The hymn tune DIX is usually sung with the texts For the Beauty of the Earth and As with Gladness Men of Old (the latter most often at Christmas). For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies. Christ, our …
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.
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK) (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 3+)
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched! All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. Each little flow’r that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their …
Feb 22
Newness (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2)
The Bible tells us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It’s all about the beauty and joy of a redeemed soul experiencing God’s love and guidance from day to day and minute to minute. This original piece depicts how that newness feels. Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to …
Newness (Handbells, 3 or 5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 1/2/3)
The Bible tells us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It’s all about the beauty and joy of a redeemed soul experiencing God’s love and guidance from day to day and minute to minute. This original piece depicts how that newness feels. With this original piece, you have these options: Level 3: Play …
About Our Practice Tracks
We have practice tracks for most of our unaccompanied small-ensemble handbell scores (up to sixteen bells). For a small cost, you get a piano-plus-click-track audio version of the score. This provides a way for your group to hear what they’re playing with a guiding metronome. For our “dual-range” eight-bell scores, there are separate practice tracks …
Away in a Manger (MURRAY) (Handbells, 3 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2)
The melody in this arrangement of Away in a Manger by James Murray is the one most familiar to Americans. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head, The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on …
Jan 02
Rhapsody in Blue (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, plus handchimes, 5 octaves, Level 6+)
Rhapsody in Blue, the iconic work by George Gershwin, entered the public domain as of 2020. It’s our distinct pleasure and privilege to present this new arrangement for handbells! While none of the sections of this arrangement are of an AGEHR Level higher than 5, playing this arrangement in its entirety would be a tremendous …
Rhapsody in Blue (Handbells, 5-8 octaves, plus handchimes, 5 octaves, Level 6+)
Rhapsody in Blue, the iconic work by George Gershwin, entered the public domain as of 2020. So it’s time to arrange it for handbells! (Well, this was done some years back, but that version is long out of print.) While none of the sections of this arrangement are of an AGEHR Level higher than 5, …
Dec 05
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, with Organ, Level 3)
This arrangement of the long-time favorite, Be Thou My Vision, was included in the Michigan AGO’s gift to their conference participants in July 2019. It combines handbells and organ into an expression of praise; we hope you’ll enjoy it! MP3: Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up …
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves, with Organ, Level 3)
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 …
