Feb 20

That Easter Day with Joy was Bright (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)

That Easter Day with Joy was Bright is sung to the 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS. It’s traditionally sung for Easter, but can be played for Advent asOn Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry. Our new arrangement for two octaves will work well with your ensemble, because it’s a very accessible Level 2+.

That Easter day with joy was bright:
The sun shone out with fairer light
When, to their longing eyes restored,
The_apostles saw their risen Lord!
His risen flesh with radiance glowed;
His wounded hands and feet He showed;
Those scars their solemn witness gave
That Christ was risen from the grave.
O Jesus, King of gentleness,
With constant love our hearts possess
That we may give You all our days
The tribute of our grateful praise.
O Lord of all, with us abide
In this our joyful Eastertide;
From ev’ry weapon death can wield
Your own redeemed forever shield.
All praise to you, O risen Lord, 
Now both by heav’n and earth adored;
To God the Father equal praise, 
And God the Spirit, now we raise!

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Feb 17

Come Thou Almighty King (ITALIAN HYMN) – Eight handbells

Come, Thou Almighty King is a grand hymn about our need for the Lord to have our loyalty. The tune ITALIAN HYMN was written in 1769 by Felice de Giardini, who had a thoroughgoing musical career as a violinist and composer. Our arrangement for eight handbells provides excitement with a moderate technical challenge, so you and your listeners will both enjoy it.

Come, thou almighty King / help us thy name to sing / help us to praise.
Father, all glorious / o’er all victorious / come, and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.

Come, thou incarnate Word / gird on thy mighty sword / scatter thy foes.
Let thine almighty aid / our sure defense be made / our souls on thee be stayed;
Thy wonders show.

Come, holy Comforter / thy sacred witness bear / in this glad hour.
Thou who almighty art / now rule in every heart / and ne’er from us depart,
Spirit of power.

To thee, great One in Three / eternal praises be / hence evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty / may we in glory see / and to eternity
Love and adore.

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Feb 15

Winter Wonderland (Handbells, 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 5)

According to Wikipedia, Richard Bernhard Smith wrote the lyrics for “Winter Wonderland” while recovering from tuberculosis in 1934. That same year, Felix Bernard added the tune that has now been covered over 200 times! This song speaks fun and romance during the cold season, about playing in the snow, and planning for great time ahead, and people have been doing exactly that for a long time.

Sleigh bells ring – are you listenin’?
In the lane snow is glist’nin’,
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight.
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland!

Our five-octave handbell arrangement is Level 5, which means it has loads of opportunity for creating brilliant artistic expression. Your ringers will have a great time learning and performing this score!

Winter Wonderland for five octaves of handbells is now available from Sheet Music Direct!

Jan 16

Amazing Grace – Twelve handbells, version 2

I suppose that, given there are a finite number of hymn tunes in existence, that at some point there will arise the opportunity to make a second (or third, or…) arrangement of a melody that’s been done previously. Today, we’re publishing our second twelve-bell arrangement of Amazing Grace!

This new arrangement inhabits the same webpage as the first one, except that you have to scroll farther down. Both have demo videos so that you can compare them. While the first arrangement is written as a church Gospel waltz, the second version prides itself on being more accessible – so if you need Amazing Grace for twelve bells but have a tight practice schedule, our second version should be perfect for your ensemble!

Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Jan 09

Love is Patient, Love is Kind – a wedding song with a handbell part!

It’s our pleasure to publish Barbara Butcher’s original song Love is Patient, Love is Kind. This accompanied vocal solo based on I Corinthians 13 works perfectly with weddings, and has a very, very simple (and optional) eight-handbell part.

Barbara composed a long and a short version. The long version includes a narration/recitation as its middle section, and the short version has a piano interlude in that place. If you need an accompaniment MP3, we have the following versions:

  • Short version, without handbells (in case you have live ringers),
  • Short version, with handbells,
  • Long version, without handbells, and
  • Long version, with handbells.

The video here features the lovely voice of Tori Tedeschi Adams.

Jan 05

I Wonder as I Wander – Eight handbells

In 1933, John Jacob Niles heard a bit of music from Annie Morgan, a Appalachian girl, and used it as the basis of his song “I Wonder as I Wander”. It brings out the mystery of Christmas in a way unique to the celebration of Christ’s birth.

This medium difficulty arrangement for eight handbells provides ample room to express the interpretation of the carol. Two transpositions, F5-A6 and Eb5-G6, are provided, the latter fitting within the range of a two-octave set of handbells.

I wonder as I wander, out under the sky, how Jesus the Savior did come for to die
for poor ordinary people like you and like I; I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus, ’twas in a cow’s stall with wise men and farmers and shepherd and all.
but high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, and the promise of ages it did then recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, a star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
or all of God’s angels in heaven for to sing, he surely could have it, ’cause he was the King.

I wonder as I wander, out under the sky, how Jesus the Savior did come for to die
for poor ordinary people like you and like I; I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.

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Dec 18

He is Born (IL EST NÉ) – Eight handbells

The French carol He is Born celebrates the birth of the Christ Child calmly and innocently. However, matters change when this pretty melody crosses over the Channel to be expressed as a lively jig!

Our arrangement of IL EST NÉ, done Irish style, will fascinate and challenge you. Have fun!

Refrain:
Il est né le divin enfant,
Jouez hautbois, résonnez musettes !
Il est né le divin enfant,
Chantons tous son avènement !

Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous le promettaient les prophètes
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous attendions cet heureux temps. Refrain

Ah ! Qu’il est beau, qu’il est charmant !
Ah ! que ses grâces sont parfaites !
Ah ! Qu’il est beau, qu’il est charmant !
Qu’il est doux ce divin enfant ! Refrain

Une étable est son logement
Un peu de paille est sa couchette,
Une étable est son logement
Pour un dieu quel abaissement ! Refrain

Partez, grands rois de l’Orient !
Venez vous unir à nos fêtes
Partez, grands rois de l’Orient !
Venez adorer cet enfant ! Refrain

Il veut nos cœurs, il les attend :
Il est là pour faire leur conquête
Il veut nos cœurs, il les attend :
Donnons-les-lui donc promptement ! Refrain

O Jésus ! O Roi tout-puissant
Tout petit enfant que vous êtes,
O Jésus ! O Roi tout-puissant,
Régnez sur nous entièrement ! Refrain

Chorus:
He is born, the Heav’nly Child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.
He is born, the Heav’nly Child,
Let all sing His nativity.

‘Tis four thousand years and more,
Prophets have foretold His coming.
‘Tis four thousand years and more,
Have we waited this happy hour. Chorus

Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair,
What perfection is His graces.
Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair,
Child divine, so gentle there. Chorus

In a stable lodged is He,
Straw is all He has for cradle.
In a stable lodged is He,
Oh how great humility! Chorus

Jesus Lord, O King with power,
Though a little babe You come here.
Jesus Lord, O King with power,
Rule o’er us from this glad hour. Chorus

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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Nov 23

Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine (RESONET IN LAUDIBUS) – Eight handbells

Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine is sung to the ancient hymn tune RESONET IN LAUDIBUS from the 15th century. It tells the wonder of the first Christmas from Joseph and Mary’s perspective. Our eight-bell arrangement brings out the gentleness and quietude of the carol.

Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, help me cradle the child divine;
God reward thee and all that’s thine in paradise,
so prays the mother Mary.

Refrain:
He came among us at Christmastime, at Christmastime, in Bethlehem;
let us bring him from far and wide Love’s diadem: Jesus, Jesus,
lo, he comes, and loves, and saves, and frees us!

Gladly, dear one, lady mine, help I cradle this child of thine;
God’s own light on us both shall shine in paradise,
as prays the mother Mary.

All shall come and bow the knee; wise and happy their souls shall be,
loving such a divinity, as all may see
in Jesus, Son of Mary.

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Find Larry and Carla on Facebook!

Nov 21

Now the Green Blade Riseth/Sing We Now of Christmas (NOEL NOUVELET) – Twelve handbells

Here’s a dual-purpose arrangement that you can play as Sing We Now of Christmas for Christmas, or as Now the Green Blade Riseth for Easter!

Sing we now of Christmas,
Noel, sing we here!
Hear our grateful praises
to the babe so dear.

Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!

Angels called to shepherds,
“Leave your flocks at rest,
journey forth to Bethlehem,
find the lambkin blest.

In Bethlehem they found him;
Joseph and Mary mild,
seated by the manger,
watching the holy child.

From the eastern country
came the kings afar,
bearing gifts to Bethlehem
guided by a star.

Gold and myrrh they took there,
gifts of greatest price;
there was ne’er a place on earth
so like paradise.

 Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain,
Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain,
Thinking that He never would awake again,
Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain,
Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain;
Quick from the dead the risen One is seen:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain,
Jesus’ touch can call us back to life again,
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Find Larry and Carla on Facebook!

Oct 28

A la Media Noche – Twelve handbells

Living in this world means getting to rub shoulders with people from many different cultures. We’ve learned that there’s a rich heritage that our Hispanic friends have to share with us. Here’s a carol from Puerto Rico, the title of which, A la media noche, translates to “at midnight”.

Our new twelve-bell arrangement presents the same air of excitement as our eight-bell version, so you can enjoy the same carol with even more ringers!

A la media noche al rigor del cielo
Nace Jesu Cristo, redento del Cielo.
Al la media noche el gallo cantaba,
Y en su voz decía ya Cristo ha na cido.

Entre pajas nace del cielo gran Rey
A u lado tiene la mula y el buey.
EL buem com humilde las pajas le e chaba
La maldita mula le descobijaba

Su madre lomira sin poderle dar
Ni lecho ne cun donde reposar.
Tiernecito Niño me Jesus,mi Dios
Eres suave y dulce, eres todo amor.

At midnight, amidst the severity of the cold
is born Jesus Christ, redeemer of the heavens.
At midnight the rooster was singing and in his voice was saying
that Christ has been born already


In the straw He is born from the heavens,great King.
At his side he has the donkey and the ox.
The ox, how humble. The straw was thrown about.
The naughty mule was uncovering him.


His mother is looking at him without being able to give
Him neither bed nor cradle where to rest.
Tender Little Babe, my Jesus, my God.
You are gentle and sweet. You are all love.

Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

Find Larry and Carla on Facebook!