The Sacred Harp from the nineteenth century has been a popular source of music for American hymnody. Dozens of hymn texts have been set to the tune BEACH SPRING, such as Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy and What A Friend We Have in Jesus. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement – we’re sure you’ll enjoy playing it!
Feb 14
Choral accompaniment tracks
We’ve had music for SATB choir, men’s quartet, and ladies’ trio here for a long, long time. These pieces are written in lots of musical styles, from classical to traditional church choral expression to jazz and pop. We think there’s something here for everyone!
Until now, however, we haven’t made the original accompaniment tracks available for purchase. These have been added for almost all of the vocal pieces on Choraegus (the notable exceptions being the a cappella scores), and for a few additional dollars you can sing or perform these numbers with just the vocalists on hand!
We hope you’ll check them out!
Feb 13
Nearer, My God, to Thee (BETHANY) – for Eight Handbells
God wants us to be near to Him; this prayer is that we would seek to be near to God. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement of a hymn that’s provided comfort and solace to many believers.
Jan 16
Dona Nobis Pacem for Eight Handbells
We don’t really know how this one escaped our attention, but we’ve (finally) arranged Dona Nobis Pacem for eight handbells.
And we’re giving it to you for free!
Jan 02
Rhapsody in Blue (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, plus handchimes, 5 octaves, Level 6+)
Rhapsody in Blue, the iconic work by George Gershwin, entered the public domain as of 2020. It’s our distinct pleasure and privilege to present this new arrangement for handbells!
While none of the sections of this arrangement are of an AGEHR Level higher than 5, playing this arrangement in its entirety would be a tremendous challenge, so the overall work is rated Level 6+. It would be the experience of a lifetime to play this!
MP3:
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.
Dec 05
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, with Organ, Level 3)
This arrangement of the long-time favorite, Be Thou My Vision, was included in the Michigan AGO’s gift to their conference participants in July 2019. It combines handbells and organ into an expression of praise; we hope you’ll enjoy it!
MP3:
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.
Sep 27
De Drie Koningen – for eight handbells!
We have a new eight-handbell Christmas arrangement! It’s the Flemish carol De Drie Konginen (“The Three Kings”). We hope you’ll enjoy playing it for Epiphany (or Christmas, or Advent, or maybe even all year round)!
Sep 11
His Eye is on the Sparrow (SPARROW) – for Twelve Handbells
The Bible tells us that God watches over His children, even to the count of the hairs on our heads. Jesus reminded us that the Lord even keeps track of every sparrow in the world, knowing when they live or die – and reminds us that to Him, we are of much greater value than they.
Here’s our twelve-bell arrangement of His Eye is on the Sparrow, a song that’s comforted many with our Lord’s care for us.
Update, January 2021: We’ve decided to take another look at this, and are revising the score. It’ll be back on the shelves soon!
Aug 15
From a Distant Home (ISLA DEL ENCANTO) – for Sixteen Handbells
We have a sixteen-bell arrangement of the Puerto Rican carol ISLA DEL ENCANTO which will add to your Christmas celebration!
