In the U.S., Now Thank We All Our God is one of the hymns that makes an annual appearance in November (because of the national Thanksgiving holiday, of course)… but it really can (should?) be played all year round! “Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has …
Category: Handbell Choir
Apr 12
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (LAUDA ANIMA) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2+)
The hymn tune LAUDA ANIMA was written by John Goss in 1868, and is married wonderfully with the lyric Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. Our arrangement of this hymn for two octaves of handbells is from the series of pieces written for the handbell choir of the Third Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan, …
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (LAUDA ANIMA) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2+)
The hymn tune LAUDA ANIMA was written by John Goss in 1868, and is married wonderfully with the lyric Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; to his feet your tribute bring. Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore his praises sing. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise the everlasting King! Praise him …
Apr 04
Blessed Assurance (ASSURANCE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Blessed Assurance is one of Fanny Crosby’s all-time classic hymns. It speaks of faith, dependence, and triumph through having an absolute reliance on God and His power. Our new arrangement is for two octaves, and will be a welcome addition to your ensemble’s repertoire. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory …
Mar 27
Boat on Lake Tai (太湖船) (Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4-)
Lake Tai is a large lake near Shanghai. It’s in a central location, so it has many commercial connections; because it’s quite shallow, it’s a peaceful place to visit. The Chinese folk song Boat on Lake Tai (太湖船) draws a picture of a peaceful scene, where a small boat glides across the water. You’ll enjoy …
Boat on Lake Tai (太湖船) (Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4-)
Lake Tai is a large lake near Shanghai. It’s in a central location, so it has many commercial connections; because it’s quite shallow, it’s a peaceful place to visit. The Chinese folk song Boat on Lake Tai (太湖船) draws a picture of a peaceful scene, where a small boat glides across the water. You’ll enjoy …
Mar 19
Happy Birthday!
(Larry here) It’s my birthday today, so we’re putting out a treat for those of you who’ve been wishing to congratulate your ringers, or family, or friends, or anyone else by having your bell choir play in their honor. Our arrangement of Happy Birthday to You is scored for three to seven (!) octaves of …
Happy Birthday (Handbells, 3-7 octaves)
Here’s our arrangement of the universal party favorite, Happy Birthday, for three to seven octaves of handbells (add handchimes if you wish!). After much history and (legal!) discussion between forces outside our control, the courts declared some years ago that Happy Birthday, the famous tune by the Hill sisters, was indeed in the public domain. …
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended (ST. CLEMENT) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2+)
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended is about eternity in the “always” rather than the “forever” sense; the lyrics are about perseverance without letup as the Church continues her work night and day. The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended / The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended / …
Kum Ba Yah (Handbells, 2 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Kum Ba Yah is an African-American spiritual, most likely dating back to the eighteenth or nineteenth century. The first known recording of it dates back to 1926, and was a pretty upbeat version of the song that, since then, has become a more prayerful meditation. The phrase “kum ba yah” is a linguistic variation of …
