Music for a Beginning Handbell Choir

SKU: LO.AMHB38

UPC: 000308083590.

These settings are intended for handbell choirs in need of accessible festive music for special occasions throughout the church year. Cue notes are provided on some selections so the piece can grow with the choir's abilities. Optional instruments add versatility while affording beginning choirs an opportunity to perform with other musicians. Trumpet parts are within the capabilities of high school or amateur musicians. Handbell parts on all arrangements are completely independent and can be played alone.

SKU: BP.HB626

Arranged for 3 to 5 octave ahdnebll choir. 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!

SKU: BP.HB505

2-3 octave handbell choir, level2-. Includes: Adeste Fideles; Sing We Now of Christmas; Still, Still, Still. For beginning groups -- or advanced groups looking for an easier offering -- comes this trio of Christmas tunes in compatible 2-3 and 3-5 octave versions. With no bell changes and no note value faster than a quarter note, ensembles of almost any skill level should find these pieces well within their ability. Despite their simple nature, there is still a great deal of musical interest in the pieces, which are sure to brighten the holiday season.

SKU: BP.HB574A

For 3 to 5 octave handbell choir. Rated level 2-. This prayerful setting of two well-loved hymn tunes is a beautiful pairing of handbells and piano. The majority of the handbell part consists of quarter and half notes, while the piano provides an arpeggiated eighth note undercurrent. A perfect opportunity for beginning and intermediate handbell ensembles to shine in worship!

SKU: BP.HB553

For 3 to 5 octave handbell choir and optional 3 to 5 octaves of handchimes. Rated 3-. A haunting opening featuring singing bell, handchimes, and malleted bells gives way to a flowing set of verses of the hymn tune Union Seminary. Numerous key changes provide varying commentary on the tune, and delicate use of handchimes allow both the melody and counter-melodies to shine through. The piece grows in grandeur and expression before returning to the feeling of the beginning once more. UNION SEMINARY, which this arrangement is based on, is by Harold Friedell.

SKU: BP.HB574

The 3 to 5 octave handbell part is rated level 2-. This prayerful setting of two well-loved hymn tunes is a beautiful pairing of handbells and piano. The majority of the handbell part consists of quarter and half notes, while the piano provides an arpeggiated eighth note undercurrent. A perfect opportunity for beginning and intermediate handbell ensembles to shine in worship!

SKU: BP.HB752

Written for 3 to 6 octave handbell choir. Level 3-.

A haunting opening gives way to a series of treatments of the hymn which grow in intensity and harmonic complexity. A middle section of original material provides a respite from the tune before a final triumphant return underscored by syncopated bass motion. The piece closes out with the same haunting motif as the beginning.

SKU: MN.30-803

UPC: 688670308031.

Norwegian folk tune, I HIMMELEN, I HIMMELEN. Quieting change-of-pace setting. Beginning choirs. Two octaves (17 bells).

SKU: BP.HB493

3-5 octave handbell choir with optional 3-5 octaves of handchimes (or piano), an optional second 3 octave handbell choir, timpani, suspended cymbal, vibra-slap and wind chimes. Level 3+. This jubilant original work offers choirs the chance to showcase their talents, while also providing performance options for multiple choirs and musicians. The work can be performed solely by a three to five octave handbell choir, though parts are also available for an optional three to five octave handchime choir (or, where space or numbers don't permit, a piano reduction of the handchime part), an easier, optional three octave second handbell choir (suitable for beginning ringers or children), and optional timpani and percussion. Driving rhythms and syncopation will keep ringers engaged, and the memorable melody will enchant ringers and audience members alike.