Retrofuture

Winner of the 2024 HMA Area 12 Composition Contest, this Ron Mallory original pulses with optimistic energy evocative of the futurism of past eras.

Composer: Mallory, Ron
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Paraboloid Press

When Morning Gilds the Skies

A festive concertato on the hymntune LAUDES DOMINI that incorporates a melody by Edvard Grieg.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Behnke, John
Octaves: 3-5
Level: NA
Publisher: Morning Star Music Publishers

Christmas Fantasia

Martha Lynn has combined these four favorite Christmas melodies into one amazing setting perfect for any holiday or worship program. The "Sussex Carol" melody begins on chimes, then bells. A jaunty "Old Breton Melody" intertwines with "The First Noel", rung by both bells and chimes in octaves while a lone tolling bell accents the section. Descending bell chords reemerge and "In Dulci Jubilo" is featured. Sure to be a favorite of ringers and audiences alike!

Composer: Various
Arranger: Thompson, Martha Lynn
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Christmas Fantasia

Carol of the Drum

Katharine K. Davis created this song based on a Czech folk tune in 1941, and this setting for handbells reflects an orchestration which includes many percussion instruments.

Composer: Davis, Katharine K.
Arranger: Childers, Brian
Octaves: 5-7
Level: 4+
Publisher: From the Top Music

Carol of the Drum

Rondo con Spirito

Caleb has created an exciting original work that is strong on melody with engaging rhythms and expressions that will be amazing to play – and fabulously enjoyable for the audience – although they would be challenged to ‘clap’ along, were they so moved!

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

Rondo con Spirito

Pastores a Belen

This delightful carol is reported to have originated in Spain in 1612, and has since become one of the most popular carols throughout Spanish-speaking countries and beyond. Leroy Anderson arranged and included it in his 1955 collection, “Suite of Carols for String Orchestra.”

Composer: Anderson, Leroy
Arranger: Thompson, Martha Lynn
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Pastores a Belen

Gentle Presence

This original music from Jason Krug can be described as “lush, flowing, and emotional.” It is peaceful with a bit of a ‘romantic’ flair that is beautifully developed, leading to very satisfying and fulfilling resolutions.

Composer: Krug, Jason W.
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Gentle Presence

Hope for Healing

Lee has crafted a unique and engaging setting of this wonderful Wm. B. Bradbury hymn tune, SOLID ROCK. The dynamic and intense beginning featuring malleted bass notes, treble line with accents and dynamics which impart a feeling of angst as many may feel when the going gets tough and it seems the troubles and pain are unrelenting.

Composer: Bradbury, William B.
Arranger: Afdahl, Lee J.
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Hope for Healing

J'entends le Moulin

This lyrics of this amazing choral work by Donald Patriquin was inspired by the millwheel… which was integral part of settling of the French in Canada. Carlos Rivera has done a masterful job of adapting this work for handbells.

Composer: Patriquin, Donald
Arranger: Rivera, Carlos Enrique
Octaves: 6-7
Level: 6
Publisher: From the Top Music

J'entends le Moulin

Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah

The opening tempo marking for this solid and creative arrangement of this hymn favorite is Boldly @ q=120. It is filled with joy and energy featuring rhythmic elements and dynamics that add to the excitement.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Childers, Brian
Octaves: 4-6
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah

Hoe Down

Beloved American composer, Aaron Copland, created many musical works with Americana as the inspiration. The Ballet, Rodeo, is no exception and one of the favorites from that work is Hoe Down. Hart Morris worked his magic and created a handbell version that is faithful to Copland’s original. In fact, the Copland family reviewed it in great detail prior to authorizing publication. Bravo, Hart!

Composer: Copland, Aaron
Arranger: Morris, Hart
Octaves: 5-6
Level: 6
Publisher: From the Top Music

Hoe Down

Iditarod

Quote from program notes of the orchestral performance: “This riveting and explosive new work will take you on a journey through Alaska’s harsh landscape with the sled dogs running the Iditarod. Known as "the last great race on Earth," the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race stretches over 1,150 miles of Alaska’s wild terrain from Anchorage to Nome.”

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Berryman, Stephanie
Octaves: 5-6
Level: 4
Publisher: From the Top Music

Iditarod

Toccata

This exciting Toccata, originally written for organ, is typical in that top treble ringers will be busy with sixteenth note patterns while the other parts provide the foundation in some of the work.

Composer: Nevin, Gordon Balch
Arranger: White, Jeffrey A.
Octaves: 5-6
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Toccata

Abundant Joy

This original, joyful work is lively and rhythmic with an engaging, flowing treble melody. The melody follows in the bass clef supported by TD in treble which adds interest and texture.

Composer: Laumann, Craig
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Abundant Joy

Star of the County Down

County Down located in northern Ireland adjacent to the Irish Sea, is filled with beauty and inspiration from the seacoast to the Mourne Mountains and beyond and has strong links to St. Patrick, who is said to have sung psalms there. It is no wonder that a popular Irish folk melody is also a hymn tune as well as a poem made up of double and single quatrains.

Composer: Irish Folk Melody
Arranger: Childers, Brian
Octaves: 5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Star of the County Down

Hustle and Bustle

Caleb has crafted a delightful medley that includes Danse Russe (Trepak), God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Techniques include Ring (of course), mart, mart-lift, mallet, TD, Pl, and shake. Caleb describes this work as “a holiday mash up in rondo form!”

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

Hustle and Bustle

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Here is a lovely marrying of VENI EMMANUEL and CWM RHONDDA which begins with ethereal singing bell and mallet rolls which continue to support the Veni melody soon introduced in the 4’s on handchimes, followed by CWM RHONDDA melody malleted on suspended bells in the 6s.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Turner, Julie
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Hark the Glad Sound

This celebratory music beautifully conveys the joy of Advent and Christmas seasons beginning with hints of the melody rung in repeated octaves leading into the full-choir main theme.

Composer: Howeis, Thomas
Arranger: Bawden, James
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Hark the Glad Sound

Good Christians All Rejoice

This creative setting of a Christmas favorite, IN DULCI JUBILO, is written in 6/8 and has a definite joyful ‘waltz’ feel. Addition of dynamics, a few stopped sounds and echos add to the charm.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Childers, Brian
Octaves: 4-7
Level: 3+
Publisher: From the Top Music

Good Christians All Rejoice

Christmas Blessing

This lovely, lyrical, original work reflects Derek’s gift for melody and fulfilling harmonies and expression that are so rewarding to ringers and listeners alike.

Composer: Hakes, Derek
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 3-
Publisher: From the Top Music

Christmas Blessing

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

This beloved prayer is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, but the earliest record of it dates to 1912 where it appeared in a French publication, La Clochette. It was made popular for vocal and guitar in the 1960s by Sebastian Temple.

Composer: Temple, Sebastian
Arranger: Meyer, Kurt
Octaves: 3
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

O Come Savior of the Nations

Non komm der heiden heiland (Savior of the Nations, Come) and Veni, Veni, Emmanuel are beautifully combined in an ethereal and engaging setting perfect for a call to worship or any prayerful and introspective moment.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Ristow, Caitlin
Octaves: 3
Level: 2
Publisher: From the Top Music

O Come Savior of the Nations

Allelujah Sing to Jesus

Jason Kaylor is a solo ringer who is new to arranging for handbells. This faithful setting of the hymn favorite, HYFRYDOL, is rhythmic and engaging throughout.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Kaylor, Jason
Octaves: 3
Level: 3
Publisher: From the Top Music

Allelujah Sing to Jesus

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

This classical favorite from Tchaikovsly’s Nutcracker Ballet has been nicely adapted for handbell quartet. It features many malleted sections which must be executed gracefully with great expression and dynamics.

Composer: Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich
Arranger: Park, Hyosang
Octaves: 5
Level: 4+
Publisher: From the Top Music

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

O Canada

Composer: Weir, Robert Stanley
Arranger: Krug, Jason W.
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: Grassy Meadow Music

O Canada

Give God the Glory

This latest collection from Sandra and Mitchell Eithun contains five uplifting hymn arrangements for 8 handbells and optional piano. Your small ensemble will appreciate the intricate writing for bells and the support offered by the piano.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Eithun, Mitchell and Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 2
Level: 2+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Give God the Glory

Jingle All the Way

Jingle All the Way is a delightful collection of 8 traditional Christmas tunes for 4 ringers and optional piano.  There are no bell changes, and each ringer has only 2 handbells to ring.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Page, Anna Laura
Octaves: 2
Level: 2+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Jingle All the Way

Prepare the Lord Is Near

This collection for eight, ten, or twelve bells (D5-A7) includes five accessible yet full, interesting arrangements of hymns for the Advent season and includes piano accompaniments.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Prepare the Lord Is Near

Chorale and Variations on Erhalt uns Herr

The tune ERHALT UNS, HERR commonly associated with “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word,” “The Glory of These Forty Days,” “The Law of God Is Good and Wise,” and several other titles, is set as a chorale arrangement with two variations.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Behnke, John A.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Chorale and Variations on Erhalt uns Herr

That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright

Bach’s universally known Minuet in G has been paired with the hymn tune PUER NOBIS, making for a lovely, light, and easy arrangement for handbells.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Osman, Terry
Octaves: 2-3
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright

On Eagle's Wings

This is a touching setting of the beloved hymn arranged for handbells. The piece begins with a soothing, arpeggiated motive, leading into the first presentation of the familiar tune in a flowing, soaring style.

Composer: Joncas, Michael
Arranger: Behnke, John A.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

On Eagle's Wings

God of Grace and God of Glory

This lively arrangement of the tune CWM RHONDDA is filled with exciting rhythms and techniques. Malleted bass patterns in 7/8 meter create an intriguing accompaniment underneath the hymn tune, which is then reversed with the melody and large chords in the bass and thumb damped rhythms in the upper treble bells. A slower section follows, using LV handchimes in a flowing style in the bass and a lyrical treatment of the tune with handbells in the treble.

Composer: Hughes, John
Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 4
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

God of Grace and God of Glory

Fanfare on Come You Faithful Raise the Strain

Here is a celebratory and jubilant piece to begin your next Easter service. This fanfare has been arranged in three sections.

Composer: Horn, Johann
Arranger: Kerr, J. Wayne
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Fanfare on Come You Faithful Raise the Strain

Air and Hornpipe

Originally written for bell tree and full handbell choir, this award-winning piece by Sondra Tucker has been re-imagined as a bell tree solo with piano.

Composer: Tucker, Sondra K.
Octaves: 3
Level: NA
Publisher: National Handbell Music

Ave Maria

J.S. Bach’s Prelude No. 1 in C Major is the perfect backdrop for Charles Gounod’s musical setting of the Ave Maria. Kristi Seehafer has taken this favorite work and made it available for keyboard and viola or keyboard and 2 octaves of handbells (solo or small ensemble).

Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian
Arranger: Seehaffer, Kristi
Octaves: 2
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Ave Maria

Immaculate Mary

The hymn, “Immaculate Mary,” uses the lovely Marian hymn tune THE LOURDES HYMN, while the hymn text references the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

Composer: Traditional Pyrenean
Arranger: Mains, Rolin R.
Octaves: 2
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Immaculate Mary

Ave Maria

Ave Maria (Mode I) is a beloved chant in Catholic liturgies. The text comes directly from the Scriptures: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Meyer, Kurt
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Ave Maria

Promised Land

The wonderful early American folk tune “Promised Land” has been used with a wide variety of hymn texts, including “On Jordan’s Stormy Bank” and “Bound for the Promised Land.” Catholic hymnals use hymn text written by a parish priest named Willard F. Jabusch, called “She Will Show Us the Promised One,” making it especially appropriate for the Advent season.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Turner, Julie
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Promised Land

Be Not Afraid

In 1975, Jesuit Father Bob Dufford composed the beloved worship song, Be Not Afraid. Jefferey A Hall has created a flowing and prayer-like arrangement of this lovely song for 3 to 5 octaves of handbells with optional handchimes which can be used during all seasons of the church year.

Composer: Dufford, Bob
Arranger: Hall, Jefferey A.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Be Not Afraid

Contemplation on Serdeczna Matko

CIR is pleased to welcome Kurt Meyer to the CIR family of composers and arrangers with his setting of Serdeczna Matko (pronounced Sere-dech-na Maht-ko) (“Beloved Mother”). Serdeczna Matko is a lovely Marian hymn originating from Poland that has been a tradition in Polish churches for many generations.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Meyer, Kurt
Octaves: 2-3
Level: 1+
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Contemplation on Serdeczna Matko

Christmas Hymns for Small Ensembles

CIR would like to welcome Amy Knudsen to the CIR family of composers and arrangers by presenting her lovely collection of Advent and Christmas hymns, perfect for those days when you don’t have a full choir.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Knudsen, Amy
Octaves: 2
Level: 2
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Christmas Hymns for Small Ensembles

Ringing Favorite Hymns and Chants Vol 1 - 2 Octave

This versatile collection of familiar hymn tunes and chants is very accessible for 2 octave handbell choirs. Each one is rated Level 1 on the Handbell Musicians of America’s difficulty rating scale (with Level 1 being the easiest and Level 5 being the most advanced), because there are very few bell changes/accidentals and no complex rhythms.

Composer: Various
Arranger: Hall, Jefferey
Octaves: 2
Level: 1
Publisher: Christian Interdenominational Resources

Ringing Favorite Hymns and Chants Vol 1 - 2 Octave

Rocky Top

Get ready for a toe-tapping good time! Originally a bluegrass classic, “Rocky Top” became the fight song of the University of Tennessee in 1972, and Linda Scholes has dedicated this arrangement to her husband, who is a die-hard Volunteer.

Composer: Bryant, Boudleaux and Felice
Arranger: Scholes, Linda
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: Red River Music

Rocky Top

With Heart and Hands and Voices

Fred has combined Johann Crüger’s “Nun danket alle Gott” and J.S. Bach’s “Sinfonia” from Cantata 29 into a stellar musical interplay in the ultimate Classical style. It is Rung throughout with many well-placed LV phrases, two Shakes, and no ‘stopped’ techniques.

Composer: Cruger, Johann and Bach, J. S.
Arranger: Gramann, Fred
Octaves: 5 or 7
Level: 5+
Publisher: From the Top Music

Winter Began Softly

This original work for handbells paints a serene picture of a winter landscape blanketed in lightly-falling snow. The singing bell and lyrical passages evoke the beauty and quietude of the season.

Composer: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 4-
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Winter Began Softly

Let All Things Now Living

This easy setting of the tune, THE ASH GROVE, features full chords and bold harmonies and may be rung on handbells or handchimes. The melody moves throughout the ensemble, giving all ringers the chance to shine.

Composer: Welsh Folk Melody
Arranger: Krug, Jason W.
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Let All Things Now Living

On This Day Earth Shall Ring

On This Day Earth Shall Ring (also known by the tune name, PERSONENT HODIE) is a delightful setting of the familiar 16th century tune. The harmonic treatment is reminiscent of the era of the tune’s origin. This energetic setting utilizes articulations including mallets, thumb damps, marts and mart lifts.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Page, Anna Laura
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Choristers Guild

On This Day Earth Shall Ring

Mack the Knife

These are the opening lyrics of Mack the Knife, one of the most famous songs from the 1928 Threepenny Opera, a groundbreaking work that blends elements of musical theater, jazz, and social commentary. The song introduces the character Macheath, a charismatic but dangerous criminal known as Mackie.

Composer: Weill, Kurt
Arranger: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 4-6
Level: 4+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Mack the Knife

Largo from Winter

"Winter" from Vivaldi's "The Seasons" is the source of the beautiful Largo. Martha Lynn Thompson’s lovely setting is truly a piece for all seasons. It is especially lovely played entirely on handchimes, preferably without the octave doubling of treble chimes by 4-6 octave groups.

Composer: Vivaldi, Antonio
Arranger: Thompson, Martha Lynn
Octaves: 2-6
Level: 2
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Largo from Winter

Someone to Watch Over Me

Someone to Watch Over Me is a timeless jazz standard composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by his brother Ira Gershwin. Originally written for the musical Oh, Kay! in 1926, it has since become a beloved classic, covered by countless artists across various genres.

Composer: Gershwin, George
Arranger: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 4-8
Level: 4
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Someone to Watch Over Me

Cantad al Senor (O Sing to the Lord)

This exciting arrangement of the popular Brazilian folk hymn is full of rhythmic energy and musical drama. The square notes may be played on auxiliary bells such as Silver Melody Bells™. The optional shakers, castanets, tambourine and congas greatly add to the flavor and energy.

Composer: Brazilian Folk Melody
Arranger: Eithun, Mitchell
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 4-
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Cantad al Senor (O Sing to the Lord)

Timeless Canon

Composed in the late 17th century, the Pachelbel Canon is one of the most recognizable and enduring pieces of classical music. Originally written for three violins and basso continuo, it has since been arranged for various instruments and ensembles, becoming a staple in weddings, concerts, and popular culture. This simplified setting will be a great resource for beginning handbell ensembles, as well as for more developed groups when rehearsal time is limited.

Composer: Pachelbel, Johann
Arranger: Eithun, Sandra
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 1
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Timeless Canon

Just a Closer Walk

Just a Closer Walk is an arrangement of the beloved tune, CLOSER WALK. It is a gentle, gospel-like setting that ringers will enjoy playing. Articulations, including mallets and handchimes, offer just enough challenge to make this a fun piece to play.

Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Page, Anna Laura
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Just a Closer Walk

Lord Now Sends Us Forth

This uplifting arrangement of the Central American folk melody “Enviado soy de Dios” (ENVIADO) is flexible and accessible. The underlying malleted rhythm pattern is very repetitive, making it easy to learn. Techniques abound with martellato, mallets, shakes, and LV.

Composer: Central American Folk Melody
Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Lord Now Sends Us Forth

Quiet Heart

Written in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Choristers Guild, “A Quiet Heart” will transport your listeners to a quiet, contemplative place. An enchanting melody weaves its way throughout the piece and optional handchimes provide a pleasing change of color.

Composer: Buckwalter, Karen L.
Octaves: 3-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Quiet Heart

Illumina

Subtitled “Word of God, Light Our Way,” Illumina is a paraphrase of Psalm 119:105-108. Included above the music is the Psalm text to provide some creative reference for ringers and directors. Throughout the piece, the words “light our way” are illustrated in the form of two eighth notes and a quarter note.

Composer: Moklebust, Cathy
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 3
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Illumina

Impressions on Sing We Now of Christmas

This new setting of Sing We Now of Christmas is unlike any you’ve heard before! Haunting and ethereal, Matthew Compton’s arrangement of this beloved carol will transport your ringers and listeners will become an instant favorite with its powerful and unique harmonies.

Composer: Traditional French Carol
Arranger: Compton, Matthew
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 3+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Impressions on Sing We Now of Christmas

Peals of Praise

Mallets, shakes and tower swings – oh my! “Peals of Praise” combines original material with pealing scales and strains of Westminster Chimes. The lyrical center section provides a change of pace with optional handchimes, followed by a return to the driving, malleted opening material.

Composer: Buckwalter, Karen L.
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Peals of Praise

Wexford Carol

Subtitled, “Good People All, This Christmas Time,” this 12th century Irish carol begins with singing bell chords and a delicate chime tree underneath the freely played melody. Deep tom toms, congas or bongos, and finger cymbals are added, and the carol becomes more rhythmically steady through the use of a repetitive, malleted bass line, resembling a slow processional.

Composer: Traditional Carol
Arranger: Moklebust, Cathy
Octaves: 3-6
Level: 3
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Wexford Carol

Proclamation on St. Thomas

“Proclamation on St. Thomas” by Karen Buckwalter is a bold, festive arrangement of a familiar hymn tune from the 1700s. It may be found in several hymnals paired with a variety of texts and titles such as: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” and “Let Justice Flow Like Streams.”

Composer: Williams, Aaron
Arranger: Buckwalter, Karen L.
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2+
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Proclamation on St. Thomas

Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

Linda Lamb’s charming setting of the delightful carol will be a wonderful addition to your handbell library. The arrangement utilizes thumb damps, plucks, suspended malleted bells, LV, and optional handchimes.

Composer: French Carol
Arranger: Lamb, Linda R.
Octaves: 2-5
Level: 2
Publisher: Choristers Guild

Twas in the Moon of Wintertime