Category: International Music

Calliope House – Eight handbells

We can imagine a line of Irish dancers showing off their skills to the music from a brilliant steam-driven calliope with this tune! Our thanks go to David Richardson and Gilderoy House for granting permission to create this arrangement. Alternate titles: Calliope Horse Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based practice track: $ US …

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Holy Manna – Six handbells and piano

The Southern Harmony hymn tune HOLY MANNA, often sung as Brethren, We Have Met to Worship or God, Who Set the Star-Spangled Heavens, here is set for eight handbells in the range C5-C7. We think of a sparkling stream where all of our cares are washed away by God’s love and care, and want to …

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“The Ants Go Marching” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” – for eight handbells

We have not just one, but two new eight-bell pieces to present today. That’s because they use the same tune. You may remember singing The Ants Go Marching as a child. It’s not about a marauding horde of insects; rather, it’s a band of friendly little critters doing cute little things. Our eight-bell arrangement about …

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The Ants Go Marching – Eight handbells

You may have sung The Ants Go Marching when you were young. It’s the kids’ version of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” (hint: give this one a go to get an idea of how much more fun the “big kids’ version” will be!). Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives …

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When Johnny Comes Marching Home – Eight handbells

It was fashionable for nineteenth-century (American) composers to publish original works under pseudonyms. Frank Gilmore, therefore, wrote When Johnny Comes Marching Home in 1863 as Louis Lambert. Regardless of what name we attach to the tune, it turns out to be a wonderful piece for eight handbells! Standard Version: ”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $ US G5-based …

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The Ants Go Marching

You may have sung this song, The Ants Go Marching, when you were young. It’s the kids’ version of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” (hint: give this one a go to get an idea of how much more fun the “big kids’ version” will be!). Bells used: G5, Ab5, Bb5, C6, D6, Eb6, F6, G6 …

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Alouette, Gentille Alouette

We bring you a traditional (children’s) song from France. It’s about a lark (“alouette”); I think I’ll leave it at that! Bells used: G5, B5, C6, D6, E6, F6, G6, A6 Key: C major Standard Version: $ US Downloading this free arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain copies for your handbell group, and …

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Morning Has Broken – Six handbells and piano

The traditional Gaelic tune BUNESSAN is better known to most of us as the music to the popular hymn Morning Has Broken (popularized by Cat Stevens in the 1970s). Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of the hymn tune BUNESSAN provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet …

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Six-Bell Music (Accompanied)

From Larry: I had shoulder surgery in May 2020. The result of this was being left-handed for some months. Carla suggested creating some six-bell music to make playing possible for me, with the idea of playing it as a four-in-hand ringer plus a two-in-one/good-hand ringer. There also would be the possibility of someone playing these …

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You’re a Grand Old Flag – for eight handbells

(American) Independence Day is coming soon, so we have an arrangement of this George Cohan patriotic tune for eight bells. You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of The land I love. The home of the free and the brave. Ev’ry heart …

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