Arpeggiated throughout. The high bells of the 4th octave are lovely against the melody in the lower voices.
Composer: Gruber, F. Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
This could almost be labeled a "handbell solo" since only one bell (a F4) is called for.
Composer: Various Arranger: Fleming, L. Octaves: 2 Level: 1 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Six hymn settings for Unison voices, 3-5 octave handbells and organ.
Composer: Various Arranger: Beck, Theodore Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Although not fast, this music is constantly moving. 8th note figures are often play using LV. Windchimes or a Chimetree give an ethereal effect.
Composer: Afdahl, Lee J. Arranger: Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The majority of this setting of the Irish hymn tune is characterized by smooth, flowing textures built on eighth-note pulses. The sections are marked Andante, Rubato and Tempo I. A sprightly passage of staccato adds contrast before returning to a stronger, ending section.
Composer: St Clement Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
3-5 octaves of handbells provide optional, but triumphal accompaniment to this SATB Easter anthem. (The parts are available on the Augsburg Fortress website.) The bells ring in "tall chords" and peal-like passages to emphasize the glorious message of this season.
Composer: Monk, W. H. Arranger: Ferguson, J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Open textures with the "airy" sound of mallets on suspended bells, marks the opening sections of this hymn setting on VICTORY. Later the texture takes on a more martial note with mallets on tabled bells in running, eighth-note lines with the theme in chordal texture above.
Composer: Victory Arranger: Zabel, A. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This medley features the Swedish carols Lyssna, Lyssna: Hor Du Anglasangen; Hosianna David's Son!; Kom, Kom, Fager ungersven; Sancta Lucia; and Nar Juldagsmorgon Glimmar. Two octaves of optional chimes add their flavor along with passages of mallet rolls on tabled bells. 121 measures in length.
Composer: Various Arranger: Tucker, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Originally written for a handbell festival conference, this arrangement of the hymn tune, THAXTED, moves through stately chordal, and flowing eighth-note passages along with a malleted bass line and the echo technique.
Composer: Holst, Gustav Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
This moving Irish folk song (aka "Danny Boy") has been used with many texts. The arranger here chooses to associate it with "O Christ the Same", set for handbells, optional chimes and C or Bb instrument.
Composer: Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
With the melody in both treble and bass clefs, your ringers will enjoy the challenge this presents. Interesting harmony supports this quiet arrangement.
Composer: Arranger: Young, P. Octaves: 3-4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
A gentle "meter" syncopation adds energy by a steady alternation of 4/4 and 3/4 time to this setting of ST. HELENA. Additionally, and eighth-note pulse in the accompaniment drives throughout all 59 measures of the work. There are no special techniques, which allows the ringers to focus on the sustained tones of bells and precision damping.
Composer: St. Helena Arranger: Tucker, S. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Two octaves of handbells ring the majority of this anthem for SATB voices, flute, congregation, and optional handbells. Based on the hymn tune "Land of Rest', the text begins 'This is the day the Lord hath made, the hours are all God's own; Let heav'n rejoice, let earth be glad and praise surround the throne".
Composer: Shute, L. Octaves: 3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Linda Shute arranged this 17th century, Dutch tune, Vruechten, as a procession for children, adults, handbells and percussion.
Composer: Arranger: Shute, L. Octaves: 3 Level: 1 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Eastertide is based on the "Vruechten" tune and is rhythmically easy. "Pastorale" is a tranquil piece in 3/8.
Composer: Various Arranger: Bock II Octaves: 2 or 4 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Advent material is sometimes hard to find, so it's a bonus to find three of that season's tunes in one folio. First there is the standard "Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel", next is "On Jordan's Banks"/"People, Look East!", and last is "Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah". All three arrangements should rehearse easily.
Composer: Various Arranger: Organ, Anne K. Octaves: 3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Each piece in this 3-piece folio has unique features. "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" has a part for a melody line played by C instrument or handchimes as well as optional parts for finger cymbals and hand drum. "When Christmas Morn Is Dawning" is for 4 or 5 octaves with optional 4 octaves of handchimes. And "Lo, How a Rose Is Growing" features optional 4 octave of handchimes.
Composer: Various Arranger: Mathis, W. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The three Spanish carols offer a freshness to any Christmas worship or concert.
Composer: Various Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating:
Bells in the range C5 - G6 are all that are needed for these two, short carols for bells, percussion organ and 2-part, mixed voices.
Composer: Various Arranger: Proulx, R. Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Two separate, brief arrangements (each under 40 measures) are under one cover in this folio. "Comfort, Comfort Now My People" calls for mallets on suspended bells in both the bass and treble accompaniment and frame the melody in the middle. "Creator of the Stars of Night" also uses mallets on suspended bells along with LVed eighth-note figures and movement through three keys.
Composer: Various Arranger: Honore, J. Octaves: 2-3 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Day By Day and Thy Holy Wings are combined in this setting that incorporates optional 2-4 octave of chimes. The chime melody in the middle and lower registers dominates the first section with lovely overhead accompaniment of mallets on suspended bells.
Composer: Various Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
Lots of title options are given with these two Spanish tunes as well as percussion options which make these fresh offerings for worship. The first selection is set in 6/8 with lots of dotted rhythm and LV technique.
Composer: Various Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The two Swedish melodies set in this 3 or 4 octaves arrangements are Tryggare kan ingen vara (Children of the Heavenly Father) and Ner Han Kommer (When He Cometh). "Children" is heard first and is treated in a gentle manner with broken-chord accompaniment. After two verses in a major key the tune is then presented in minor tonality and provides and interesting contrast. After a break the next tune enters and in one section is treated as a march.
Composer: Various Arranger: McFadden, J. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 3 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
Nine handchimes in the lower 3-octave range add optional interest to this setting of a Marty Haugen tune. After a brief introduction the first variation employs mallets on tabled bells in martial rhythms to accompany the melody. Later variations are chordal with martellatos, flowing with LVed eighth notes, or spiced with chromatic harmonic shifts. 113 measures.
Composer: Arranger: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance
The character marking for this arrangement of the favorite English melody is "with driving motion." The variations alternate between chordal and running eighth-note accompaniment.
Composer: Arranger: Hopson, H. Octaves: 3 or 5 Level: 2+ Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
In this arrangement of the "Wacket Auf" tune, don't let the sixteenth notes scare you because they form a repeated pattern which occurs measure after measure.
Composer: Nicolai, P. Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 4-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium
The text of anthem was inspired by the book, "Holy Things" by Gordon Lathrop. It is available for SAB or SATB with optional handbells and congregation.
Composer: Keesecker, T. Arranger: Octaves: 2 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
Three to four octaves of handbells ring additional accompaniment in the first and last sectiopns of this original composition for SATB and piano with optional flute and bells. After some opening alleluias, the text states "We walk by faith and not by sight: with gracious words draw near O Christ, who spoke as none e'er spoke".
Composer: Helman, M. Octaves: 3-4 Level: 2 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy Medium
The numerous arpeggios (played LV) give a feeling of calm and harmonic structure to a lovely tune.
Composer: Arranger: Larson, K. J. Octaves: 3-5 Level: NA Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Easy
The title "When Morning Gilds the Skies" conjures up immediate imagery and the music of this setting of the hymn tune LAUDES DOMINE contributes as well.
Composer: Barnby, Joseph Arranger: Behnke, John A. Octaves: 3-5 Level: 4 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers Rating: Medium Advance