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Patricia Hurlbutt’s meditative arrangement of the well-known hymn provides the perfect backdrop to a quiet moment in worship. Occasional and unexpected chromatic notes add a lively harmonic interest, and the melody gets passed through all registers, giving every ringer a chance to partake. This well-crafted arrangement is sure to leave your listeners wanting more.
This easily-accessible arrangement of the well-loved hymn tune provides a great opportunity for intermediate ensembles to work on their musicality. The slower tempo allows ample time for ringers to perform the necessary bell changes, and the dynamic contrasts throughout give them the chance to work on their expressiveness. A beautiful choice for any worship service.
This selection is based on the traditional English Carol which is frequently overlooked. A wonderful tune and a fine arrangement.
Full of energy and whimsy, Matthew Compton's setting of the hymn tune FOREST GREEN is a fun choice for your ensemble. A powerful, driving mallet figure in minor gives way to the well-known tune. Well-placed key changes provide most ringers the opportunity to change bells while also providing aural interest. The piece makes one final return to the opening key for its powerful conclusion.
Based on Gustav Holst’s hymntune Thaxted, this piece makes an excellent contemplative offering for any patriotic service or concert. The familiar melody is first heard on the optional handchimes, then by the full handbell ensemble, where it rises to a majestic and reverent climax.
"Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley" is incorporated into this spiritual arrangement. An expressive opening builds throughout the piece to a strong ending in measure 67. It is then followed by a 2-measure "A-men" feel.
Emotionally powerful, Arnold Sherman’s setting of the well-loved Appalachian carol is a glorious choice for throughout the holiday season. An ethereal opening gives way to a verse underscored with flowing and harmonically-rich accompaniment. A key change gives way to a more powerful iteration of the theme before the piece fades away into haunting nothingness.
This rhythmically-charged offering from Kevin McChesney will keep your ringers engaged and audience delighted. Passing from peacefully flowing to energetically driving, this unique arrangement brings new life and vitality to this haunting tune.
This delicate setting of the tune NEUMARK is an excellent choice for any contemplative moment during worship. Flowing treble eighth notes underpin most of the piece while the melody peers through in the low treble. A verse set mostly on handchimes offers a break from the moving eighths, which return as the piece grows in strength. A final, triumphant set of chords bring the piece to a firm, confident conclusion.
Simple and straightforward, this arrangement of the tune ST. DENIO should be easy for most choirs to put together, yet has enough musical challenge to keep ringers interested. Through many exposed sections, ringers will get the chance to work on their confidence and holding their own in the ensemble. Each verse of the hymn receives its own treatment before the piece ends with a final, triumphant chord.
Mallets on tabled bells start the pulse going in the lower bell accompaniment, while the melody speaks out from the treble. After a key change the music relaxes a bit with flowing eighth-note accompaniment in the treble with melody in the middle register. The original material returns with a big flourish in the three ending measures.
With the option to add one of the bells in your bell tower or a single tubular chime, this arrangement is a grand statement sure to grab your congregation’s attention. Numerous techniques will engage your ringers, and intricate dynamics will challenge their musicality. With an original theme introduced in the middle and then woven together with the hymntune at the end, ensembles get the perfect chance to work on their balance and independent ringing.
Lloyd Larson's arrangement of the hymn tunes ST. PETER and MCKEE is easily accessible to intermediate ensembles while also providing enough musical interest for advanced groups. An opening peal gives way to the theme, first accompanied by chords in the bass, then by floating treble arpeggios. A brief key change in the middle provides harmonic interest before a return to the original key for the triumphant final verse.
A delicate malleted figure opens this dance-like arrangement of “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice.” A gentler middle verse on handchimes gives way to a final triumphant verse with full chords. Surprising harmonies abound, keeping listener and ringer alike engaged. A brilliant choice for holiday worship or concert use.
Michael Helman’s charming arrangement of this carol will give your bell choir the perfect chance to work on their musical expression. The accompaniment hints at the melody before it is first heard in the handchimes, which are used to wonderful effect throughout the piece. A powerful key change brings in “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
Compelling harmonies and delicate use of handchimes dominate Jason Krug’s arrangement of the familiar tune. A straight-forward iteration of the melody passes through a minor variation before returning for a grand final verse.
This beautiful original tune, written in honor of the composer’s brother, is a perfect choice for a moment of quiet introspection. The haunting melody, underscored by lush harmonies, gives a feeling of calm and depth with a subtle hint of motion. A more chromatic, harmonically-diverse section provides a nice aural diversion midway through before the piece returns to the feeling of the opening. A fantastic choice for the group looking to work on it is musicality.
This uplifting and hopeful arrangement of the favorite gospel hymn combines flowing LV textures with chime melody in the first section. By contrast, a second section calls for staccato mallets in "drum line" rhythm supporting an upper melody. Sure to be a crowd pleaser.
The basic chordal structure of this simple setting is broken near the end with arpeggiated passages. LV used extensively.
This original composition portrays the forty days Jesus spent in the desert and the three temptations he faced at the hands of Satan. Haunting melodies with a hint of dissonance represent the temptations while a more resolute theme represents Jesus’ rejections. Perfect for a choir looking for a chance to showcase their musicality, this is a great choice for a Lenten service when you’re looking for something other than a hymn arrangement.
With an opening set of measures that can be used as an easily-memorized processional, this joyous paean is guaranteed to delight. Bold, syncopated chords and a flowing melody give way to a more introspective section featuring chords on handchimes. Malleted bass notes lead us back to the opening material once more for a triumphant climax that ends with a return of the processional material. Perfect for any celebratory occasion.
For the group looking for something different for Palm Sunday, look no further! This joyful original work featuring powerful harmonies and marked, fanfare-like melodies provides the perfect depiction of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Equally appropriate for other festive occasions both in and out of church, this work is the ideal way to make your listeners sit up and take notice!
Replete with fresh harmonies, this arrangement of the well-known Christmas carol will keep ringers and listeners engaged.
Jason Krug’s arrangement of the hymntune LAND OF REST encompasses a myriad of moods and emotions. Liberal use of handchimes adds a beautiful counterpoint to the handbell melody. The piece grows in intensity and majesty before returning once more to its peaceful beginnings.
With diverse textures and harmonies, Michael Helman’s arrangement of the traditional Easter Hymn is sure to delight your congregation during Easter Morning service. Utilizing a variety of techniques and sonorities, each verse is given a unique treatment. Ringers will enjoy the numerous martellatos, malleted notes, and shakes.
The arranger creates a wonderful handbell piece using the tune, "Aberystwyth". A flute or oboe add color and random ringing used at the conclusion combine to create a well written bell selection.
Linda Lamb's hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the Welsh hymn tune ABERYSTWYTH is sure to find ample use with your ensemble throughout the church year. Flowing arpeggios underscore the opening verse of the melody while the optional flute soars above with a delicate counter-melody line. The melody returns in bass handchimes for a glorious, sonorous effect. A key change at the end paints the now-familiar melody in an entirely new light. A gorgeous masterpiece!
Relying extensively on handchimes and malleted bells, this prayerful arrangement runs the gamut of emotions, from quiet and reflective to forceful and glorious. A pair of opening verses in major give way to a verse in minor, which crescendos into a final triumphant verse in major. This selection will feature prominently in any service during the Lenten season.
Heartfelt and yearning, this arrangement is an ideal choice for any time during the Lenten season. Haunting harmonies feature throughout the piece, and all ringers get the chance to feature the melody at some point. The intensity builds to a final triumphant iteration of the tune before dying away.
Combining 2 tunes, "Duke Street" and "Coronation," with handbells and piccolo trumpet produces a triumphant piece suitable for any festive occasion.
Douglas Anderson’s arrangement of the hymn tune ST. AGNES is a perfect choice for the smaller ensemble looking for more of a musical challenge. The setting is straightforward, but careful attention is required to bring out the melody. A verse in minor with the melody on chimes provides aural contrast, and a final triumphant verse brings the piece to a satisfying conclusion.
James Pierpont. Fun and accessible, this arrangement of the holiday tune is sure to become a seasonal standard with your group. A slower, pensive version of the melody halfway through provides a nice contrast to the usual upbeat tempo. Be sure to add the optional sleigh bells for optimum effect
Hart Morris’ joining of two beloved hymn tunes is a dynamic offering, full of percussive effects of every sort. Opening with a grand fanfare, this celebratory piece has no end of shakes, martellatos, and malleted notes as it moves through different keys and moods. A very effective piece for worship
Originally a piano arrangement by Jon Ensminger, this setting of the traditional spiritual has been scored by Kevin McChesney for handbells. Dotted eighth-sixteenth rhythms abound and add "pop" to the quick pulse.
This original tune from the pen of Ron Mallory is a lighthearted romp, suitable for concert or worship use. Dedicated to the composer’s son, the lilting, syncopated 6/8 imparts a playful attitude to the piece, which is replete with unexpected harmonic divergences that add to the creative, exploratory feeling. Stopped techniques abound, making the piece as fun to play as it is to hear.
Full of syncopation and energy, this original composition is destined to be a hit with ringers and audiences alike. A slower, flowing middle section allows ringers a chance to showcase their musicality, before the original theme and feel return for a final drive to the finish. Appropriate for church or concert at any time of year, this selection would make a particularly good choice for worship during Eastertide.
Ring in the birth of the Christ child with this triumphant arrangement of that favorite Christmas hymn. Incorporating Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, the piece beautifully paints the picture of the glorious coming of Jesus with harmonic interest and exciting rhythmic motion. Sure to become a favorite of ringers and audiences alike!
Key changes and inharmonic chords create a constantly changing harmonic structure. Block chords keep ringers busy. Syncopated patterns are used sparingly.
Transcription of an organ solo by Diane Bish. For the advanced choir.
Anna Laura Page’s arrangement of Beethoven's "Hymn to Joy" will delight audiences and ringers alike.
Written for the Houston, TX Feb Fest event, this original composition is well-titled. Energy is dispersed through easy syncopation, numerous handbell techniques, and harmonic shifts. Optional 25 chimes, ranging from D3 to C6, add their shimmering energy as well.
Commissioned for a high school bell choir, this high-energy original work is set in 3/2 time. Mart-lifts and triplets enhance the fanfare-ish feel of the opening section. Optional handchimes and echo technique are also scored for variety of sound textures.
This handbell piece is a setting of an arrangement by Tim Bode. Thoughtful, flowing, yet confident textures permeate through all 65 measures.
An Israeli folk tune is the basis for this lively arrangement by Susan Sylvester.
This arrangement of two different hymntunes associated with the same text moves through various moods and textures, giving each part of the ensemble the chance to shine. From an opening on suspended bells and handchimes, the tune DOMINUS REGIT ME is set over a simple eighth note accompaniment with occasional unexpected harmonies before the ST. COLUMBA tune is introduced with a countermelody in the bass. A final triumphant verse with bold, sometimes chromatic harmonies, rounds out the piece before returning to the gentle feeling of the opening. A perfect choice for worship throughout the church year.
This revamped version of "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" allows for more options, now being arranged for 3 - 5 octaves. The music is written in the key of C Major (it was originally arranged in D), but otherwise is the nice simple tune of "St. Columba".
Modal and majestic. Pl or mallet is used extensively. Good use of bells. A suggested peice for massed ringing.
From "The New World Symphony", a 3-4 octave arrangement of the familiar "Largo". Excellent for church or as a program piece.
Bold, exciting, and approachable all describe Patricia Hurlbutt's arrangement of the hymn tune LANCASHIRE. An energetic fanfare gives way to the melody, which is underscored with enticing harmonies. The fanfare returns before the melody moves to the bass. The piece concludes with a full chordal treatment of the tune before coming to its triumphant conclusion.
Part of the Virtuoso Series by The Raleigh Ringers. A harshly dissonant opening yields to a gentler theme in William Payn's masterwork, “Legacy”. Through many contrasting styles and moods, the piece takes the listener on an emotional journey through pain, suffering, and loss before closing on a note of triumphant hope. Not for the faint of heart, this piece is a worthy challenge for any advanced group looking to push themselves to the limit of their technique and musicality.
Part of the Raleigh Ringers Virtuoso Series. This work from master composer William Payn will stretch your ringers on all fronts, challenging them to bring forth all the musicality the piece has to offer. Soaring melodies and flowing sixteenth note accompaniments figure predominantly throughout the piece. A softer section on chimes provides a moment’s rest and contrast before the opening melody returns for one final, triumphant iteration. Sure to leave your audiences entranced and astounded!
This trio of pieces – What Wondrous Love Is This; To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord; and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – are perfect for any time during the Lenten season, and especially fitting for a Good Friday service. Full of interesting and unexpected harmonic twists, these arrangements capture the mood of the Lenten season perfectly. The two compatible sets – for 2 or 3 octaves, and for 3 to 5 octaves – make these pieces a good choice not just for worship, but for festival settings, as well.
This trio of pieces – What Wondrous Love Is This; To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord; and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – are perfect for any time during the Lenten season, and especially fitting for a Good Friday service. Full of interesting and unexpected harmonic twists, these arrangements capture the mood of the Lenten season perfectly. The two compatible sets – for 2 or 3 octaves, and for 3 to 5 octaves – make these pieces a good choice not just for worship, but for festival settings, as well.
A haunting opening verse on handchimes, accompanied by a singing bell drone and ethereal random malleting in the high bells, gives way to a more chordal verse of the well-known tune. A key change propels the piece forward before the motion once more slows and the piece closes as it began. A great choice for your church's ensemble!
The melody (ASH GROVE) floats above the bagpipe-like dissonant vamp in the opening of this arrangment. The following section treats the tune in imitation. A key change find the melody atop tall chords. The piece closes with a big ending with shakes in measure 106.
3 octaves of optional handchimes and optional tambourine are scored alongside the bells in this joyful arrangement of the carol FRENCH NOEL. It is a fresh selection for the Christmas season.
An opening peal gives way to an energetic melody in Jason Krug's original composition. The melody moves among all the parts, giving all your ringers the chance to shine.
From a slow, simple opening, Jason Krug's celebration of Holy Communion builds in power throughout the arrangement. A fantasia-like middle section features brief snippets of other communion hymns, adding a degree of aural interest. This piece is perfect for a Maundy Thursday service, or any communion service throughout the church year.
Contains We Three Kings; Away in a Manger; God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Mitchell Eithun's rhythmic and energetic setting of the tune PROMISED ONE will have your listeners – and possibly your ringers – up and dancing in the aisles. Driving malleted bass lines accompanied by tambourine propel the piece along, while a slower, contemplative handchime section in the middle offers a contrasting mood. A fun time for everyone!
Patricia Hurlbutt’s arrangement of this Yiddish folk tune provides something different for your ensemble this holiday season. Reflective and stirring, the melody and harmony combine to speak to the listener of expectation and waiting. Flowing lines and simple rhythms give way to moving sixteenths on the last verse, providing ensembles a challenge both technical and musical.
An optional C instrument adds beauty to this setting of Peter Cutts' tune BRIDEGROOM. Light and sweet, this arrangement flows along with running eighth-note patterns. The LV technique is used extensively.
Commissioned for a handbell cruise to the Caribbean, this original work is a musical description of the famous Linstead Market in Jamaica. Bright, colorful, syncopated and fresh are adjectives that describe this happy work.
Jason Krug's arrangement of this little-known Puerto Rican carol is a treat for ringer and listener alike. An impassioned opening figure gives way to the melody, underscored by full chords. A second verse, accompanied by a dance-like chordal figure, sets the stage for the return of the opening theme, which then gives way to a joyous final verse, accompanied by a malleted bass figure. A wonderful choice for the group looking for something different this holiday season.
Written by the composer in honor of his son's birth, this gentle original tune can find myriad uses in both concert and worship. The simple lullaby melody and flowing accompaniment figures give ringers ample opportunity to work on their expression and musicality.
Looking for a short, straightforward Christmas carol for a meditative moment in worship? Then take a look at the 43 measures of this setting of the beloved Christmas tune. The meter is 2/2, the first section chordal, the second smooth with eighth-note accompaniment, and the ending quiet and thoughtful.
The beloved folksong from Ireland, commonly known as "Danny Boy" is here set in straightforward style that begins simply and builds to the end. 7-8 optional handchimes in the two octave range are scored for the melody in the second section.
A simple beginning with the solo instrument soon becomes a beautiful composition using the full bell choir. Complex rhythms, key changes and inharmonic chords stir the emotions.
Eight handchimes ranging from G5 to G6 with optional Ab6 and C7 are scored on the melody in a middle section of this arrangement based on the hymn tune BRYN CALFARIA. The meter is set in 3/2 with occasional changes to 2/2 and 4/2. Special techniques are scattered throughout for flavor.
Use your 3 octave chime set for a change of color in this easy arrangement of the traditional spiritual.
SO NIMM DENN MEINE HANDE. Transparent textures abound in this artful arrangement, allowing your ringers to work on their musicality and line. Chimes are introduced in the middle for a verse in minor, accompanied by staccato handbell accompaniment, before the texture builds toward a final, powerful statement of the theme.
This original work was commissioned by a father in memory of his daughter. The title, taken from I Corinthians 13, foreshadows the gamut of emotions that love experiences. Flowing textures, forceful techniques, and tempo changes all contribute to the mood of forbearing love.
A fantasia-like opening sets this arrangement in motion. Varied accompaniment figures and harmonies bring fresh life to this simple tune. Easy enough technically for most intermediate groups, yet with ample opportunity for musical expression, this work is sure to delight ringers and congregations alike.
Patricia Hurlbutt’s arrangement of the hymntune BEECHER is a treat to hear and ring, and is quite approachable for most smaller ensembles. A straightforward setting of the tune leads into a verse played entirely with mallets, before giving way to a slower, majestic final iteration. A wonderful addition to the repertoire for two and three octave ensembles!
This lesser known Polish carol is set in the style of a lullaby. The melody in each stanza is treated differently by the accompaniment.
From Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.
The traditional Austrian carol is sweetly set for bells and optional flute.However, the flute part is separate and when not available, bells or chimes may play the melody.
This quiet, reflective music is a transcription of John Beck's vocal solo, Quiet Heart.
Flowing rhythms and rich harmonies characterize this arrangement by Lloyd Larson. The simple melody grows in intensity to a final triumphant statement of the theme before fading once more to a peaceful conclusion.
There are two titles in this little suite both for bells and narrator or speech choir. The texts are Isaiah 2:2-5 & Isaiah 35 respectively.
Singing bell and simple chime chords underscore the opening of Brenda Austin’s arrangement of the hymn tune DIVINUM MYSTERIUM. Flowing accompaniments take over as the piece grows in emotion and dynamics until a bold, triumphant verse, which fades back to the same delicate texture as the opening. A fitting choice for concert or worship during the Advent season and beyond.
A haunting piece with a tender melody. Great to change the mood of a concert.
Based on NICAEA and LAUDES DOMINI. This straightforward arrangement of two well-known hymn tunes provides beginning choirs with the chance to shine. With no techniques beyond LV and shake, and no bell changes, even musicians who have only been ringing a few short weeks should feel comfortable playing this piece.
A grand dialogue between bells and viola in a meditative arrangement of this gospel tune.
John Atteberry's arrangement of the traditional spiritual. Delicate textures and open harmonies feature prominently in this introspective arrangement of the well-known spiritual. The piece becomes agitated toward the middle with the inclusion of sixteenth notes and occasional martellatos before the expansive mood returns. The cello part, while optional, adds dramatically to the overall effect.
Alternately haunting and emotional, this arrangement of the hymn tune RESIGNATION is a wonderful choice for the ensemble looking to enhance their musicality. The piece grows in intensity to a triumphant climax before fading away into simplicity once more. A great choice for throughout the church year.
This rollicking original tune from Mitchell Eithun is sure to become a favorite of your ringers. A delicate, ethereal opening belies the driving syncopated tune to come.
The impression this arrangement of the beloved hymn gives is one of following the mood of the hymn's stanzas. It begins tenderly, then builds as it moves into a key change.
A mournful minor verse of the Lowell Mason tune gives rise to a hopeful modal version employing unexpected harmonies and propelling eighth notes. Tension builds into a triumphant verse that calms into a peaceful final iteration. A wonderfully expressive choice for throughout the church year.
The "Bethany" tune is the core of this arrangement but the arranger skillfully incorporates segments of the "Toplady" and the "McAfee" tunes. Rhythmically easy.
This haunting original composition will provide ringers with ample opportunity to focus on their musicality. From moments of quiet tranquility to soaring heights of passion, this song runs the gamut of emotions, carrying musician and listener alike on a beautiful musical journey.
This lovely original is a perfect selection for any time of year. Subtitled “Song of Peace,” the beautiful melody and flowing accompaniment give way to a more frantic middle section before the melody returns triumphant. The handchimes are liberally used to wonderful effect in the latter half of the piece
This joyful arrangement of the tune REGENT SQUARE will be a welcome addition to your Christmas repertoire. A rhythmic, malleted opening verse gives way to a gentler, almost fantasia-like verse in 3/4 time, before returning once more to the familiar 4/4 time. A snippet of “Angels We Have Heard on High” provides a moment of melodic contrast before the triumphant finish. A fun piece both to ring and hear!
This setting of Johann Cruger's melody opens with a combination of an eighth-note ostinato in the mid-range bells mixed with sounds similar to a bell tower on the melody.
Arrangement of the hymn tunes ADESTE FIDELES (Wade) and FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN (Handel). Karen Buckwalter expertly weaves together the tune ADESTE FIDELES with the “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” chorus from Handel’s Messiah. The two tunes alternate seamlessly back and forth, and are later combined, providing new harmonic and scriptural insight to both. All parts get to experience the melody, creating extra aural interest. A worthy and quite accessible musical challenge for any ensemble during the Christmas season.
The fanfare rhythm introduced at the beginning is carried through creating a martial and festive arrangement of one of our most popular Christmas hymns.
"Angels From the Realms of Glory" (REGENT SQUARE) is pared with the title carol (ADESTE FIDELES) in this regal rendition for the Christmas season. Set in Eb and C Majors, there are varying accompanimental textures and harmonies that add interest and energy. Bells changes add challenge.
The traditional German tune is set here in an easy arrangement for the 2 octave choir.
A single, gentle syncopating line is a unifying thread in this sweet setting of the traditional German carol.