Lift High the Cross undoubtedly is most frequently sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. This arrangement will be a welcome addition to your repertoire. Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world …
Tag: handbell choir
A handbell choir is an ensemble of handbell musicians, each of whom usually has a specific subset of the entire set of bells assigned to them. The group members play the entire score by their combined efforts via a unique type of teamwork where expression and musicality are dependent on the ensemble members fusing their efforts to form a greater whole.
The sets of handbells played by handbell choirs vary in size, usually stated as an integral number of octaves. For instance, a three-octave bell choir uses notes from C4 to C7, while a seven-octave choir plays C2-C9.
Handbell choirs also use additional instruments, the most notable being handchimes. Handchimes bring a different sound to the mix, and are used for effect and contrast. Other ancillary instruments include, flute, trumpet, clarinet, and percussion; of the percussion family, the cajón is perhaps one of the more popular recent additions.
Mar 06
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
For those of you who need a slightly-smaller handbell choir piece, we have a new two-octave arrangement of Be Thou My Vision. It’s a Level 2 score, so you should have a great time putting it together! Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou …
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2)
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 …
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (JESUS, MEINE FREUDE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Johann Franck wrote I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say in the 17th century. The music for his hymn is unusual, because it has a minor key verse and major key refrain. The contrast reflects on how the difficulties of life (minor key) are answered by the love of the Savior (major key). I heard …
How Great Thou Art (O STORE GUD) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Worshipers love the grandness of the Swedish hymn How Great Thou Art by Carl Gustav Boberg. English-speaking congregants have had the joy of singing it because of Stuart Hine’s translation work. O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath made. I see the stars, I hear the …
Mar 02
Flower Drum Song (凤阳花鼓) (for handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Flower Drum Song Feng Yang Hua Gu (凤阳花鼓) may have been composed as far back as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). It comes from Fengyang County in Anhui Province, and is said to have been sung by people affected by floods in that region as part of asking for donations to recover their living. Here’s …
Flower Drum Song (凤阳花鼓) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Flower Drum Song Feng Yang Hua Gu (凤阳花鼓) may have been composed as far back as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). It comes from Fengyang County in Anhui Province, and is said to have been sung by people affected by floods in that region as part of asking for donations to recover their living. 左手锣右手鼓手拿着锣鼓 …
Jasmine Flower (茉莉花) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4-)
The Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (茉莉花) dates back to the 18th century, and is one of the most popular Chinese tunes of all time. The title translates “jasmine flower”. Our arrangement is Level 4-, which means your ensemble will have lots of fun playing it. It’s also a great selection for concert repertoire, …
Feb 08
Jasmine Flower (茉莉花) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4-)
The Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (茉莉花) dates back to the 18th century, and is one of the most popular Chinese tunes of all time. The title translates “jasmine flower”. Your ensemble will have a great time playing our arrangement of Jasmine Flower. It’s a great selection for concert repertoire, or for a cultural …
Feb 01
His Eye is on the Sparrow (for handbell choir)
At the end of this month, the Handbell Musicians of America is holding their annual Distinctly Bronze East in New Bern, North Carolina. It’s an event for advanced handbell musicians, and celebrates our art by preparing and presenting a concert of exciting and techically challenging works for handbells. We’re honored that for the 2023 event, …
