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 …
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.
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 …
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. ‘Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel …
Of the Father’s Love Begotten (handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3+)
The chant DIVINUM MYSTERIUM dates back to the thirteenth century; we now recognize it by the lyrics: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”. You can imagine how it would resonate in a stone monastery far off in the hills. Our arrangement starts with an optional statement of the original plainchant which can be played on bells, …
May 05
Of the Father’s Love Begotten (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3+)
The plainchant DIVINUM MYSTERIUM has been around since the thirteenth century. Because it’s a chant, the metrical pattern of the melody is based on the syllabic structure of the text, making the phrases of variable length. This new arrangement, however, is in almost-5/4 (so, with a few 4/4 measures thrown in) – we think it’ll …
Apr 25
Squirrels (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Our garden has lots of large trees. With those trees come many lively, carefree squirrels. They’re a bit like the sparrows Jesus talked about – they don’t worry about things, because God provides for them. I think the Father above knows when even the smallest, cutest squirrel drops to the ground, too. This original piece …
Squirrels (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 4)
Our garden has lots of large trees. With those trees come many lively, carefree squirrels. They’re a bit like the sparrows Jesus talked about – they don’t worry about things, because God provides for them. I think the Father above knows when even the smallest, cutest squirrel drops to the ground, too. This original piece …
