Okay… we hedged our bets with respect to the title, because this children’s song is called Itsy Bitsy Spider in the US, Incy Wincy Spider in the UK. Fortunately, the hand motions are the same in both places. You’ll have fun with our free eight-bell arrangement!
Tag: 8-bell
Starting in 2012, we (Larry and Carla Sue) developed a large repertoire of music for eight handbells which we perform as four-in-hand duets. These pieces ranged from fairly simple to maniacally difficult, and eventually led to the creation of their “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell arrangements so that there would be more options for the ringing world at large.
As eight-bell repertoire works well with a two-in-hand quartet (two bells each) or a four-in-hand duo, or with a trio where the bells are divided 4-2-2 or 3-3-2. We've even seen one instance of playing eight-bell music with eight ringers with one bell apiece, a la Sacred Harp.
The Spider Song
Okay… we hedged our bets with respect to the title, because this children’s song is called Itsy Bitsy Spider in the US, Incy Wincy Spider in the UK. Fortunately, the hand motions are the same in both places! Bells used: G5, A5, B5, C6, D6, E6, F6, G6 Key: C major This arrangement is provided …
Aug 20
We have a new “Surprisingly Easy”™ Christmas Collection!
It’s been quite a while since we released a new collection of “Surprisingly Easy”™ Advent/Christmas/Epiphany arrangements – here’s the fourth one! It includes the following: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella From Starry Skies Descending Joy to the World O du Fröhliche Pat-a-Pan People, Look East The Friendly Beasts The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Here’s …
Larry and Carla’s Fourth “Surprisingly Easy”™ Christmas Collection
Welcome to our fourth “Surprisingly Easy”™ Christmas eight-bell collection! You can play this music with two four-in-hand ringers… or you could have four ringers with two bells each. Beginning ringers will have fun with these, and will have an easy way to learn to play multiple bells, too. And when you master them, you can …
O du Fröhliche (SICILIAN MARINERS) – Eight handbells
O du Fröhliche apparently was written or otherwise acquired by a German composer who returned with score in hand after a trip to Italy (our Roman Catholic friends know it as O Sanctissima). The tune’s been matched with a number of different hymn texts, such as “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing” (check your hymnal’s …
Aug 13
Let All Things Now Living (THE ASH GROVE) – for eight handbells
You’ll enjoy playing this eight-bell arrangement of the ASH GROVE! It’s often encountered in hymnody as Let All Things Now Living. Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God the Creator triumphantly raise, who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us, who guides us and leads to the end of our …
Let All Things Now Living (THE ASH GROVE) – Eight handbells
The Welsh tune ASH GROVE is most frequently associated with the text Let All Things Now Living. It can be used as service music throughout the year, but for some has a favorite place on World Communion Sunday and at Thanksgiving. Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God the Creator triumphantly …
Aug 10
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) – for eight accompanied handbells
Our piano-accompanied eight-handbell arrangement Be Thou My Vision will work well with your small handbell ensemble (duet, trio, or quartet)! Historical note: This arrangement came into being because Steve in Maryland bought some music in early July 2020, and mentioned that he was hoping to find an arrangement of Be Thou My Vision for eight …
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE)(eight handbells and piano)
Be Thou My Vision, usually sung to the hymn tune SLANE, is a heartfelt and eloquent prayer by a believer who wants to follow the path God offers. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best Thought, by day or by …
Aug 06
Christ, the Life of All the Living (JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN) – for eight handbells
Trusting in Christ is life… not just avoiding death, or being alive forever, but life that transcends anything that it would be without Him, and a blessed eternity in His glorious presence. Here’s our eight-bell arrangement of this hymn about trusting God. Christ, the life of all the living, / Christ, the death of death, …
