For Summer Worship: Handbells Monday, June 24, 2019
recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal & Handbell Music Specialist
HANDBELL SOLO
My Story, My Song arr. Christine Anderson & John Carter
The handbell solo enters alone with a reverent verse from “Tell Me the Old, Old Story” before the piano enters. The next section begins with the refrain of “Blessed Assurance” then on to “I Love to Tell the Story.” Extensive performance notes are given and a separate score is included for the soloist.
Classic Baroque Solos Volume 5 arr. Christine Anderson & Cathy DeRousse
With this new collection, Christine Anderson adds to her series of “Classic Baroque Solos.” These classical solos from the Baroque period incorporate more advanced techniques in order to perform them musically and at the correct tempo. These songs use bell trees, cymbells, handchimes, and upside down handchimes along with multiple bells-in-hand methods. Choreography is suggested in a limited way; most pieces leave blocking strategies up to the advanced ringer. The organ accompaniments are arranged by Cathy DeRousse. Titles include: Air (G.F. Handel); Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (J.S. Bach); Rondeau (Jean Joseph Mouret); Sicilienne (J.S. Bach)
HANDBELL DUET
Five Hymn Tune Duets II arr. Douglas E. Wagner
These duets are set for 2-octaves of handbells and keyboard. The duets are accessible and separate parts are included for each ringer and the keyboardist. Titles include: Fairest Lord Jesus; Holy God We Praise Your Name; Jubilate; Morning Has Broken; The Tallis Canon
HANDBELL QUARTET
Patriotic Medley arr. Valerie Stephenson
The echo and gyro techniques are part of the fun of this quartet medley of “America,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” A three-measure fanfare of shakes opens the medley and leads into the first tune. At 75 measures in length, a good resource for those patriotic occasions.
Hymn to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven/arr. Kevin McChesney
Fanfares introduce and separate the stanzas in this otherwise traditional arrangment. Uses 3 octaves plus D7.
HANDBELL QUINTET
Five By Five arr. Douglas E. Wagner
A collection of five pieces for five ringers with each ringer’s part printed separately. A full score for the director is also included. Titles include: Be Thou My Vision; Carol of the Bells; Holy Holy Holy; Jesus Loves Me; Lord I Want to Be a Christian
HANDBELL ENSEMBLE
Twelve Bells for Worship II arr. Patricia S. Cota
This seventh volume of Patti Sanders Cota’s “Twelve Bell” series is playable by three to six ringers with bell assignments given for each option. All songs are written for bells ranging from C5 (middle C) to G6 and are scored entirely in the treble clef. Titles include: How Great Thou Art; O Worship the King; Our Great Savior; Take My Life and Let It Be; ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (Medley); Wonderful Words of Life
Wade in the Water arr. Anna Laura Page
“Wade in the Water” is a collection of five familiar tunes that have “water” in their theme. The handbell part in each piece is written for 12 bells (playable for 3-6 ringers.) The accessible piano accompaniments are a lovely addition but are totally optional. These settings are intended to provide fun pieces that may be used in various venues with fewer ringers. Titles include: Wade in the Water; Hornpipe (from Water Music); Down to the River to Pray; Shall We Gather at the River; Deep River
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 15 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.