Yes, We Have No Bananas, by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn, was rumored to have been an amalgamation of quotes from other tunes. For instance, the first four notes of the melody match the Hallelujah Chorus, the next bit is “oh, bring back my bonnie to me”, and there apparently is a rather chromatic piece …
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.
Feb 13
Lenten Piece
Need an easy handbell piece for Lent? “Meditation” (formerly “Lenten Piece”) should fill the bill! It’s HMA Level 2+. Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase …
LDZ Arrangements – By the Light of the Silvery Moon – Bass handbell ensemble
By the Light of the Silvery Moon, he classic song by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden from 1909 (yes, that far back!) comes to life in this happy, bouncy eight-bell arrangement. You’ll have loads of fun playing it! Place park, scene dark, silvery moon is shining through the trees; Cast two, me, you, sound of …
LDZ Arrangements – Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen – Bass handbell ensemble
Negro spirituals are a vibrant and poignant expression of faith from over a century ago. This one speaks of complete reliance on a Savior who cares and comforts even in the most difficult of circumstances. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen / Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen / Glory, Hallelujah …
Low Ding Zone (Bass Handbell Ensemble) Music
At a Bay Bells (Cupertino, California) rehearsal in late 2005, I noticed that we had a team of five bass ringers that was really solid, and asked them, “What if we formed a bass handbell ensemble?” Everyone (Lisa, Kevin, Gretchen, Wil, and me) thought it would be a cool idea, so we put things together …
I Will Arise and Go to Jesus (Handbells, 3-8 octaves plus handchimes, 3 octaves, Level 5)
I Will Arise and Go to Jesus, this arrangement of the well-known Southern Harmony tune, was commissioned by Barbara Charlebois in memory of her father. Below is a rehearsal video from Distinctly Bronze West 2011 in Bremerton, Washington. Handbells (three, four, five, six, seven, or eight octaves) plus handchimes (3 octaves) Level 5 Preview: Individual …
Meditation (Handbells, 2-3 and 3-5 octaves, Level 2)
Here’s a meditative piece which you can play at any time when a thoughtful, contemplative atmosphere is planned. Formerly named “Lenten Piece”, Meditation actually can be used for much, much more than its original concept! We have two videos below. The first recording shows how Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble from Reno-Sparks, Nevada played it. The second …
Tigress Rag (Handbells, 5-7 octaves, Level 5)
Tigress Rag, written in the style of Scott Joplin, was the Second Place Winner of the 2011 Bells of the Sound “All That Jazz” composition contest. The arrangement is for 5-7 octaves of handbells, and is dedicated to Larry’s wife Carla! We also have a version for pianists! Handbells (five, six, or seven octaves) Level …
Rock of Ages (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 3-)
Rock of Ages is one of the most beloved hymns of all time. It focuses on God’s absolute reliability and how those who put their complete trust in Him possess the salvation that He offers. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, from Thy …
Holy, Holy, Holy (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 2+)
One sunny Tuesday at the 1990 Mount Hermon Music Conference, Dana Vivit asked “Why haven’t you written anything for the Brass Angels yet?” We’d been friends for some years by then, and so I responded, “Well, name it.” “Holy, Holy, Holy.” “You got it!” Not knowing how to leave the thought alone, my mind started …
