Accolade for Bells

"Accolade for Bells" is for use with 4 octaves of bells, but is basically for 3 octaves.

Alleluia

A good piece for the beginning and less experienced choir, this original work is in ABA form with a repeated pattern throughout the A sections.

Alleluia He Lives Today

This piece is based on a Lithuanian folk song and utilizes handbells (3 octaves), flutes or melodicas, soprano and bass xylophones, alto metallophone, and soprano glockenspiel. Especially for Easter use, it is written for 3-part voices.

Amazing Grace

The melody supported by underlying arpeggios is characteristic of this arrangement. The dramatic statement of the last stanza begins powerfully but ends quietly.

Amazing Grace

Written for a Junior High choir, this arrangement is simple using mallets at the beginning and ending.

Angels We Have Heard on High

This is a delightful arrangement of the traditional French tune; harmony coupled with melody placement assure a joyous ring.

Arise and Rejoice

Characterized by a quiet beginning and a joyful ending, this music is chordal by nature and ideal for church or concert.

Arise and Sing a Psalm

This general anthem is easy except for the keyboard accompaniment which requires an exceptional accompanist.

At this Joyous Christmas Time

Quoting the tune "Cold December Flies Away", this music is written in unison or 2-part choir with keyboard accompaniment and handbells.

Away in a Manger

Mr. Miller uses both tunes ("Cradle Song" and "Away in a Manger") associated with this title, each stated separately and combined on the last stanza resulting in an interesting conclusion.

Believe

Using a text from John 13 and 14, this anthem is for SATB chorus, soprano and tenor solos, keyboard, flute and bells.

Bells of Praise

"Bells of Praise" is a simple, ringable selection built around a 4 note ostinato. Note values do not drop below the quarter note; however the tempo marking is quarter = 144. This piece would be good for a beginning to medium choir, especially if they choose not to ring at tempo.

Bells Their Lofty Strains, The

This title is a chordal composition for 3 octaves with 4 optional bass notes; G3, F3, G and Bb3. The spreadout layout of this piece makes it much easier for everyone to read. Although in cut time, the half note = 60 and note values do not drop below the quarter note.

Breeze from Alabama, A

Your choir will receive a real workout as you perform this lively Scott Joplin music! Bass ringers get to pluck or staccato notes throughout.

Canon In D

This transcription of the "Canon in D" was done for the Handbell Ringers of Japan. It is written for 5 octaves only, but the upper 5th octave notes are used sparingly.

Centennary

A commissioned, festive piece which demonstrates your choir's sensitivity to changing tempi and dynamics. Dexterity in ringing techniques a must.

Christmas Festival

Written for mixed voices, SATB, children's choir, keyboard accompaniment, optional handbells and C-instrument, this anthem introduces an original tune while the familiar "I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In" melody occasionally pops up.

Christmas Time

"Christms Time" is a secular Christmas anthem for Treble Voices, SSA with keyboard accompaniment and optional bells. (Use any combination of tone bells, glockenspiels, or any other type of orchestral bell).

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

A familiar tune and simple rhythms makes this 4-in-hand selection easy to learn. Use with choir or ensemble.

Common Musical Terms

This short but concise dictionary lists terms in Italian, German, and French and then gives their English meaning.

Country Gardens

Great treatment of an English folk tune. Good program builder.

Crown of Glory

Mallets, Sk, TD, LV, & Pl used in this arrangement of "Fairest Lord Jesus" combine to make a festive setting.

Devotion

"Devotion" is a generally quiet piece with a tender melody supported by an arpeggiated accompaniment figure.

Ding Dong Merrilly on High

A familiar tune and simple rhythms makes this 4-in-hand selection easy to learn. Use it with choir or ensemble.

Earth and All Stars

The simple rhythmic structure combined with various ringing techniques (SK, Mart,Pl and Mallets) guarantee an easy ringing success for ringers and listeners.

En Priere

Set a quiet and meditative mood with this wonderful melody supported by colorful arpeggios as only Faure can write.

Exalted Be

The wonderful Psalm 8 is here set for SATB chorus, keyboard, trumpet and bells. The music is bright and joyful, using the keys of D and E majors.

Fantasia

This fantasia on two themes begins as a simple melody over harmonizing chords then moves to the second theme treated fugally followed by a set of variations. Highly recommended for the advanced!

For the Beauty of the Earth

Based on the hymn tune "Dix", this concertato is set for mixed choir with keyboard, optional handbells and violin.

Four in Hand Handbell Ensembles

A very fine new text with music exploring the 4-in-Hand bell technique. Useful to solo ringers as well as choir members using this technique. Reprinted in 1999, now has parts included in the book for the music titles so two people can share each part.

Gaelic Blessing, A

An arrangement for handbells of a popular choral tune. It is not difficult but the arrangement, with accurate counting.

God is in Our Midst

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth! God is in our midst." So begins the text of this anthem with original lyrics and music by Mark Hayes. Full of energy and variety (one section includes handclaps with a spoken chant) the score also calls for the upper register of 4-octaves of bells. Other instruments are scored to achieve a BIG sound and an exciting atmosphere.

God Rest You Merry

An exciting arrangement of the familiar English carol.

Go Tell It On the Mountain

Harmony and a rhythmic change of the melody on the last stanza combine to create an appealing arrangement.

Grazioso

From "Twelve Heroic Marches" we have here the "Grazioso" arranged for a 4-in-hand ensemble or a 2 octave choir. Other than several repeating rhythmic patterns of 16th notes, this is an easy piece.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Your choir will receive a thorough workout and a standing ovation when they perform this famous rhapsody.

Hyfrydol

An exciting arrangement of the tune "Hyfrydol" for 3 octaves of handbells, easily learned and exciting to perform-great for worship service and concert use.

If Ye Would Hear the Angels Sing

A setting of a not so familiar Dutch carol which has a lot of linear movement and full chords but not difficult to ring.

In Quiet Faith

Ringing control is necessary because of dynamic levels.

Kyrie and Hosanna

Here's one for the advanced bell choir. Lots of technique changes are included, as well as tempo variations and dynamic gradations.

Let All Things Now Living Unite in Thanksgiving

"The Ashgrove" tune is here arranged for a 4-in-hand ensemble or a 2 octave choir. The score is written on the treble clef only.

Let The Merry Bells Ring Round

Rhythmically challenge your ringers with this bell arrangement of Handel's music. Festive and technically demanding.

Love Came Down at Christmas

For mixed voices, SATB, with Keyboard, Handbells and optional C-instrument.

Meditation on What Child is This

The tune, simply set, is surrounded by sections of arpeggios and moving chords.

Metamorphosis

The first section of this piece uses a whole tone scale as its basis then continues using regular keys and more traditional harmonies.

More Love to Thee

The voices and bells combine to produce an effective anthem for mixed voices, SATB, with handbell or keyboard accompaniment. The harmonic structure departs from the traditional.

Music of the Nativity Season

For a change from the expected, use this medley of tunes, "Jungst; Irby; & Forrest Green," not generally associated with the Christmas season.

O Give the Lord Thanks

A festive anthem from the Baptist Festival Singers Choral Series. Optional Baritone solo and congregational participation.

O Jesulein Suss

The arrangement of this traditional tune is most welcome and is excellent when a quiet, gentle piece is needed.

O Worship the King

Ideal setting for the less experienced choir. Chordal, easy rhythmically and treatment of the melody keep bass and treble ringers alert.

Parable, A

General use anthem for unison children, with piano or organ and 1 or 2 soprano glockenspiels, 1 or 2 alto glockenspiels, bass metallophone or xylophone or handbells.

Peace of God, The

General/Communion anthem for SATB voices, with keyboard accompaniment, 2 flutes and handbells (optional). Flute and handbell parts are included.

Praise

Perform this SATB anthem using keyboard accompaniment alone or add brass and handbells for excitement. Brass and handbells parts are sold separately. Brass ensemble is 2 trumpets and 2 trombones.

Prelude on Nettleton

Based on the melody associated with the text "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing", scored with very full chords and using altered harmonies.

Psalm of Gladness

A piece with a quiet beginning and ending . There is syncopated rhythm in the middle section requiring work.

Reflections on Aurelia

A strong tune and a fine arrangement using several ringing techniques.

Ring Out America

A medley of, "Yankee Doodle", "Oh, Susanna", "Home on the Range" & "My Country 'Tis of Thee" are included in this composition suitable for 4-in-hand or a 2 octave choir.

Ring the Bells

For three-part choir with piano, claves and orchestral chimes (or handbells).

Rondo Fantasy

This selection has interesting rhythm patterns. Several contrasting sections. Ends with a big flourish. Fine for festival or general use.

Seek the Lord

A festive anthem for SATB choir, with keyboard, two flutes, handbells and strings optional. One of the Baptist Festival Singers Choral Series.

Simple Gifts

The familiar Shaker tune arranged for two octaves. Recommended for medium advanced groups.

Sing Praise to God

Sing the Lord's Song

Skilled in writing music as a "round", Mrs. Sleeth excells with this general anthem for a 3 part choir of equal voices with keyboard and opt. bells.

Sing We Noel

Christmas anthem for mixed choir SATB, divisi, with optional handbells.

Song in the Night

A joyous Christmas anthem for SATB voices with flute, orchestra bells, chimes and keyboard.

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving

General/Thanksgiving anthem for two equal voices, keyboard and Optional Handbells (2 octave range).

Star of Light

Christmas/Epiphany anthem for two-part choir with keyboard, handbells or glockenspiel and optional chimes.

Thousand Candles, A

The first section is characterized by block chords supporting the melody, the last section by arpeggios and movement. The piece stays generally in the 2 octave range except on the end where the C4 and C6 are used.

Three Easter Hymns

Three Easter tunes, each separately arranged are included in this easy collection.

Variations and Fugue

A show piece for an advanced choir.

Welsh Tune

Rhythmically and harmonically an interesting arrangement of "Aberystwyth". The last section uses a 5/4, 4/3 & 4/2 meter creating a rhythmic variation of the original melody.

Wesley Christmas, A

Written in honor of the 200th year of U.S. Methodism, Carl Wiltse uses the tunes "Hyfrydol" and Mendelssohn's "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" to create a wonderful medley!

When Morning Gilds the Skies

An interesting arrangement of this hymn tune. Begins and ends with "toccata" like figure. Middle section is choral and a modulation leads to the conclusion with is a repeat of the beginning.

When Morning Gilds the Skies

Joining forces with organ, brass, choir and soprano descant, four full-octaves of handbells lend their special tambre to creating a musical sunrise and enhancing the text. Brass ensemble consists of 2 trumpets and 2 trombones.

Winter

An arrangement from the Concerto, Op. 8, No. 4. The use of plucking adds crispness to the selection from the "Seasons". A good piece to add to bell literature.

Yet Will I Praise Thee

"Yet Will I Praise Thee" is chordal in nature and includes much use of contemporary, dissonant harmonies.