I directed a beginning handbell choir at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California in 2006-2007. Alas, we only had our loaner bells for a year (thank you, Area 12!), and then had to pass them on to another fortunate group. This piece, Celebration, was a great starter for new ringers. It’s active and …
Tag: 3-5 octaves
With the passage of time, handbell choirs have grown in size and acquire more and more octaves of bells. Sets of three to five octaves are pretty typical as of the 21st century. Four-octave sets, strangely, are relatively uncommon.
Note that some pieces in the Choraegus catalog are for three or five octaves.
Mar 08
For the Beauty of the Earth (DIX) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
When we published our arrangement of For the Beauty of the Earth (hymn tune DIX) a while back, we know it would be fun to play. Now that we’ve figured out how to make “clone” videos of larger-scale pieces, we have a new video to show how it really sounds on handbells! This piece is …
Mar 01
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) – for Handbells, 3/5 octaves, Level 3+
Written in 1849 by Cecil Frances Alexander, this joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched. Add a bit of rhythmic touch, and you have our arrangement for handbell choir! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. Purchasing the handbell …
For the Beauty of the Earth (DIX) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
The hymn tune DIX is usually sung with the texts For the Beauty of the Earth and As with Gladness Men of Old (the latter most often at Christmas). For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies. Christ, our …
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 3+)
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. Each little flow’r that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their …
Feb 22
Newness (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2)
The Bible tells us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It’s all about the beauty and joy of a redeemed soul experiencing God’s love and guidance from day to day and minute to minute. This original piece depicts how that newness feels. Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to …
Newness (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 1/2/3)
The Bible tells us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It’s all about the beauty and joy of a redeemed soul experiencing God’s love and guidance from day to day and minute to minute. This original piece depicts how that newness feels. With this original piece, you have these options: Level 3: Play …
Away in a Manger (MURRAY) (Handbells, 3 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2)
The melody in this arrangement of Away in a Manger by James Murray is the one most familiar to Americans. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head, The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on …
What You’re Allowed to Do with Music from Choraegus
Here’s what you have permission to do with music you’ve purchased from Choraegus: You have permission to maintain copies of the scores you’ve bought in accordance with our licensing agreement. You have permission to perform our music in live (including livestreamed) services or performances. You have permission to record your rehearsals and performances. For pieces …
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 …
