Nearer My God to Thee: Handbell Music for Fall & Christmas 2019 Friday, October 04, 2019
recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal & Handbell Music Specialist
FOR GENERAL WORSHIP
Trust and Obey arr. Ron Mallory, 2-3 octaves, Level 1
Both treble and bass clef ringers get their turn at playing the melody in these vibrant Level 1 settings. The arrangement also includes creative reharmonization of the well-known hymn tune, yet there are no bell changes throughout. Both 2-3 octave and 3-5 octave editions are available, which are compatible for massed ringing.
Come Ye Thankful, Gather Together arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 3-5 octaves, Level 3+
Sondra Tucker presents an exciting medley for Thanksgiving that includes the ASH GROVE, ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR, and KREMSER hymn tunes. Each tune receives a creative setting, and handchimes effectively highlight the melodies. Various techniques are implemented, including echoes, mallets and shakes. Your ringers will love this energetic selection!
Fantasia on OLD HUNDREDTH arr. Lloyd Larson, 3-5 octaves, Level 3
This lively, festive arrangement of the classic hymn tune will be an immediate attention grabber. Full of exciting rhythms and well-considered meters, this setting sparkles from the first note to the last.
Who’ll Be a Witness arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 3-5 (6) octaves, Level 3
Jazz riffs and interesting chords give this spiritual arrangement a lot of character and life! EF and BC ringers will be challenged with lots of bells changes, but everyone will enjoy working on this toe-tapping crowd pleaser.
With a Voice of Singing by Martin Shaw/arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 3-5 octaves, Level 2
Sondra Tucker’s joyous arrangement of this Martin Shaw choral classic is accessible for ensembles at almost any level. Full chords and lush harmonies abound, adding to the celebratory air of the piece. The tempo moves along at a good clip, keeping ringers on their toes, but adding to the overall affect.
Nearer My God to Thee (with I Need Thee Every Hour) arr. Karissa Dennis, 3-5 octaves, Level 2
Two lovely hymn tunes are interwoven reflecting a quiet simplicity in this meditative piece. Perfect during Lent or any general Sunday in the church year.
FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear arr. Terry Osman, 2-3 octaves, Level 2
Terry Osmas gives this beloved Christmas carol a fresh and masterfully arranged setting. After a lilting introduction, the melody appears three times, with slight variations to the second and third instances. No special techniques are included, making it the perfect piece to emphasize legato ringing technique on either bells or chimes and a delightful addition to any Christmas service!
Brightest and Best of the Stars arr. Bruce W. Tippette, 3-5 octaves, Level 2
Perfect for Epiphany, this simple yet effective setting of MORNING STAR is quickly and easily prepared after the bustle of the Christmas season. Gyros add a interesting touch, and the ending has a charming “starry” effect.
O Come, All Ye Faithful arr. Karen Lakey Buckwalter, 3-7 octaves, Level 3
Karen Buckwalter expertly weaves together the tune ADESTE FIDELES with the “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” chorus from Handel’s Messiah. The two tunes alternate seamlessly back and forth, and are later combined, providing new harmonic and scriptural insight to both. All parts get to experience the melody, creating extra aural interest. A worthy and quite accessible musical challenge for any ensemble during the Christmas season.
Come, Behold the Newborn King arr. Linda Scholes, 2-3 octaves, Level 2
Ringers and congregations alike will enjoy this outstanding medley that aptly embodies the joy of Christmas. It includes minimal bell changes, allowing your ringers to focus on the techniques included – mallets, martellatos, martellato lifts, and shakes. It is a wonderful addition to any Christmas worship service or concert, and a compatible arrangement for three, four, or five octaves is also available.
The Friendly Beasts arr. Patricia Hurlbutt, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+
Patricia Hurlbutt’s arrangement of this traditional English carol is accessible for late-beginning ensembles, yet has more than enough musical substance to engage even advanced choirs. The melody moves throughout the group, giving all parts their time to shine, while easy-to-learn accompaniment figures create textural interest. Several key changes and the occasional accidental provide just enough challenge to keep all ringers busy. A great choice for your holiday season!
On Christmas Night All Christians Sing arr. Linda R. Lamb, 3-5 octaves, Level 2
SUSSEX CAROL is upbeat yet flowing, an engaging arrangement in 6/8. Bell changes are minimal, and the triplet figure crossing staves is well marked. The two phrases which contain sixteenth notes are written with an ossia for easier performance options, making this lovely arrangement accessible for most groups.
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.