Andante

William Mathis uses a combination of handbells and harp (or handbells and keyboard) to make the music of George Frederick Handel sparkle.

Andante

Autumn Leaves

Joseph Kosma wrote the original, Johnny Mercer added English lyrics, and now Andrea Handley brings this wonderful jazz standard to handbells. This new addition to the Red River Gold series is well worth the work.

Autumn Leaves

Bell Carol Fantasy

This setting of the traditional Ukranian bell carol begins with a syncopated vamp that gradually builds to the entrance of the tune in measure 25. Shakes dominate the special effects and add excitement.

Part of the Red River Gold Series.

Blue Christmas

Challenge your ringers with this snazzy arrangement of the tune by Bill Hays and Jay Johnson. This is a great showcase piece for that Christmas concert.

Blue Christmas

Bolero

Boulevard Promenade

Some of the world's best people-watching can be found on Las Vegas Boulevard. Commissioned by Harmony Handbells, this charming original represents the carefree, liberating "joie de vivre" of the group's hometown. It’s the kind of instant favorite you’ll return to time and again!

Boulevard Promenade

Carnivale

The first rule of "Carnivale" is for everyone - ringers, director, audience - to have fun! The piece came to be after the composer was issued a challenge in the summer of 2006 to write something that was pure fun. The piece was conceived as a relentless romp that's the embodiment of every fantastic circus, fair, and carnival you've ever been to rolled into one. Put on your clown nose and enjoy it!

Carnivale

Carol of the Latin Bells

Arranger James Roberts has set the beloved Ukrainian Bell Carol like you have never heard it before – with a Latin beat and mostly in 4/4 meter and with optional Claves.

Carol of the Latin Bells

Cathedrals

Incorporating "Adoro Te Devote" and French Cathedrals Round, "Cathdedrals", which is written for the Houston Bronze Ensemble, exhibits a dreamy, mystical style.

Cathedrals

Christmas Joy

Hart Morris brings us this joyful (of course!) arrangement that is chock full of all of your Christmas favorites: "Joy to the World"; "While By My Sheep"; "Sing We Now of Christmas"; "O Come, Little Children"; "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella"; and "Angels We Have Heard on High".

Christmas Joy

Dance and Devotion

This original composition commissioned by The Houston Bronze Ensemble calls for "devotion" to rehearsal to conquer all the "dancing" from meter to meter! This one's definitely a worthy challenge!

Dance of the Hours

For many of us, "Dance of the Hours" conjures up alligator and hippo dancers from the original Walt Disney production "Fantasia." Actually, this selection by Amilcare Ponchielli is from "La Gioconda,"; and arranger Arnold Sherman has done a superb job of adapting it for bells, chimes, and percussion. This is a challenge to rehearse and a joy to perform (and hear!). Five separate scores for Handbell Choir I, Handchime Choir II, Handbell Choir III, Percussion, and Full Score are available.

Five Six Pick Up Sticks

Red River Gold, the series for advanced ensembles, returns with this offering from the talented pen of Hart Morris. Continuing the nursery rhyme cycle of "Three, Four, Shut the Door" and "Seven, Eight, Lay Them Straight" this clever arrangement is not for the faint of heart.

Five Six Pick Up Sticks

Imagenes

William Payn is well known in the bell world for his emotive and imaginative original compositions. This offering is no different. Peppered with mixed meter, wide dynamic shifts, special effects, percussion comments, and various musical textures, this 132-measured work speaks to the imagination within all of us.

In the Mood

Oh boy! Advanced groups will have their hands full with this rendition of the Joe Garland swingin' tune from the 30's.

In the Mood

Just Messin Around

This original piece is vintage Hart Morris, full of interesting rhythms and bluesy melodies and mostly just a joy to play, hear, and experience. This show-stopper is sure to add sparkle and fun to your next concert and would make an excellent encore as well.

Just Messin Around

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Accidental changes in one section push this otherwise level 3 piece into an advanced difficulty rating, making it a good "stretch" piece for your choir. The tune PICARDY is set with bells and with optional handchimes (4 octaves). Mallets, both on suspended and tabled bells, add ambiance and mystery, especially in the haunting ending.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Nothin' But the Blood

Bluesy harmonies (bell changes galore) syncopated rhythms (like a bass guitar), and well-placed, special articulations make this setting of the old gospel hymn swing. A fun challenge piece to move your intermediate bell choir up a notch. This selection is in Red River Gold's music for advanced ensembles. 80 measures in length.

Nothin' But the Blood

Parousia

Red River Gold is the label used by Red River Music for advanced ensemble repertoire. The Ring of Fire Handbell Choir commissioned this original selection. PAROUSIA is a musical interpretation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Much of the piece is in 7/8 time in reflection of the "time, times, and half a time" mentioned in Bible prophecy.

Parousia

Pine Apple Rag

Originally written by Scott Joplin, this jazzy work was arranged for the East Texas Handbell Ensemble. Chock-full of eighth and sixteenth notes, this piece keeps the ringers active throughout.

Pine Apple Rag

Praise and Adoration

Offbeat accents and meter changes are only part of the challenge of this piece for 5 octaves. This work is written for Advanced Ensembles.

Praise and Adoration

Procession In Bronze

Begin your next concert or worship service with this original Level 4 setting from Arnold Sherman.

Seven Eight Lay them Straight

Part of the Red River Gold series, this original composition was written for a community choir, and is definitely a "show piece." The beginning time signature is 2/8 + 2/8 + 3/8.

Shenandoah

From the Red River Gold series for advanced ensembles comes this setting of the poignant American folk tune. Bells are joined by 4 octaves of chimes and vocal solo or ensemble (which may also be played by a C instrument). The "river" aspect is alluded to through use of flowing accompaniment patterns, chimes, and mallets on suspended bells.

Skidamarink

The tempo, the swinging rhythms, and the many bell changes (to say nothing of the triplets!) make this offering from Patricia Hurlbutt a real challenge. It is, however, worth the extra work, as this arrangement absolutely sparkles.

Skidamarink

Three Four Shut the Door

Three, Four, Shut the Door" is a truly unique original composition by Hart Morris that will take audiences of all ages back to their childhood. Based on part of an old nursery rhyme, the piece is written for 5, 6 or 7 octaves of handbells and percussion that includes the slamming of a door.

Three Four Shut the Door

Thy Name to Sing

Commissioned for the 150th celebration of a church, this advanced arrangement of "Come Thou Almighty King" crackles with energy, shifts of pulse, and fully scored textures.

To A Wild Rose

This arrangement of Edward Macdowell's original may be played entirely on handchimes if desired. Marked "With Simple Tenderness," the fairly simple score is a challenge in ringing musically. There are some bell changes, but not in fast rhythms.

To A Wild Rose

Toccata Ritmica

Red River Gold, a part of the Red River Music catalog, is designated as "Music for Advanced Ensembles". This original work by Michael Joy is in that category and promises the choir willing to put in the time and effort a marvelous musical journey.

Toccata Ritmica

Variations on Ah vous Dirai Je Maman

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's famous variations on what is mostly commonly known as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is here set for the most advanced handbell ensembles. Challenging rhythms, bell changes, precise technique execution, and contrasting tempos and textures enhance the music and challenge the ringers. Five full octaves are called for.

You've Got a Friend In Me

The beloved classic from the ever-popular movie Toy Story comes to handbells in this sparkling arrangement by Bob Burroughs. There is plenty of action for all ringers, and it might take a little extra work, but it will be well worth it when you delight the audience at your next concert.

You've Got a Friend In Me