Smiles, written in 1917 by J. Will Callahan and Lee S. Roberts, is a song about the happiness brought by a dear one’s smile. We have a special, albeit indirect, attachment to this song, because in front of one cottage at the Bay View Association there’s a sign that declares that this cute little song …
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.
Jun 14
Tchaikovsky – The Seasons (handbells, two octaves, Level 3 to 5+)
In 2013, we published eight eight-handbell arrangements of selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. That was an exciting time for us, because we were preparing to do preshow for a local ballet company, and wanted to give them a nice surprise. Yes… they were surprised! This time, we have a surprise for you! Nikolay Bernard, the …
Tchaikovsky – The Seasons (Opus 37a) – (Handbells, Two Octaves, Level 3 to 5+)
Nikolay Bernard, the editor of the music magazine Nouvellist, commissioned Tchaikovsky to write a suite of twelve piano solos. They were released, in turn, each month of 1876. Because of the year-round theme, the pieces in this collection were entitled The Seasons, and they have remained gems in the piano repertoire. These delightful works are …
This is My Father’s World (TERRA BEATA) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3-)
We live in Michigan where there are lots of trees and wildlife. Lake Michigan is nearby, and the cycle of seasons each year keeps life fresh and vibrant. We love it here. That love makes us think that Michigan is “our Father’s world”. You might live in a different sort of area, perhaps the tropics, …
Jun 02
This is My Father’s World (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 1 octave, Level 3-)
The world around us testifies of God’s greatness. Bible passages such as Psalm 19 remind us of this, and the natural wonders that greet our eyes – sunrises? sunsets? trees? stars? – are further testimony to what He’s done. We have a new arrangement of the hymn This My Father’s World for your choir to …
Crown Him with Many Crowns (DIADEMATA) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 2+)
Jesus Christ is so incredibly far above everything else in this universe that He deserves all of our love and worship. The hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns gives a small idea of what this means, but His greatness still exceeds any description we can muster. It’s fitting that it’s set to the hymn tune …
May 26
Crown Him with Many Crowns (DIADEMATA) – for handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 2+
We have a new arrangement of the hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns! It’s for three, four, or five octaves of handbells, plus one octave of handchimes. It’s Level 2+, and has plenty for your ringers to do and enjoy! Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up …
May 23
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 5)
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of this beloved Christmas song. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners …
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (MENDELSSOHN) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 5)
We bring you a fresh and unusual arrangement of the Christmas song Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. The irregular meters will keep your ringers on their toes, and will give your congregation a different look at rejoicing during Christmas season! Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy …
May 09
Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (HURON CAROL) (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3)
This is the oldest known Canadian carol. Gitchi Manitou is Algonquian for “Great Spirit”, the Native American name for God, and the lyrics tell the Christmas story as it might have told been near the Great Lakes. Our new arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells (plus optional three-octave chimes) tells the story with …
