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.

Mar 21

The Strife is O’er (VICTORY) – for six handbells and piano

The hymn tune VICTORY by Palestrina dates back to the seventeenth century. About a century later, Francis Pott translated the Latin text from the Symphonia Sirenum to English, giving us the hymn The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done. Now Choraegus has a new arrangement for six accompanied handbells!

The strife is o’er, the battle done; the victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions has dispersed.
Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped; He rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head. Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heaven’s high portals fell.
Let hymns of praise His triumph tell. Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee, from death’s dread sting Thy servants free,
That we may live and sing to Thee. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of Angels We Have Heard On High (hymn tune: GLORIA) provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer player!) plays two bells.

The six bells in the score are accompanied by piano; if you don’t happen to have an accompanist available, we also have an accompaniment MP3 available for purchase.

Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to three copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score) – 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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Mar 14

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (RESIGNATION) – for twelve handbells

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He seeks us when we stray, and guides us when we stay by His side. And one day, He will take us to be in His presence forever. Our twelve-bell arrangement will give your congregation an opportunity to reflect on these wonderful truths!

My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is His name,
In pastures fresh He makes me feed beside the living stream;
He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake His way,
And leads me for His mercy’s sake in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death His presence is my stay,
One word of His supporting grace drives all my fears away;
His hand in sight of all my foes doth still my table spread,
My cup with blessings overflows, His oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
Oh, may Thy house be my abode and all my work be praise;
There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
No more a stranger nor a guest, but like a child at home.

Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six 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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Mar 10

I Sing the Mighty Power of God (ELLACOMBE) (Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves, Level 3+)

The Bible says that it is the Person and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that holds the universe from falling apart. That’s true not only in physics, but also in our own lives as well. Our new arrangement of I Sing the Mighty Power of God has some delightful counterpoint that will challenge your ringers and enchant your congregation!

The hymn tune ELLACOMBE is also used for Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, so this arrangement will also work nicely on Palm Sunday.

I sing the mighty pow’r of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.

There’s not a plant or flow’r below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God, art present there.

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.

Find Larry and Carla on Facebook!