We Three Kings

Composer: Hopkins, John H. Jr.
Arranger: Larson, LLoyd
Octaves: 2-6
Level: 2
Publisher: Beckenhorst Press, Inc.

Jingle Bells

Composer: Pierpont, James Lord
Arranger: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: Beckenhorst Press, Inc.

Hail Mary Gentle Woman

The beautiful hymn, “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” written in 1975 by Carey Landry, is well represented in this lovely, flowing arrangement for solo instrument and piano accompaniment by Kurt Meyer. This rendition captures perfectly the message of the hymn: “Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star, so strong and bright, gentle Mother, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom; teach us love.”

Composer: Landry, Carey
Arranger: Meyer, Kurt
Octaves: 3
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Hail Mary Gentle Woman

Fountains

Caleb Onstead has hit it out of the park again with this “bubbly” and joyful medley of the hymn tunes NETTLETON and BEACH SPRING, titled “Fountains.” Caleb sets the tone from the beginning with the melody of “Come Thou Fount” flowing beneath a cascading, effervescent 16th note accompaniment in the treble staff.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Onstead, Caleb J.
Octaves: 4-7
Level: 3+
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Fountains

God of Grace and God of Glory

The wonderful hymn tune CMW RHONDDA has been given a fresh, new treatment by the very talented Caleb Onstead. Get ready for a spirited, up-tempo experience that includes malleted bass bell accompaniment to the joy-filled melody in the treble bells during Verse 1.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Onstead, Caleb J.
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 3
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

God of Grace and God of Glory

King of Glory

“The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices!” This joyful Israeli folk song comes to life under the professional pen of skilled arranger and composer, Jeffrey Honoré.

Composer: Israeli Folk Song
Arranger: Honore, Jeffrey
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

King of Glory

Jesus My Everything

The heartfelt song, “Jesus, My Everything,” written by Christian singer/songwriter Matt Maher has been faithfully arranged by Kurt Meyer for 3 to 6 octaves of handbells and optional 5 octaves of handchimes.

Composer: Maher, Matt
Arranger: Meyer, Kurt
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Jesus My Everything

Once In Royal David's City

The elegant hymn tune, IRBY, more familiarly known as “Once in Royal David’s City,” has been artfully arranged for handbells and optional handchimes by Julie Turner. This lovely Level 1+ piece is a simple yet eloquent way to include handbells and handchimes during the season of Advent.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Turner, Julie
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 1+
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Once In Royal David's City

Favorite Hymns for Small Groups

CIR is pleased to welcome Ann Habicht to our catalog of arrangers and composers with her wonderful 3-hymn collection titled, “Favorite Hymns for Small Groups.” Ann has carefully structured the hymn arrangements in this collection so that there are no page turns (per piece), no accidentals, and they can be performed with or without tables and pads.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Habicht, Ann
Octaves: 2
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Favorite Hymns for Small Groups

In the Garden

Linda has given this favorite hymn lovely, lyrical treatment from the opening Singing Bell and solo handchime melody to the handbell settings being just a bit unique through each of the verses.

Composer: Miles, C. Austin
Arranger: Lamb, Linda R.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3-
Publisher: From the Top Music

In the Garden

Dabelllah (Let's Ring)

"Dabelllah!" is basically the translated pronunciation of 'let's ring!' in Cantonese and grew out of the composer calling everyone to stop chatting and begin rehearsing. Dabelllah! has remained an “inside joke” among the Volitio Ringers in Hong Kong. The piece was inspired by 'Capriccio' by Kevin McChesney – the famous engaging work which attracted Isaac to handbells. The contrast between the fierceness of the main theme and the more peaceful style of the middle theme is reminiscent of ‘Capriccio.’ Isaac wrote: I still remember feeling the fun of handbells when ringing fierce pieces like Capriccio when I was in high school, and therefore I hope this piece would also bring the joy of ringing handbells to more ringers. To me, this piece shows exactly the togetherness of handbells, which is a primary reason I love handbells.

Composer: Wan, Isaac
Octaves: 4-7
Level: 4
Publisher: From the Top Music

Dabelllah (Let's Ring)

Rondo Giubilo

This original work was the winner of the 2025 Area 3 Handbell Composition Contest premiered in March 2026 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The contest required it be written for two compatible scores – one for 3-5 octaves the other for 2-3 octaves.

Composer: Gardner, Robert W.
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Rondo Giubilo

Ultimate Christmas Gig Vol 2

This follow-up to our popular first volume of the "Ultimate Christmas Gig Book" for 12 bells will delight your audiences and expand your ultra-portable holiday repertoire!  The 16 titles in these book (both sacred and secular) have been ordered to minimize bell changes between pieces.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Krug, Jason W.
Octaves: 3
Level: 2+
Publisher: Grassy Meadow Music

Ultimate Christmas Gig Book

This collection is a must-have for all 12-bell ensembles! It's the perfect solution for ensembles who want to play for parties, events, in hospitals and nursing homes, schools, or anywhere else during the holiday season!

Composer: Various
Arranger: Krug, Jason W.
Octaves: 3
Level: 2+
Publisher: Grassy Meadow Music

From All That Dwell Below the Skies

From All That Dwell Below the Skies" arranged by Matthew Compton was commissioned to honor Jennifer Caldwell, outgoing Chair of Handbell Musicians Area 7.

Composer: Hatton, John Warrington
Arranger: Compton, Matthew
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: AGEHR Publishing

Passion, The

This setting is for liturgical use on Good Friday. It incorporates pitched recitation of the text by soloists; and adaptation of William Byrd's Turbarum Voces (Voices of the Crowds, from Passio Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Johannem, in Gradualia I, 1605); and Passiontide hymns if four parts.

Composer: Howe, Mark
Octaves: 2
Level: NA
Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers

Beloved

Written for the Montreat conference in 2025. The piece is composed in a way that can incorporate many different choirs, or can be done with sub-groupings of a choir.

Composer: Burkhardt, Michael
Octaves: 4
Level: NA
Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers

Festival Alleluia for Easter

This version of the best-selling Festival Alleluia includes: Easter Vigil Psalm 118, Easter Day Psalm 118, and Easter Season Alleluia. The music for Psalm 118 was adapted from the original edition.

Composer: Chepponis, James J.
Octaves: 3
Level: NA
Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers

Give Thanks to Those Whose Faith Is Firm

Lee has used singing bell, LV, and occasional mart/pluck lift to enhance the sweeping, lyrical melody of this hymn tune. There are lovely developments which include key and tempo changes to keep the listener engaged throughout.

Composer: Parry, C. Huebert H.
Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J.
Octaves: 5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Give Thanks to Those Whose Faith Is Firm

To Sing God's Praise

This widely loved hymn tune may have originated as a folk tune in the early 1800s. It was probably sung “slowly with grace notes and melodic embellishments.” And was included in a collection of Appalachian tunes in 1829. “Slowly with grace notes”… NOT SO this setting by Caleb Onstead!

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Onstead, Caleb J.
Octaves: 5-7
Level: 4+
Publisher: From the Top Music

To Sing God's Praise

Girl I Left Behind Me

This arrangement of a delightful Irish folk tune dating back to the 1700s is included as one of four tunes featured in Leroy Anderson’s “An Irish Suite” created in 1947. However, this engaging tune has a rich history and was used by many country’s armies as a marching song, included in other classical works, adapted for big band, used in musical background in cartoons, and addition of many different lyrics created for 19th and 20th century folk songs as well as a variety of movies.

Composer: Traditional Irish Folk Tune
Arranger: Anderson, Leroy and Morris, Hart
Octaves: 5-7
Level: 6
Publisher: From the Top Music

Girl I Left Behind Me

String of Pearls

A String of Pearls has been called an “unremarkable“ tune built around “a melody without a melody.” But the chromatic repetition creates that ‘hook’ so important in any pop song which also makes it thoroughly danceable.

Composer: Gray, Jerry
Arranger: Peck, Chris
Octaves: 4-7
Level: 5
Publisher: From the Top Music

String of Pearls

This Little Light of Mine

Bass Mallets and treble shakes and thumb damps make JAB090 This Little Light of Mine a fun and effective piece for Epiphany or any season.

Composer: Traditional Spiritual
Arranger: Behnke, John A.
Octaves: 3 or 5
Level: 2
Publisher: JAB Publishing

This Little Light of Mine

Jesus Lover of My Soul

Rooted in the familiar contours of the classic hymn, this arrangement of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" gradually redefines the tune with flowing lines, random tower ringing, and an increasingly insistent rhythmic pulse.

Composer: Aberystwyth
Arranger: Caminiti, C. J.
Octaves: 5-7
Level: 4
Publisher: Metamora Maestra Musica

First Light

“First Light is inspired by the sunrise over Little Traverse Bay in Bay View, Michigan—home of the Bay View Week of Handbells. Imagine a sliver of light breaking across the horizon, slowly awakening the world. Mourning doves begin to call, squirrels scurry through the trees, and life stirs with quiet energy.

This title may not be performed publicly until after August 13th, 2026.

Composer: Austin, Brenda E.
Octaves: 4-8
Level: 4+
Publisher: AGEHR Publishing

Festive Dance on Slane

The favorite Irish folk tune has become a favorite hymn tune – SLANE – and Caleb has given it lively new treatment featuring mixed meters which keeps it dancing throughout.

Composer: Irish Folk Tune
Arranger: Onstead, Caleb J.
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 4
Publisher: From the Top Music

Festive Dance on Slane

Andantino

This lyrical music was written by French Romantic composer and organist, César Franck, in 1858 and is part of a group of short pieces for organ. Fred has transcribed this beautifully for handbells and handchimes.

Composer: Franck, Cesar
Arranger: Gramann, Fred
Octaves: 5-7
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Andantino

Exhilaration

Exhilaration is a vibrant and playful handbell composition inspired by a spontaneous melody hummed by the composer’s goddaughter at the age of eight, moments after finishing her final exam. Her carefree tune became the seed for this joyful piece.

Composer: Chan, Christine Yin-Ki
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Exhilaration

Pinch of Sunlight

A Pinch of Sunlight captures the graceful, expressive shimmer of light through leaves. This minimalistic handbell piece uses progressing, repetitive patterns to build a quiet, life-affirming energy.

Composer: Chung, King Yat
Octaves: 4-6
Level: 4
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Pinch of Sunlight

Longing for the Spring Breeze

Composed in 1933 by Teng Yu-hsien, "Bāng Chhun-hong" (Longing for the Spring Breeze) is a beloved Taiwanese classic. Its graceful melody, which has become a symbol of Taiwanese identity, describes a young woman’s secret hopes for love.

Composer: Yu-Hsien, Teng
Arranger: Chung, King Yat
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Longing for the Spring Breeze

Red Dragonfly

Akatombo (Red Dragonfly) is a beloved Japanese children’s song composed by Kōsaku Yamada with lyrics by Rofū Miki. Known for its nostalgic and gentle melody, the song recalls a childhood memory of seeing a red dragonfly at sunset, a moment filled with quiet beauty and longing.

Composer: Japanese Folksong
Arranger: Chung, King Yat
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Red Dragonfly

Spiny Spiny

Spiny Spiny is one of the most beloved Cantonese children’s songs. This handbell arrangement captures the playful and carefree spirit of childhood through its light, cheerful melody and simple structure. Perfect for young ensembles, the piece evokes the dizzying joy of spinning games and laughter.

Composer: Canton Folk Song
Arranger: Chung, King Yat
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Spiny Spiny

Echoes of the Heart

Echoes of the Heart gently explores the quiet, profound emotions stirred when words resonate deeply within the soul. This meditative handbell piece features a simple yet haunting melody that evokes a sense of tender longing.

Composer: Chung, King Yat
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 1+
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Echoes of the Heart

Through the Darkness

Through the Darkness is a lyrical handbell piece tailored for beginner choirs, inviting exploration of tone color and expressive phrasing.

Composer: Leung, Lai Sze
Octaves: 3 or 5
Level: 2-
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Through the Darkness

Puddle Duck Dance

Puddle Duck Dance is a lively, playful handbell piece with an infectious melody, ideal for beginner choirs.

Composer: Leung, Lai Sze
Octaves: 3 or 5
Level: 2-
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Puddle Duck Dance

Just As I Am

Katie Chui’s tender arrangement of “JUST AS I AM” offers a reflective and heartfelt musical experience, making it an ideal choice for worship services and contemplative gatherings.

Composer: Elliott, Charlotte
Arranger: Chui, Katie
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2-
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Just As I Am

All Things Bright and Beautiful

All Things Bright and Beautiful is a joyful and accessible arrangement of the beloved hymn ROYAL OAK. Specially adapted for beginner handbell ensembles, this version removes all eighth notes from the original to ensure ease of performance.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Wan, Isaac
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 1
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Liquidfied

Let the music ripple and glide in Liquidfied, an original handbell composition that captures the graceful, ever-shifting essence of flowing water. With seamless melodic lines and gently cascading harmonies, this piece invites ringers and listeners alike into a soundscape of fluid motion and serene beauty.

Composer: Yeung, Phoebe T. T. and Yip, Nam
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 4
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Liquidfied

Celebration

Celebration is a bold and rhythmic original composition, perfect as a grand prelude for worship, concerts, or festivals. Opening with strong chords, a bright melody, and driving energy, the piece immediately evokes a spirit of joy and festivity, pulsing with excitement from the first measure.

Composer: Yeung, Phoebe T. T.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Celebration

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee

Ringers of all ages will delight in this vibrant and creative arrangement of HYMN TO JOY. Inspired by Beethoven’s iconic final movement of the Ninth Symphony, this setting celebrates the universal themes of unity and joy. Set at Level 2+, the piece offers a satisfying musical experience while remaining accessible to developing ensembles.

Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig Van
Arranger: Yeung, Phoebe T. T.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee

Gift of Love

This exquisite handbell arrangement of “The Gift of Love” beautifully pairs the timeless English folk melody “O Waly Waly” with the beloved paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13. Gently flowing and rich in emotion, it offers a heartfelt tribute to love, making it a perfect choice for any occasion where love is the central theme.

Composer: English Folk Song
Arranger: Yeung, Phoebe T. T.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Gift of Love

Jump Jive Jam

Jump Jive Jam bursts with playful character and rhythmic vitality, showcasing the dynamic colors of handbells. This original composition features driving patterns and a variety of techniques, making it ideal for developing ensembles eager to explore the full expressive range of the instrument.

Composer: Yeung, Phoebe T. T.
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 1+
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Jump Jive Jam

Endless Grace

Endless Grace is a tender and original handbell composition that blends lyrical lines with a memorable melody, offering a peaceful and expressive musical experience. Designed for beginning ensembles, this piece provides valuable opportunities to explore phrasing, musicality, and tone shaping.

Composer: Yeung, Phoebe T. T.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 1
Publisher: CantoBell Hub

Endless Grace