Here’s the story behind this new original handbell composition, Escape from No-Note Island: 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 …
Tag: handbells
Handbells were invented in 17-century England as a practice tool for tower bell ringers. They could then rehearse in warmer and cheerier places than belfries - to wit, the local pubs. At some point, someone noticed that it was possible to play tunes (rather than just "changes") on handbells, and so "tune ringing" began. The music available from Choraegus followed the tune ringing tradition as practiced and performed in the modern era,
Escape from No-Note Island (Handbells, 5 to 7 octaves, Level 5)
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 …
Aug 07
The Twelve Days of Christmas – for handbell trio!
The Twelve Days of Christmas has been a holiday favorite for a long time, so much so that there’s an annual update about the cost of a partridge in a pear tree, two turtle doves, three French hens… For the dedicated true love person, it details a serious financial enterprise! Our arrangement for handbell trio, …
The Twelve Days of Christmas – Handbell trio
The Twelve Days of Christmas has been a holiday favorite for a long time, so much so that there’s an annual update about the cost of a partridge in a pear tree, two turtle doves, three French hens… For the dedicated true love person, it details a serious financial enterprise! Our arrangement for handbell trio, …
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 …
