Blessed Assurance: Handbell Music for General Worship Monday, February 03, 2025
recommended by Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist
Blessed Assurance arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 3-5 (6) octaves handbells & handchimes, Level 3
With an easy lilt that feels like a stroll on a Sunday afternoon, this creative arrangement of the familiar hymn ASSURANCE is sure to bring comfort and a sense of peace to your worship service. Written in 9/8, the piece flows along with melody first in treble bells, then with chimes in the battery, and ending with a fuller statement of the opening. A charming piece that all will enjoy.
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name arr. Sandra Eithun, 3-6 octaves, Level 2+
Suitable for Easter, Christ the King, or general worship, this setting is a solid piece of handbell literature that will make your ensemble shine. The use of LV against thick chords conveys the strength of the hymn.
Blessed By the Spirit arr. Karen Buckwalter, 3-5 octaves with optional handchimes, Level 2+
This lush, flowing medley of two gorgeous hymntunes provides a moment of calm assurance. Intricate harmonies abound, and the addition of melody lines on handchimes enhances the beauty of this setting.
A Blessing by Michael Helman, 3-5 octaves with optional handchimes, Level 2+
Written in honor of his grandsons, this delicate original from Michael Helman is perfect for the intermediate choir looking to focus on their musicality. Flowing accompaniment lines and a heartfelt melody combine to make this a truly gorgeous experience.
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands arr. Benjamin A. Tucker, 3-5 (6) octaves handbells & handchimes, Level 3
Enjoy this swing setting of the cherished spiritual – the stopped techniques make it sing! A walking bass, an ethereal B section for “He’s got the wind and the rain,” and some jazz chords along the way make this a fun piece for worship or concert.
In Christ Alone arr. Lloyd Larson, 3-5 octaves with optional piano, Level 2
The popular contemporary Christian hymn is set here for Level 2 handbells and optional piano. Beautiful and accessible.
It Is Well with My Soul arr. Karen Buckwalter, 3-5 octaves with optional piano, Level 2+
Enveloping listeners in an atmosphere of peace and serenity, this setting captures the essence of the beloved hymn’s message of faith and resilience. While it can be performed with handbells only, the piano accompaniment fills in harmonies and adds rhythmic interest, deepening the emotional resonance of the piece.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home arr. Anna Laura Page, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+
Simple and lush, this setting of the hymntune LAND OF REST is perfect for use throghout the church year. With minimal technical challenges, ensembles can instead focus on growing in their musicality and performance.
The King of Love My Shepherd Is arr. Jantz A. Black, 3-5 octaves, Level 2
Simplistic beauty is the best way to describe this lovely arrangement. Accessible at Level 2, ringers and listeners will be enchanted by its charming beauty.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 2-5 octaves, Level 2
Accessible to most groups, yet energetic and exciting, this setting of Lobe den Herren is written for two to five octave handbells, making it an excellent festival selection or worship selection for groups large or small.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr. Lloyd Larson, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+
This approachable setting of the hymntune LOBE DEN HERREN is perfect for use throughout the church year. The melody moves throughout the ensemble, giving all parts a chance to shine, and there are just enough harmonic twists to keep each verse fresh and exciting!
Prelude on Abbott’s Leigh arr. Sandra Eithun, 3-5 octaves with optional handchimes, Level 2
Enchanting and expansive, here is a new arrangement of the historic tune commonly paired with Fred Pratt Green’s “God Is Here!” and Jeffery Rowthorn’s “Lord, You Give the Great Commission.” Sweeping harmonies in the beginning give way to crisp mallets in the middle section, then return to create a glorious finish.
Rejoice, the Lord Is King arr. Ron Mallory, 3-5 octaves, Level 3
This sparkling arrangement of Darwell’s 148th features Mallory’s trademark rhythmic accompaniment and uses stopped techniques to add interest and excitement right up to the end!
Rejoice, the Lord Is King arr. Linda Scholes, 2-3 or 3-6 octaves, Level 2+
This powerful setting of DARWALL’S 148TH is a perfect choice for the Easter season or any time something bold and celebratory is called for. Available in compatible 2-3 and 3-6 octave settings, its bold harmonies and driving rhythms are equally at home in church as in concert or festival settings.
When In Our Music God Is Glorified arr. Sondra K. Tucker, 3-5 octaves with optional keyboard, brass & congregation, Level 2
This flexible setting of the beloved hymn tune, ENGLEBERG, stands alone as a handbell piece, and features optional parts for keyboard, brass, and a soprano descant. Any combination of the instruments can also serve as the accompaniment to congregational singing. Additional texts set to ENGELBERG include, “We Know That Christ Is Raised,” and “All Praise to Thee, For Thou, O King Divine.”
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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.