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 …
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.
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 …
Handbell – Full Choir
We have pieces for “normal” handbell choirs, ranging from two to eight octaves. If you’d like to suggest a piece, let us know and we can look into the possibilities! Many are hymn arrangements and Christmas carols, but there are many other genres of music represented, including a number of original compositions. If you happen …
