level: 3+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
This wonderful combination of two well-known tunes is perfect for Pentecost or a service of praise.
Composer: Various Arranger: Mazzatenta, Michael Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
The character marking of this original composition is "dolente", which is translated "sorrowful". The music exudes a reflective mood through use of long, broken chords, LV technique, and thoughtful melody. The texture and strength builds throughout the work, then rallentandos to the end in a placid mood. This piece would be beautiful for communion or another moment of meditation in worship.
Composer: Wissinger, K. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Commissioned in honor of Area 7 chair Karen Van Wert, this setting by Kevin McChesney is a creative rendering of the hymn tune KIRKEN. Throughout the arrangement, snippets of the hymn text are included in the score, calling to mind the inspiration for that section of music. This setting utilizes 3-5 octaves of bells with optional bell trees.
Composer: Lindeman, Ludwig M. Arranger: McChesney, Kevin Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
Four fun, educational selections for two octaves of handchimes or handbells are offered in this folio. Each one gives instructional guidelines and suggestions, and counted beats are printed below each note, to aid in learning counting. Titles included are, "Tower Chimes, It's My Turn!, Damp But Not Wet!, and Roller Coaster."
Composer: Mitchell, K. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 1 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Four fun, educational selections for two octaves of handchimes or handbells are offered in this folio. Titles include, "Mist and Fog, A Conversation, Wiggly Worm Waltz, and Piece of Cake." Young ringers have fun and learn at the same time!
Chock full of educational value, this collection is from a series designed for ringers to "keep busy and learn a lot." Each piece has comments, suggestions and questions for the ringers to better understand and play the music. Titles include, "Lazy Boogie Bells, Old Macdonald, Syn-co-pah-tah-tah, Concentration, and America."
Composer: Various Arranger: Mitchell, K. Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Instructional guidelines are given on the cover of this useful 2 octave collection for beginning ringers. There are two level one pieces and two level two pieces.
Composer: Mitchell, K. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Imagine taking a stroll around a lake shore in the evening and seeing a beautiful, delicate sunset, a flurry of birds flitting from tree to tree, or a group of geese or ducks leaving fluid trails in the water. If you can imagine this, then you have a feel for the start of this original work commissioned by Bells of the Lakes handbell choir.
Composer: Helman, M. Octaves: 4-6 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
A fast tempo (quarter = 120), a plethora of accidentals, and a few sixteenth note passages (especially at the end) add up to a piece that keeps ringers on their toes!
Composer: Rossini, G. Arranger: Young, Philip M. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 5 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
For fun, concert, or festival, what is more entertaining than the classic from "Orpheus in the Underworld"! Precision ringing is required.
Composer: Offenbach, J. Arranger: Thompson, M. L. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 5 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
Here's a handbell arrangement of a traditional Hanukkah song, suitable for schools and synagogues.
Composer: Traditional Melody Arranger: Baumel, Lori H. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
From the creative pen of Hong Kong composer and bell director Emily Li, this gorgeous song will capture your choir with its flowing melodies and wonderful harmonies.
Composer: Li, Emily Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Set in Db and E Major, this original composition is marked "dolce" and is characterized by flowing rhythms in eighth-note pulse with a soaring melody.
Composer: Buckwalter, K. Arranger: Octaves: 3-6 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
This masterful arrangement of ELLACOMBE (commonly known as the hymns "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" and "I Sing the Almighty Power of God") comes alive with a dancing syncopation.
Composer: Various Arranger: Sherman, Arnold Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4- Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
Optional bongos and maracas or cabasa may play along (from their own score in the back of the folio) with this lively setting of the Argentine folk melody. Festive special techniques enhance the spicy flavor of the piece that is marked "Brightly!" 56 measures in length and arranged in G Major and Ab Major, this piece is also known as the hymn tune "Song of Hope".
Composer: Arranger: Tucker, S. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Winner of the 1999 AGEHR-Area 2 Young Ringer's Festival Original Composition contest Winner, this piece is available in two compatible editions, one for 2-3 octave choirs and one for 4-5 octave choirs.
Composer: Stephenson, Valerie W. Arranger: Octaves: 2-5 Level: 3+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Capriccio is defined as "an instrumental piece in free form." Composer Kevin McChesney has placed this piece in 7/8 time with occasional 6/8 and 3/8 measures with a middle section in 3/4.
Composer: McChesney, K. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 5 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
"Caprice" was the 1986 AGEHR National Composition Contest winner. This piece works well with 3 octaves but is more convincing if the 4th and 5th octaves are present.
Composer: Dobrinski, C. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
Dubois, a 19th-century Parisian organist, captures the sounds of the bells of Paris. Bell motives can be heard throughout as the piece develops and grows to a glorious conclusion.
Composer: DuBois, Theodore Arranger: Zabel, Albert Octaves: 3-6 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Easy rhythms, swings and shakes give this work instant appeal to all age groups. "Carillon for a Joyous Day" is a flashy piece to show off the bell choir's work with a flair!
Composer: Wagner, D. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
The traditional Catalonian carol is set in a very reflective manner. Each verse is treated slightly differently and all are somewhat mysterious in their sound.
Composer: Catalonian Carol Arranger: Carr, Deborah Octaves: 4-5 Level: 4 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
"Cascades" is the winner of the 2014 David R. Davidson Composition Contest and joins the Distinctly Bronze Series.
Composer: Tiedman, David Octaves: 5-7 Level: 5 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Advance
"Castle Hill Reflection" is an original composition with legato flowing melody lines. It is 44 measures and is scored in c minor.
Composer: Clark, S. Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating:
Award winning composer Michael Mazzatenta gives us an exciting original handbell piece with touches of jazz and syncopation.
Energetic, harmonically interesting.
Composer: Berry, S. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium Advance
Whether for Sunday morning or for an evening concert, this original piece sets a joyful tone.
Composer: Carl, Susan Wise Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
"Thanksgiving and Remembrance" is the subtitle for this original work, which takes its inspiration from Philippians 1:3. The melody is both plaintive and in minor mode evoking the emotions of a farewell. An optional part for flute or C instrument is included in the back of the folio.
Composer: Lamb, L. Arranger: Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3- Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Requested by solo ringers, this best-selling original piece for handbell choir (AG35210) is now available for solo handbells with keyboard accompaniment. The haunting tune and beautiful harmony make this selection an excellent choice for solo handbells.
Composer: Lamb, Linda R. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Part of the "Busy Ringer Teaching Collection", this volume presents some new challenges to the young ringer using fun songs.
Composer: Various Arranger: Mitchell, K. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
This lovely, lyrical original work is very accessible for two or three octave handbell choirs.
Composer: Lowenberg, Kenneth Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Great for chimes and perfect for any service, concert, or festival, this gorgeous original piece for 4, 5, or 6 octaves is compatible with the 2 or 3 octave edition (AG23037) released in 2010.
Composer: Lowenberg, Kenneth Octaves: 4-6 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
A piece of contrasting moods! Great for concert or church.
Composer: Wagner, D. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
Based on the sixteenth-century BALOO LAMMY cradle song, this memorable Scottish Christmas hymn is wonderfully arranged for two or three octaves of handbells or handchimes by Scotsman Malcolm Wilson.
Composer: Traditional Scottish Carol Arranger: Wilson, Malcolm Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This beloved melody is beautifully set by the noted composer Hart Morris. The piece moves from C major to F major, and the final stanza is rung majestically in E-flat major, creating a unique tone painting that calls to mind the hymn text.
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Morris, Hart Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Medium
This group is a great value, with five level 1+ hymn arrangements specifically written for chime choir. In this collection are: "Jesus, I Adore You", "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming", "O God of God", "Lord Jesus, Think On Me", and "Christ the Lord is Risen Today". The director and ringers should be aware that "Christ the Lord is Risen" is actually based on the tune for the Christmas title "The Friendly Beasts."
Composer: Various Arranger: Stults, Tyleen Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
"Chime In 2" includes four well-crafted folk and patriotic arrangements perfect for school use and beginning choirs. Titles include "America the Beautiful, Shenandoah, When the Saints Go Marching In, and Yankee Doodle."
Composer: Traditional Arranger: Stults, Tyleen Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy Medium
This flexible collection features three seasonal arrangements written especially for handchimes. Titles include "O Come O Come Emmanuel", "The King Shall Come", and "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child" (also known as "Good King Wenceslas").
Composer: Various Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1+ Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Continuing the popular Chime In series, these two beautiful Level 1 pieces, "Savior of the Nations Come" and "O Come All Ye Faithful", will keep everyone busy and happy.
Composer: Various Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy
Two etudes are included in this new Chime In offering. The first etude, "Ring Out Your Praises", is a “study” on LV, while the second etude, "Tower Sounds", is a “study” on swings.
Composer: Behnke, John Octaves: 2-3 Level: 1 Publisher: AGEHR Publishing Rating: Easy