The hymn tune AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON dates from the sixteenth century. It’s from the Strassburger Kirchenant of 1525. We’ve found it to be a bit of an earworm, probably because of its harmonies. We hope you enjoy playing our Level 3- arrangement for three or five octaves of handbells. A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth, The …
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.
Jul 12
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (BEECHER) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 3+)
God is so great and so incredible that His love is overwhelming. His care for us is beyond anything we could expect or hope for, and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is beyond comprehensibility. We hope you’ll enjoy playing our arrangement for handbell choir! Love Divine, all loves excelling / Joy of heaven …
Sunrise (SUNRISE) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
The hymn tune SUNRISE was published in 1768 in Kyriale (Luxembourg). You’ll find it in today’s hymnals with the texts At thy feet, O Christ, we lay and Spirit, Working in Creation. Hymn Tune: SUNRISE Find metrically-matched hymn texts Handbells (three or five octaves), plus handchimes (two octaves) Level 2+ Preview: Single Copy Version: $ …
Jun 10
Sunrise (SUNRISE)(Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
This hymn tune was published in 1768 in Kyriale (Luxembourg). You’ll find it in today’s hymnals with the texts At thy feet, O Christ, we lay and Spirit, Working in Creation. Here’s our arrangement – your handbell choir will enjoy playing it! Handbells (three or five octaves), plus handchimes (two octaves) Level 2+ Purchasing the …
Jun 07
“Battle Hymn” for Twelve Bells
Battle Hymn of the Republic is one of the best-known American patriotic hymns of the nineteenth century. Here’s our arrangement for twelve handbells! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored, He has lost the fateful lightening of …
May 31
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place (LANDÅS) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3)
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place elegantly states the key truth of salvation: It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.” No effort on our part will make a difference either way, because all we need to do is put our trust in Him. Here’s our new arrangement of this …
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place (LANDÅS) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3)
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place elegantly states the key truth of salvation: It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.” No effort on our part will make a difference either way, because all we need to do is put our trust in Him. My faith has found a resting …
May 24
Procession and Celebration (Handbells, 5-7 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 4)
Shosh Meyer is a friend from Oregon who does marvelous things with the handbell program at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Beaverton, Oregon). Her love for music in general and handbells in particular has inspired the many, many ringers who have been involved in her ministry. Erik, Julie, and Jan Tate were three of those blessed …
Apr 22
Winter Dance by Seiichi Kyoda (Handbells, five octaves, plus handchimes, 1 octave, Level 4)
Uttara-Kuru is a recording group that combines traditional Japanese instruments with modern electronica. The result is an intriguing blend with a distinct expression. Their Winter Dance by Seiichi Kyoda is an adventure to a remote village where the community celebrates the cold season by dancing as the snowflakes drift arount them. Our arrangement for five …
Apr 15
Peace (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Turmoil is a standard of life for many. We have the varied components of our lives competing for our attention, often all at the same time, and so there are times when that competition puts us into mental paralysis. Getting nothing done can become an all-too-regular occurrence! The good news is that Christ offers peace …
