The hymn tune WOODLANDS was written by Walter Greatorex in 1919. It’s a melody of grandeur and joy, and has been paired with texts such as Tell Out, My Soul and Filled with the Spirit’s Power. We present our new arrangement for three to five octaves of handbells, plus one octave of handchimes! Tell out, …
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.
WOODLANDS (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 1 octave , Level 3+)
The hymn tune WOODLANDS was written by Walter Greatorex in 1919. It’s a melody of grandeur and joy, and has been paired with texts such as Tell Out, My Soul and Filled with the Spirit’s Power. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice; Tender to me the …
Sep 22
It’s Our Anniversary!
Today is our tenth anniversary! Not Choraegus (we celebrated 26 years at the end of last year), but OURS, as in Larry & Carla. From God making it possible for us to meet on the Handbell Community Online, to Facebook, to Skype, and through the Bay View Week of Handbells, where we met and got …
List of Scores for Low Ding Zone (Bass Handbell Ensemble)
Here’s a quick compilation of our scores for bass handbell ensemble. Each title is a link to the corresponding webpage. Note: If you have a large enough range of bells/chimes, each arrangement can be played an octave lower than written (well, of course!). TITLE HYMN TUNE Ringers Handbells Handchimes Comment By the Light of the …
Doxology (OLD HUNDREDTH) (Handbells, 3 to 5 octaves plus optional D8, Level 1)
The Doxology is sung in churches around the world, often as a congregational response to the presentation of tithes and offerings. We have two versions in our score package based on the hymn tune OLD HUNDREDTH so that you can use the one which is more familiar to your church family. Both versions are in …
Smiles (Handbells, 4-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3+)
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 …
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 …
