Handbells for General Worship Spring 2020 Wednesday, February 26, 2020
recommended by Jennifer F., Classical Vocal and Handbell Music Specialist
Bell Peal on OLD 100TH arr. Linda R. Lamb, 2-3 octaves, Level 1
This is a perfect selection to open a worship service. The tune, OLD 100TH, better known to most people as the Doxology, is given suitable Level 1 techniques of LV, echo, shake, and martellato in this delightful setting in which everyone gets a turn at playing the melody at some point.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness arr. Anna Laura Page, 3-5 octaves, Level 3-
Anna Laura Page’s gentle and lush setting of this beloved hymn by William M. Runyan is sure to become a favorite of both your ringers and your congregation. The first verse sets the tune with flowing accompaniment before a key change passes the melody to the upper bass and lower treble bells. A return to the original key leads to a grand and glorious conclusion. An all-around solid choice for worship or concert use.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs arr. Anna Laura Page, 3 octave reproducible collection with optional piano, Level 2/2+
This reproducible collection provides delightful arrangements of hymns and spirituals for 12 bells with optional keyboard accompaniment. The pieces may be played by six ringers using standard bell assignments. If some or all ringers wish to ring 4-in- hand, it may be played by as few as three ringers. Suggestions for various assignment options are included. Not only do these arrangements present opportunities for ringers to learn 4-in-hand ringing, it also offers satisfying music for services, schools and other events that may be played with fewer ringers.
I Love to Tell the Story arr. Ron Mallory, 3-5 octaves with optional 3-5 octave chimes, Level 2-
Bass bells and optional chimes are featured prominently in this accessible arrangement of the beloved gospel hymn. With an accompaniment alternating between flowing eighth-note arpeggios and sturdy quarter-note chords, this piece gives beginning-level choirs an opportunity to stretch themselves while allowing more advanced groups to focus on musical expression.
Variations on “Softly and Tenderly” arr. Kurt Meyer, 3-6 octaves with optional 3-5 octave chimes, Level 3
Alfred Handbell welcomes Kurt Meyer to our catalog with an accessible and lovely arrangement of a cherished hymn, suitable for Lent or general occasions.
There Is a Fountain arr. Lloyd Larson, 3-5 octaves with optional violin, Level 2+
In this setting of an old favorite hymn, the treble bells set the stage with their gentle ostinato. Soon, the melody enters in the tenor line and is joined by the basses to give a rich sound. God’s glory shines through the brilliant ‘all in’ section, and then the song peacefully ends, much as it began.
Very Soon I’ll Fly Away arr. Benjamin A. Tucker, 3-5 octaves with 3-4 octave chimes, Level 3
Ben Tucker combines the classic Andraé Crouch gospel song “Soon and Very Soon” with the familiar gospel hymn “I’ll Fly Away” to create a stunning arrangement that captures the spirit of both songs. Use it for worship or festival any time of year.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go arr. Patricia Hurlbutt, 3-5 octaves with optional 3 octave chimes, Level 2
This lovely arrangement of the hymntune ST. MARGARET is a joy both to play and to hear. An opening section of rising bell peals gives way to a flowing melody underscored with undulating eighth notes. The bass take over the melody on handchimes, accompanied by the echo technique on bells. A key change leads to a grand final verse, which slows and eases into a final, delicate chord.
Peal on LASST UNS ERFREUEN arr. Patricia Hurlbutt, 3-5 octaves, Level 1
This arrangement of the well-known hymn is both simple to ring and stunningly original. The treble bells set up a four-note peal while the lower treble and bass bells play the melody in octaves. A verse with full and harmonically-interesting chords follows before a final closing peal – interspersed with snippets of the melody – closes out the piece. A wonderful choice for any general worship service.
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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.