We’re in Harbor Springs, Michigan for a few days. It turns out that we’ve arrived on the hottest weekend of the whole year – it’s about 90º F. outside, so we’re thankful for air conditioning! We have a day to kick back before rehearsals start tomorrow, and plan to have a nice time, probably in …
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.
Aug 10
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Today, we’re releasing our new eight-handbell arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”. It’s a great piece with which to start the new season, especially if you’d like to give your full-size bell choir a bit of additional time to prepare their first piece for service. Do take a look, and pick up the …
I Sing the Mighty Power of God (ELLACOMBE) – Eight handbells
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. This arrangement of I Sing the Mighty Power of God has some delightful counterpoint that will challenge and enchant …
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (NETTLETON) – Eight handbells
John Wyeth or Asahel Nettleton wrote the lovely hymn tune NETTLETON back in 1813, and the message of the text Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing that are set to it continues to comfort and inspire Christians today. Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy, never …
Aug 04
Wrong Foot Forward
We’ve just released our arrangement of “Wrong Foot Forward”, a new generation Irish jig by Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen of the band Flook. It’s on their album “Haven” – and it’s a lot of fun! You might ask yourself why Brian and Sarah chose this title. Well… there are two kinds of Irish jigs. …
Jun 25
Yay! A new collection!
We’ve been excited that our handbell musician friends have liked our “Surprisingly Easy”™ music, especially the collections. We’ve heard lots of stories of how our arrangements have found a home with duets, trios, and quartets. We’ve also seen some really nice videos too! The news this week is that we’ve added a second “Surprisingly Easy”™ …
Jesus Shall Reign (DUKE STREET) – Eight handbells
Jesus is Lord, Son of God, King, Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, and many other titles given in the Bible. Those names ascribe him the infinite worth He possesses, and Jesus Shall Reign provides us a means to express them! Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run, his kingdom stretch …
At the Cross (HUDSON) – Eight handbells
Isaac Watts wrote At the Cross about three centuries ago, and it still is a relevant statement of the Christian faith. This hymn is a reflection on Cbrist’s sacrifice for us. Alas, and did my Savior bleed And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I? At …
Eight-Handbell Collections – “Surprisingly Easy”™
Each of our “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell collections contains seven (or more!) arrangements. That means you get at least one piece free when you buy the collection (rather than the individual pieces). Our Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Collection is a set of pieces written to celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary jubilee. These came together when Carla …
Eight-Handbell Collections – Standard
We have a few “standard” eight-bell collections. These are more challenging than our “Surprisingly Easy”™ eight-bell collections; they’ll keep you on your toes for a while! We have a jig collection. These are five Irish jigs, arranged for just eight handbells. As we learned them, we found that they were not just fun to play …
