News of Great Joy! Handbells for Advent & Christmas 2022 Wednesday, November 09, 2022
recommended by Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist
News of Great Joy arr. Anna Laura Page, 2 octave reproducible collection, Level 2/2+
“News of Great Joy” is a collection of five Christmas carols, set for 8 handbells or handchimes and piano. Since there are no bell changes, each ringer has only two bells to ring in each piece, making the possibilities of ringing during the Christmas season numerous. Handbell tables are not necessary, and there is the possibility of ringing these pieces without the piano when one is not available. The ringers simply may ring through the measures of rests. Celebrate the season!! Titles include: “The First Nowell,” “The Coventry Carol,” “On Christmas Night,” “Good King Wenceslas,” and “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice.”
Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Martha Lynn Thompson, 3-6 octaves, Level 2
This classic Christmas carol is scored colorfully for 3-6 octaves. Ringers will find this accessible and attractive. Sure to be an alluring addition to Christmas concerts and services.
As Lately We Watched arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 2-5 octaves, Level 2
This sweet Austrian Christmas Carol has cascading lines to enhance the lyrical melody and includes “Away In a Manger” as a countermelody.
Away in a Manger arr. Anna Laura Page, 2-3 octaves, Level 2
Away in a Manger is a gentle, flowing setting of the beloved Christmas carol, arranged for both 2-3 octaves and 3-5 octaves of handbells. It combines the MUELLER and CRADLE SONG tunes, resulting in an appropriate arrangement for Christmas Eve services and other events during the Christmas season.
Christmas Night arr. Michael Helman, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+
Michael Helman has given us this delicate medley of the tunes “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Still, Still, Still,” and “Once In Royal David’s City.” Flowing accompaniments underpin the melody, and masterful handling of the optional handchimes give the piece an extra sense of majesty. A beautiful arrangement for use throughout the Advent or Christmas seasons.
How Far Is It to Bethlehem arr. Anna Laura Page, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+
Anna Laura Page brings us this flowing setting of a traditional English tune. Delicate in its simplicity, the lush scoring gives a very satisfying feeling to the piece. A worthy choice for the early intermediate ensemble looking to stretch their musicality this holiday season.
How Great Our Joy arr. Lloyd Larson, 3-5 octaves with piano, Level 2
Music will burst onto the scene with this triumphant arrangement of the Traditional German Carol. Scored for 3-5 octaves of handbells and piano. The bell parts are accessible, Level 2, and the piano fills out the harmony and supports the bells throughout.
Lullaby Carol arr. Karen Lakey Buckwalter, 3-5 octaves, Level 3-
Karen Buckwalter has artfully combined three lesser-known Christmas carols into one gorgeous medley worthy of a spot in any Advent or Christmas service. The changes in texture, as well as the movement from bells to chimes and back, keep the piece interesting throughout. Intermediate ensembles will find just enough challenge to grow as musicians, while advanced ringers will enjoy the ability to enhance their expressive playing.
O Come, All Ye Faithful arr. Jason Krug, 2-3 octaves, Level 1
Perfect for the developing ringer, this arrangement of the classic carol uses fun techniques yet remains Level 1. Straightforward and pleasingly engaging.
Of the Father’s Love Begotten arr. Jason Krug, 3-5 octaves, Level 1
This pleasing setting of the beloved, Christmas hymn tune is just right for emerging, Level 1 choirs. It is accessible yet written so that ringers stay busy and engaged while developing their skills.
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks arr. Anna Laura Page, 3-5 octaves, Level 3
This lush combination of the tunes WINCHESTER OLD and CHRISTMAS would make a beautiful addition to any holiday service or concert. Flowing lines abound, and unexpected harmonic twists keep things interesting throughout while providing just a small challenge to ringers. The piece builds in intensity before reaching a grand and glorious conclusion.
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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 20 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 and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.