He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands: New Handbell Arrangements for Summer Friday, May 23, 2025
recommended by Jennifer F., Handbell Music Specialist
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands arr. Benjamin A. Tucker, 3-6 octaves, 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.
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.
Ringing with Keys Volume 3 arr. Lloyd Larson, 2 octave reproducible collection, Level 2
Here is a collection of eight arrangements for smaller ensembles of handbell ringers and piano. It may be run with 1 ½ or 2 octaves of handbells, D5 to G6 or G4 to G6. The contents include a mixture of hymns useful for Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and general occasions. The piano accompaniment fills out the harmonies, keeping the handbell parts accessible while adding beautiful texture and color to the arrangements. Titles include: “Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” “Still, Still, Still,” “We Gather Together,” “Give Me Jesus,” “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” and “Crown Him with Many Crowns.”
Rejoice, the Lord Is King arr. Linda Scholes, 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.
Classic Rings II for Church & School arr. Martha Lynn Thompson, 3 octave reproducible collection, Level 1-2
This collection of familiar, classics includes mostly works from the baroque period, but some contemporary tunes as well. You’ll find compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Haydn, Verdi, Brahms, Schubert, Chopin, Bizet, and more. As you work your way through the 37 titles the arrangements get progressively more advanced moving from Level 1 to 2. Tips for teaching rhythms are included throughout. This resource is reproducible, making it a great value.
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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.