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 a special air of mystery.

‘Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn,
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round
But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

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Other arrangements available for eight handbells.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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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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 be a joyful representation (or “re-presentation”) of the hymn!

Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega; He the source, the ending He,
of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore!

O that birth forever blessed, when a virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race;
and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven adore Him, angel hosts, His praises sing,
pow’ers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent, ev’ery voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be:
honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory
evermore and evermore!

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.

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 for handbell choir is titled for these little furry animals, but if you want to play it to give your congregation some joy, you’re more than welcome to create an alternate title, such as “Rejoicing”!

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.

Apr 21

His Eye is on the Sparrow (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4-)

Our Heavenly Father watches over us all the time. He cares about what happens to us. This song by Charles Gabriel (from 1905) has told Jesus’ words from Matthew 10:29-31 in a way that has touched hearts for over a century.

Here’s our arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.

Apr 18

Home at Last (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, Level 4+)

I wrote several dozen choral pieces for Living Water, my choir at Valley Church of Cupertino. It occurred to me that some of those songs might be reworked into handbell pieces. Home at Last is the first one to be arranged.

Today we have a new video of the handbell arrangement to share with you!

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.

Apr 11

Forever (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, Level 5) – new video!

Forever was commissioned in 2012 by Dee Allaway and her family in memory of her father Walter Dennis Oliver. It’s a grand tribute to a man who brought music to his family as well as others around him.

At least five octaves of handbells are necessary to play Forever. You’ll find that there are abundant opportunities for your ringers to exercise their skills while creating an atmosphere that will surround your audience.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.

Apr 07

I Surrender All (SURRENDER) – for sixteen handbells

Judson Van DeVenter, the writer of this hymn, shared a heartfelt message that Christians have expressed time and time again for centuries. Our arrangement for sixteen handbells is available in C5-Ab6 and G4-Eb6 versions; the latter can be played using a two-octave set.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make my, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

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Purchasing this 16-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to eight 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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Apr 04

New video for A Celebration of Our Life – for Handbells, 5 octaves, and handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 4

A California couple commissioned A Celebration of Our Life for their 30th wedding anniversary, and had their church’s handbell choir premiere it when they renewed their vows.

We’re pleased to share our new video of this piece, and hope that you’ll have something to celebrate when you play it!

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.

Mar 28

Go to Dark Gethsemane (REDHEAD No. 76) – for six accompanied handbells

The hymn tune REDHEAD NO. 76 seems unusual; its background is that the composer, Richard Redhead, published a book of hymns in the nineteenth century. Learning this made it all clear for me!

Our arrangement for six accompanied handbells is straightforward to play, and will contribute to your services during Holy Week.

Go to dark Gethsemane, / You who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see; / Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away; / Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

Follow to the judgment hall; / View the Lord of life arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the gall! / O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff’ring, shame, or loss; / Learn of Him to bear the cross.

Calv’ry’s mournful mountain climb / There’ adoring at His feet,
Mark the miracle of time, / God’s own sacrifice complete:
“It is finished!” Hear the cry; / Learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Early hasten to the tomb / Where they laid his breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom; / Who hath taken Him away?
Christ is ris’n! He meets our eyes: / Savior, teach us so to rise.

Bells used: Bb5, C6, D6, Eb6, F6, G6
Key: Bb major

Church Calendar: Holy Week, Good Friday, Easter

Hymn Tune: REDHEAD NO. 76
Find metrically-matched hymn texts

Six Handbells with Piano Accompaniment:
Score Package: $10.00 US
Piano Accompaniment MP3: $4.00 US

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Other arrangements available for eight handbells.

Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to three 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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Church music

Mar 24

Let Us Break Bread Together (BREAK BREAD TOGETHER) (Handbells, 2 to 3 octaves, Level 2)

The spiritual Let Us Break Bread Together has simple, yet profound words. It’s a communion song that puts absolute and everlasting reliance on the mercy and grace of God. Our setting for two to three octaves of handbells will bring a peaceful touch to your service or music presentation.

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

For 2-3 octaves of handbells
Level 2

Preview:

Single Copy Version: $4.00 US
Handbell Choir Version: $20.00 US

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Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. 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.