Author's posts
Jun 14
Tchaikovsky – The Seasons (handbells, two octaves, Level 3 to 5+)
In 2013, we published eight eight-handbell arrangements of selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. That was an exciting time for us, because we were preparing to do preshow for a local ballet company, and wanted to give them a nice surprise. Yes… they were surprised! This time, we have a surprise for you! Nikolay Bernard, the …
Jun 09
I Saw Three Ships – for twelve handbells
I Saw Three Ships is an English carol that dates back to the seventeenth or eighteenth century. Some people think that the “three ships” were the camels (aka “ships of the desert”) that the Magi rode on their way from the east to Bethlehem. Whether or not this is the reference made by the text, …
Jun 06
From Starry Skies Descending – for twelve handbells
The Italian carol Tu scendi dalle stelle is lovely, though perhaps less familiar to Americans than others. Our new twelve-bell arrangement will bring a new bit of joy to your holiday services and celebrations. Our new arrangement of this Christmas song for twelve handbells has versions in Bb major (C5-G5) and C major (D5-A6), so …
Jun 02
This is My Father’s World (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 1 octave, Level 3-)
The world around us testifies of God’s greatness. Bible passages such as Psalm 19 remind us of this, and the natural wonders that greet our eyes – sunrises? sunsets? trees? stars? – are further testimony to what He’s done. We have a new arrangement of the hymn This My Father’s World for your choir to …
May 26
Crown Him with Many Crowns (DIADEMATA) – for handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 2+
We have a new arrangement of the hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns! It’s for three, four, or five octaves of handbells, plus one octave of handchimes. It’s Level 2+, and has plenty for your ringers to do and enjoy! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up …
May 23
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 5)
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of this beloved Christmas song. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners …
May 16
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) – Handbell duet with piano and optional flute
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of this beloved Christmas song. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! If played as a four-in-hand duet, a table will be needed. Also, it would be advantageous to add a …
May 09
Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (HURON CAROL) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3)
This is the oldest known Canadian carol. Gitchi Manitou is Algonquian for “Great Spirit”, the Native American name for God, and the lyrics tell the Christmas story as it might have told been near the Great Lakes. Our new arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells (plus optional three-octave chimes) tells the story with …
May 05
Of the Father’s Love Begotten (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3+)
The plainchant DIVINUM MYSTERIUM has been around since the thirteenth century. Because it’s a chant, the metrical pattern of the melody is based on the syllabic structure of the text, making the phrases of variable length. This new arrangement, however, is in almost-5/4 (so, with a few 4/4 measures thrown in) – we think it’ll …
Apr 25
Squirrels (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Our garden has lots of large trees. With those trees come many lively, carefree squirrels. They’re a bit like the sparrows Jesus talked about – they don’t worry about things, because God provides for them. I think the Father above knows when even the smallest, cutest squirrel drops to the ground, too. This original piece …
