Handbell Music for Fall & Christmas 2018 Thursday, October 04, 2018
recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal and Handbell Music Specialist
FOR GENERAL WORSHIP
Lead On, O King Eternal arr. Patricia Hurlbutt, Level 2
Bold, exciting, and approachable all describe Patricia Hurlbutt’s arrangement of the hymn tune LANCASHIRE. An energetic fanfare gives way to the melody, which is underscored with enticing harmonies. The fanfare returns before the melody moves to the bass. The piece concludes with a full chordal treatment of the tune before coming to its triumphant conclusion.
To Be Happy in Jesus arr. Tammy Waldrop, Level 2
Bring some Southern gospel energy to your worship services with Tammy Waldrop’s charming and fun arrangement of “Trust and Obey.” Especially pertinent to services with themes of faith and trust, this piece will delight congregations and ringers alike.
Communion Reflections arr. Ron Mallory, Level 2
This flexible, easy-to-prepare suite of four familiar hymn tunes will be a useful addition to your Communion repertoire. Each tune can stand on its own, or you can create medleys using the included transitions for a seamless musical backdrop to your Communion service. Enhance the experience further with obbligato flute or violin.
Two Hymns of Praise arr. Michael Hellman, Level 1
The third installment in Lorenz’s Level One Ringer series, this pair of pieces belongs in the library of every Level 1 ensemble. With no subdivision of the beat and only one bell change, “Two Hymn of Praise” keeps within Level 1 parameters. For added flexibility, each piece has an optional ending for a shorter version; the extended versions also include stopped techniques for more of a challenge. These are perfect for beginning ringers of all ages!
Walk in the Light arr. Anna Laura Page, Level 3
“Walk in the Light” is a spirited, gospel-like setting that joins the tune, “We’ll Walk in the Light” with “Light of Mine,” a traditional spiritual. Alternating between sections of swung and even eighth notes, this exuberant arrangement will be a favorite choice for church, school and festival settings throughout the year.
Essential Classics for 3-5 Octaves, Volume 2 Level 3
This 60-page collection includes nine of our best-selling arrangements of recent years, all for 3-5 octaves, Level 3. These tried and proven winners come from a variety of composers and arrangers and represent a wide range of styles and are useful throughout the church year. Single copies of these nine titles exceed the cost of this one book which you can then reproduce for all your ringers!
FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
To the World, Joy! arr. Joel Raney, Level 2
The tune ANTIOCH comes to life in this spirited rendition of “Joy to the World!” for piano and 3-5 octave handbells with optional 3-5 octave handchimes, Level 2. Cascading octaves, handbell techniques, and a supporting piano part creates an accessible and exciting setting for the holiday season.
Two Pieces for Advent arr. Linda Scholes, Level 1-2
This pair of pieces is a great way of involving less experienced ringers with your Advent services. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is an ethereal, Level 1 arrangement which offers an opportunity to work on dynamics. The joyful “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” is a Level 2 arrangement, including various stopped techniques, shakes and echoes. Each piece is excellent for teaching and worship!
The Christmas Bells Are Ringing arr. Lloyd Larson, Level 2+
Lloyd Larson has created a bright and uplifting medley of two carols about bells ringing that will be perfect for Christmas concerts and worship services. “Ding! Dong! Merrily on High” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” contrast delightfully with each other, creating a memorable listening and ringing experience. This piece is sure to appear on the holiday programs of churches and community groups for years to come!
Glad Tidings of Joy arr. Lloyd Larson, Level 3-
Lloyd Larson’s pairing of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Pat-a-Pan” is a delight to listen to or play. Driving malleted rhythms underpin the melody until a brief echo section which gives way to the malleted rhythms once more. A key change introduces the “Pat-a-Pan” melody before a return to the original key brings the piece in to its exciting conclusion. A must-have for this Christmas season!
Keep Your Lamps arr. Benjamin Tucker, Level 3
This spiritual arrangement gets its strength from big block chords, which contrast with smoother arpeggios in the verses. The optional djembe adds an expectant air. Perfect for Advent or general use.
Rise Up! Go Tell It! arr. Cathy Moklebust, Level 3
The spirituals “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” form the basis of this arrangement for the Christmas season. “Rise Up Shepherd” is presented first, in a slower tempo, with LV patterns in the bass and treble, and the optional use of handchimes. “Go Tell It” follows, in an energetic, driving feel, using malleted bass, and mallet rolls. Then “Rise Up Shepherd” returns but in the same faster tempo, using martellatos, martellato-lifts, and mallets.
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.