News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Handbells for Fall & Christmas 2017 Friday, October 06, 2017

recommended by Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist

FOR GENERAL WORSHIP
bpi-hb551-fThis Is My Father’s World arr. Patricia Hurlbutt
Patricia Hurlbutt’s arrangement of TERRA BEATA takes the tune through various keys and moods, providing ample interest for ringer and listener alike. A delicate, duet-like opening gives way to a chordal verse with fresh, unexpected harmonies, followed by a verse featuring stopped sounds. A final, triumphant verse rounds out the piece in glorious fashion. A great choice for any time during the church year!

Joyfully Rejoice arr. Terry Osman
Lift the spirits of your congregation with this dynamic medley of three beloved hymn tunes. Whether the piece is played on handbells or handchimes, it will establish a joyful worship experience that everyone can appreciate.

Shall We Gather at the River arr. Michael Helman
This hymn of quiet assurance is given a handsome treatment that is accessible and nicely expressive. Beginning choirs will have a chance to develop good legato ringing, and more mature choirs can explore its expressive qualities as an offertory or call to worship.

chorgd-cgb1033-fJesus Shall Reign arr. Bill Ingram
This flexible and solid level 1 arrangement is playable by 2, 3, 4 or 5 octave handbell or handchime groups, making it an excellent choice for festivals and for choirs ringing with some absentees. The stately hymntune, DUKE STREET, is set to several different sets of lyrics in different hymnals, and will be useful throughout most of the church year. The piece is enhanced by a variety of techniques, which can easily be adapted for handchimes.

Glorify the Almighty arr. Sandra Eithun
Sandra Eithun’s stunning medley of two well-loved hymns is sure to be a hit with your congregation. A bold fanfare gives way to a majestic setting of the tune ENGELBERG (When In Our Music God Is Glorified), followed by a joyous setting of LOBE DEN HERREN (Praise to the Lord, the Almighty). At the end, the two tunes are artfully combined to provide a triumphant conclusion.

Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven arr. Brian Childers
This is a tremendous arrangement of the grand hymn LAUDA ANIMA. Opening with an exultant fanfare the energy never let up, even in the contrasting middle section. This exciting arrangement will be a favorite of ringers and listeners alike!

FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
lorenz-505370Two Joyful Carols arr. Linda Scholes
These two joyful carols are wonderful teaching pieces for beginning ringers. “With Heart and Soul and Voice, Rejoice!,” a level 1+ arrangement, incorporates shakes, thumb damps, and malleting with only a few bell changes. “Sing We Now of Christmas” is an accessible level 2 arrangement with numerous techniques. Both will add to the joy of your Christmas celebration.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly arr. Linda R. Lamb
Remind your congregation of the significance of Jesus’ birth with Linda Lamb’s lovely arrangement of the Polish carol. With simple statements of the melody in both the bass and treble bells, the tune will stay with listeners as they leave the worship space. An ideal selection to practice keeping a steady beat, this piece has a flowing eighth-note accompaniment and no bell changes.

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Anna Laura Page
The expert writing of Anna Laura Page effectively combines two lovely Advent/Christmas carols: Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming and Of the Father’s Love Begotten. Bells and chimes interplay in this most accessible arrangement.

Carol of the Bells arr. Douglas E. Wagner & Michael Ryan
This Christmas classic begins with the effect of tower bells ringing throughout the countryside, then gracefully transitions into the familiar, quintessential tune for a handbell setting. The charm of this dynamic arrangement is matched with its carefully crafted level of difficulty making this accessible to many bell choirs.

chorgd-cgb1028-fOn This Day Earth Shall Ring arr. Carol Lynn Mizell
This simple yet musically powerful arrangement of PERSONENT HODIE for handbells and/or handchimes employs recurring rhythmic patterns and full chords. The option of doubling bass bells and chimes on the refrain provides rich added color. With its alternate title, “Long Ago, Prophets Knew” it is appropriate for both Advent and Christmas. Published in compatible editions for 2-3 and 3-7 octaves, the arrangement will fit beautifully in worship services and concert programs.

The Blessed Angels Sing arr. Michael Helman
This medley of six beloved carols embodies the joy and awe of the Christmas season. Featuring a variety of techniques, handchimes, and an optional brass quintet accompaniment, this piece will be the highlight of your Christmas Eve services or concerts.

Find more options for your handbell choir on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is a soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir at First Community Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.


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