We just returned from a terrific weekend in Philadelphia (“just” meaning: “we-had-weather-based-flight-delays-and-had-to-rush-from-gate-to-gate-for-our-connecting-flight-and-had-a-shuttle-driver-who-was-trying-to-find-his-last-passenger-for-our-ride-home-and-didn’t-get-back-until-2:30-a.m.” … but who’s counting?). Anyway, the concert we shared with Philadelphia Bronze went beautifully, and we had lots of fun making – and making music with – friends who we’ve mostly known only via social media till now. We’re very thankful for their …
Category: Eight-Bell
Eight-Bell Collaborations
“Eight-bell collaborations” are arrangements (or original works) for eight handbells and other instruments. Most of the time, the “other” is piano or organ, but we also have pieces such as “Heather’s Dance” that have a more unusual instrumentation (bells, harp, and other instrument). Some of these were created for a melody that didn’t… well, almost …
Silver and Bronze – Ensemble Piece for Flute and Eight Handbells
In May 2015, we (Larry and Carla) were in a concert with Philadelphia Bronze. While we were deciding on repertoire for the program, the idea of a collaboration between Martha (on flute) and us (on eight bells) arose. Here’s the result! We also have an adaptation of this original piece for handbells and organ. If …
May 29
Philly… Cheesesteak Time!
We’re in Philadelphia for the weekend. The reason is wonderful: Philadelphia Bronze has invited us to share a concert with them, so we’re getting share our eight-bell duets with friends who have been online, but who now will be “in real life” friends too! Today (Friday) is a sightseeing day. We’re going to make the …
May 17
Concerts with No Audience
What if you put on a handbell concert, and no one came to see it? We’ve played in some programs of this sort that had small audiences. It can be bit discouraging, because most of us would prefer to be performing to a full house at Carnegie Hall (and earning 50% of the gate receipts, …
America the Beautiful (AMERICA/MATERNA) – Eight handbells
I think of America the Beautiful as a “wannabe national anthem”, because it says so much about what matters in the country where I live. O beautiful for spacious skies / For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties / Above the fruited plain! America! America! / God shed his grace on thee And …
In the Garden (GARDEN) – Eight handbells
In the Garden is an early twentieth-century Gospel song by C. Austin Miles. It’s about those solitary times when we find the Savior waiting for us in a peaceful place, and spend time rejoicing in His presence. This is one of the most popular hymns of all time! I come to the garden alone While …
What Wondrous Love is This (WONDROUS LOVE) – Eight handbells
Here’s a very familiar tune of American origin. It’s a thoughtful Holy Week selection, perhaps best matching Good Friday. What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for …
Feb 20
Here’s some new music!
We’ve just released our newest “Surprisingly Easy”™ collection of eight-bell pieces. This time it’s a set of hymn arrangements that you’ll find suitable when you need to prepare something for church but have only a few people to ring. Or you might have been thinking about getting into playing eight-handbell duets – these are a …
Beautiful Savior / Fairest Lord Jesus (ST. ELIZABETH) – Eight handbells
This song goes back more than a few years, dating to the Crusades. While we’re not into the militaristic part of that bit of history now, Jesus Christ is still just as wonderful and lovely as ever. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I …
