Handbell compositions are usually written for note ranges that constitute complete octaves of bells. Having this agreed-on convention between manufacturers, composers, publishers, and performers makes it easier to maintain consistency within the ringing art. For instance, “five octaves” refers to the range C3-C8. Because of this, we start with a common knowledge about the music …
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 24
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 2)
Every Christmas bring the wonder of the Christ Child in the manger – it’s the mystery of God coming to live among us on earth. Here’s our new arrangement of Infant Holy, Infant Lowly for three octaves of handbells. It also works really well on chimes! Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle …
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 2)
Every Christmas bring the wonder of the Christ Child in the manger – it’s the mystery of God coming to live among us on earth. Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing: …
Jul 05
Jingle Bells (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 3-)
James Murray wrote Jingle Bells in 1857. We understand that it actually was a Thanksgiving song for a children’s play at his church… but history has made it into a Christmas song. That probably makes sense since December is snowier than November in most areas (well… if you’re far north enough). Our arrangement for three …
Jingle Bells (Handbells, 3 octaves, Level 3-)
James Murray wrote Jingle Bells in 1857. We understand that it actually was a Thanksgiving song for a children’s play at his church… but history has made it into a Christmas song. That probably makes sense since December is snowier than November in most areas (well… if you’re far north enough). Dashing through the snow …
Jun 23
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended (ST. CLEMENT) (Handbells, two octaves, Level 2+)
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended is about eternity in the “always” rather than the “forever” sense; the lyrics are about perseverance without letup as the Church continues her work night and day. Our arrangement for two octaves of handbells is Level 2+, and suitable for any service. The day Thou gavest, Lord, is …
Jun 21
Kum Ba Yah (Handbells, 2 octaves, plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Kum Ba Yah is an African-American spiritual, most likely dating back to the eighteenth or nineteenth century. The first known recording of it dates back to 1926, and was a pretty upbeat version of the song that, since then, has become a more prayerful meditation. The phrase “kum ba yah” is a linguistic variation of …
Jun 19
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (JESUS, MEINE FREUDE) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Johann Franck wrote I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say in the 17th century. The music for his hymn is unusual, because it has a minor key verse and major key refrain. The contrast reflects on how the difficulties of life (minor key) are answered by the love of the Savior (major key). Our two-octave …
Jun 17
How Great Thou Art (O STORE GUD) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
Worshipers love the grandness of the Swedish hymn How Great Thou Art by Carl Gustav Boberg. English-speaking congregants have had the joy of singing it because of Stuart Hine’s translation work. Here’s our two-octave arrangement of this famous hymn. O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath …
May 30
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (NETTLETON) (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 2+)
John Wyeth or Asahel Nettleton wrote the hymn tune NETTLETON back in 1813, and the message of the lyrics that are set to it continue to comfort and inspire Christians today. We have a new two-octave arrangement of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing that’s a very accessible Level 2+. We hope you enjoy playing …
