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This bell piece fits well into a concert situation or a church service. Ringers and listeners alike will enjoy the variety of key and style.
This two-piece folio includes "Were You There" (for Lent) and "Coventry Carol" (for Advent). Malleting on suspended bells is featured in the Lent carol for a shimmering effect. The Advent carol requires no page turns.
This setting of the James Ellor tune can be used any time during the church year. It is happy and joyful and will have your toes tapping!
"Allouette" is a traditional children’s French folk song about preparing a lark (a bird) as part of a meal, arranged for handbells or handchimes in theme and variation form.
This setting of the 17th century Welsh melody begins in E and modulates to A through the use of accidentals before the key change. It very easily adapts to the use of strings (violins, violas, or even cellos).
"Angels Medley," with "Angels From the Realms of Glory and Angels We Have Heard On High" are joined in this joyous medley about angels and Christmas time.
A children's French folk song from the Renaissance about writing a letter at night arranged in theme and variations form.
This enchanting and traditional children's song has been set for a beginning handbell or handchime choir. It is thought that the song dates from the Middle Ages. Its origin is lost in antiquity. The song was first recorded for human voice in 1860.
W.A. Mozart's classic is set in straight-forward fashion in this version for 3 octaves in the key of A major. Bell changes provide the most challenge. A total of 47 measures, this grand work is set in A Major.
AYRES FOR BELLS is a two part piece, combining a march and a dance. Although long, the piece is not difficult to ring and well worth the time to work it up.
"Beautiful Savior" is a very traditional melody. This is a straight-forward arrangement of a very familiar hymn, and includes melody in bass during one section, and also a canon.
Meadowlark Melodies Co. is owned by Bill D. Dugger and he is the composer/arranger of all titles in that catalog. Mr. Dugger writes that many of his works include, "aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music." World music also influences his writing. This piece includes a short part for flute in its "bluesy" score. Triplet figures, syncopation, and dotted eigth-sixteenth note patterns are found throughout its 49 measures, which, all except the last chord, are played with mallets.
“Caribbean” recalls early missionaries in the Caribbean islands. There are older hymn tunes woven into the different sections.
Marked at an Andante tempo and set in 3/4 meter, this original, lilting work flows along quite nicely. Special techniques such as echo and toll swings are scored for interest as well.
Arranger Bill D. Duggar uses aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music. This original composition with a Christmas title is written in 6/8 time and uses 16th note rhythms, an andante tempo, and marcato markings.
Composer Bill D. Dugger uses aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music. This original composition in 4/4 time opens with syncopated, chordal melody above a pulsing, alternating eighth-note line. An energetic 56 measures, this score is written in g minor.
This original work in dance-like 6/8 meter is written as a celebration for any event from church, school, or festival. A flute part can easily be added by playing the top bell notes.
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and "Carol of the Bells" are teamed up in this fresh setting of two Christmas songs about bells.
The clock ticks down the time until Christmas in this delightful and melodious piece for 2-octave handbell choir.
The seasonal favorites "Adeste Fidelis", "Infant Holy", "Silent Night", and "Jingle Bells" are each one-page, repeatable versions, and may be used as incidental music, or combined as a suite.
This work begins with original material in 6/8 meter and C# minor. Later sections include "Joy to the World" and "O Come All Ye Faithful."
This setting of an old English melody would make a great opening selection for your Christmas program. Short and fun, it is sometimes like a game of "hide-and-seek", allowing the listener to reminisce about childhood.
“Christmas Waltz” is an original composition in medium tempo. It can be very dramatic at times, with a stop or two along the way to regroup.
Part of the “Easy & Easy Medium Series”, this folio contains two arrangements of the Christmas hymn. These versions can be played separately or together as a longer single work.
This German Easter hymn is perfect for a beginning group with small numbers. The piece is very straight-forward, the dynamics are simple, and there are no skills involved other than ringing.
Based on Revelations 19:12, this is an Easter piece based on a melody by George Elvey (1868). The hymn tune's original melody was titled Diademata.
This joyous original contains 16th note passages, thus calling for the use of mallets. It is cheerful and dance-like and can be used in any secular or sacred setting.
This setting of the French carol is alternately thick and thin in texture and counterpoint.
After the birth of his niece, the composer wrote a lullaby for her parents to sing to her. This is the handbell arrangement of that lullaby.
"Largo", the most familiar part of Dvorak's New World Symphony, is also known as "Goin' Home".
For centuries, "Eternal Father" has been a favorite of those who went to sea and braved the storms and whims of the sea with only their faith.
Part of the “Easy & Easy Medium Series”, this folio contains two arrangements of the traditional hymn.
"Fanfare and Celebration" is a collection of old time favorites blended into a medley. The favorites included in this 3 octave piece are: God of Our Fathers; The Church's One Foundation; Holy, Holy, Holy; and Up From the Grave He Arose.
"Fanfare for the Faithful" is intended for any celebration. The joyous and celebratory nature of the piece stays in the same key (Bb Major) throughout.
"Fanfare for the Faithful" is intended for any celebration. The joyous and celebratory nature of the piece stays in the same key (Bb Major) throughout.
"Fanfare for the Faithful" is intended for any celebration. The joyous celebratory nature of the piece stays in the same key (Bb Major) throughout.
This original composition includes both rich harmonies and very thin texture for contrast. Only 31 measures, this is perfect for a response or a short anthem. Enjoy this happy piece. G Major.
Scale-like passages in intervals of 6ths and 4ths characterize the texture of this original work. Beginning with a fortississimo passage in 4/4, the music flows with only a few measures of contemplative half-note chords. This work is primarily an easy-medium setting, with 2 measures containing sixteenth notes at the end.
This piece includes two different versions of the same song. While both versions are around a level 2 rating, the second includes a flute part that doubles the melody line.
Billy Brandt's arrangement of the beloved Christmas carol from Cornwall, England, features a straightforward handbell part, unison voices, and a flute obbligato. "The First Noël" was written as an expression of excitement and wonder at the birth of the Christ Child and although today's world is very different from the time when this carol was first sung, we still sing ... and play it ... for the same reasons.
Arranger Bill D. Dugger uses aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music. This original work includes a part for 2 flutes. No time signature or character marking is given, but 6/8 seems to be most appropriate. Alternate title "Andante Cantabile" is an option when playing in secular venues.
A traditional children’s French folk song about a monk getting out of bed to to ring the church or abbey bells for pre-dawn mass.
“Gently, Softly” is a song without words, suitable as an anthem or as a secular performance piece. It is a study of the contrasts and challenges we all face in life.
"The Gift of Love" is based on an old Italian folk melody that has also been used in ballads in many other countries. Also known by the hymn tune name O WALY WALY.
"Glory Glory" is a piece for three octaves. It should be played joyfully and precisely. There are some parts that are sparse in harmony and counterpoint, and this is intentionally written to keep the texture light and joyful. Ringers will enjoy this piece, and listeners will have a toe-tapping time of it. Enjoy.
"Go Down Moses" is a 2 octave setting of the traditional African American spiritual. This arrangement, in g minor, uses the melody in a different way than is traditionally done, and includes syncopation and rhythms which are African in nature.
The piece was written after a trip to the forest and the lake. The sounds of nature--rain falling and trees swaying--helped write this simple, playful piece.
Based on the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy," this arrangement is rife with triplets figures and marked "Slow Gospel Swing." Mallets are scored for varying sections of the 36-measure work.
Arranger Bill D. Dugger uses aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music. An unusual use of the staccato articulation is called for in this arrangement of the familiar Christmas carol - staccatos are to be table damped instead of plucked, malleted, or thumb damped.
There are actually three arrangements of the English carol in this folio: a very easy warm-up or practice version, an easy Level 1 version, and a more developed Level 2 version.
Arranger Bill D. Dugger uses aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music. In this rendition of every child's "favorite piano piece," all notes are to be played with mallets on tabled bells. A bouncy 27 measures, this piece is arranged in Eb Major and F Major.
This original piece by Bill Dugger is written for Palm Sunday. A very effective piece, it is well worth the work.
"His Love Is Everywhere" is an original composition in the key of G Major. It is very cheerful and hopeful; and it does spread those feelings.
This very simple level 2 is a good step up from level 1 repertoire. It introduces simple, eighth-note rhythms along with chordal textures. An optional flute or oboe may play along.
This original piece is a pledge to the Lord of faithfulness and a pledge to stay with God forever. The Big Ben Toll is used. Play and enjoy this piece with your congregation!
"I Know That My Redeemer Lives" is a gentle and harmonically lush statement of faith that our Redeemer lives and reigns and shields us with his undying love.
Part of the “Easy & Easy Medium Series”, this folio contains two arrangements of the 14th century German melody.
This melody is an ancient one, before Gustav Holst created the hymn tune most commonly associated with this title. It is written in modes, rather than keys. A beautifully mysterious piece.
Set in 45 measures in 6/8 meter, this arrangement of the favorite gospel song uses mallets on suspended bells, martellato, and a toll swing as special effects.
This arrangement stays close to the original hymn tune, with introductions and bridges and one key change.
“I Surrender All” is an old standard for congregational singing. This arrangement uses harmonies that are non-traditional at times, even jazzy. Meant for any season, this piece expresses the feeling of surrender to a higher power. Play it like you mean it!
This original composition, set in 3/4 time, is set in D Major. An inner section, written in imitative structure, employs mallets. Performance instruction for bell and mallet changes are written into the score. It is 88 measures long.
This medley appears to be quite simple on first glance. There is a wide variety of moods and styles in the first segment, and players and listeners will have fun with this setting of a very traditional children's song. This piece is suitable for any Sunday, or especially a Youth Sunday. Listeners will appreciate the texture and moods produced by the harmonies and the unusual setting for handbells.
How many things can you do to change the well-known “Jingle Bells”? This joyous romp includes meter changes and “Over the River and Through the Woods” as a partner song. This novelty arrangement is not technically difficult but still challenging, as attention to detail is important.
As its name implies, this Bill Dugger original is filled with joy and is a joy to ring. It would fit well into concerts and services of all types.
This piece includes two different versions of the same song. The original tune is not diminished in either version.
"Lenten Bells, Softly Ring" is written in 6/8 time and is reminiscent of the rocking, lullaby of Jesus's birth. This piece is a gentle reminder of the gentle love our Savior had in giving such a gift to us in His death.
This work is designed as a prayer response, a series of “Amens”. It can and should be taken as fast as the group is comfortable playing. Regardless of the speed, it will sound stately and fill the church or other venue with sound.
Features of this original composition include an Andante section and a section written in canon style, 16th note rhythms mixed with eighth, quarter and half notes, and the toll swing technique.
Ringing, thumb-damping, toll swinging and martellato playing are contrasts that point to the varying differences where the journey of life takes us and support the title of this original work.
"Little Drummer Boy" for 3 Octaves of handbells with mallets is a traditional Christmas carol.
Part of the “Easy & Easy Medium Series”, this folio contains two arrangements of the beloved spiritual.
Have your ringers identify the hymn tunes in this medley, and then discuss how they relate to the title of this work. Simple rhythms and two key changes in this 45-measure piece.
Madeleine is the French spelling and evolution of the name Mary Magdalene, and this original work musically explores her joy traveling with Jesus and the Twelve throughout Galilee, before the entry to Jersualem.
This arrangement includes a joyous rendition of "Standing In the Need of Prayer" and a bridge, followed by the Finlandia Theme by Sibelius (used in "Be Still My Soul" and several other hymns). They make a joyous and powerful combination.
“Marching to Glory” is a joyous grand march with dotted rhythms. This original piece starts in G, changes to C, then returns to G.
Set in c minor and 3/4 meter, this original composition is scored in easy rhythms and open scoring. It is 56 measures with repeats.
Two flutes join 3 octaves of bells in this original composition of 44 measures. Flowing passages intermingle with syncopation and move the music along. There are some bell changes along the way.
This original work is set in 3/4 time, in C Major, and with a tempo marking of Allegro Moderato. Dancing eighth note rhythms and open scoring permeate the entire piece of 76 measures.
"Be Thou My Vision" and "My Faith Looks Up To Thee" are combined here in a medley of hymn tunes. "Be Thou My Vision" is a traditional ancient Irish melody and "My Faith Looks Up To Thee" is a melody originally written by Olivet and Lowell Mason in 1830.
For all those looking for more advanced 2-octave music, this original, peppy work should fit the bill. Fast rhythms, spicy techniques, and syncopation move the music along throughout its 30 measures.
This original composition, set in D Major, is upbeat and cheerful. Short and sweet, it can be used any time of year.
“My Star” describes the baby Jesus as he watches “His” star. It has a Middle Eastern flavor and is sparsely scored in some spots for effect.
This piece includes two different versions of the same song. The first is set at a performance level of One or Easy, and the second is level 2 or Easy Medium. The original tune is not diminished in either version.
"O Holy Night", originally written in French and titled "Cantique de Noel", is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. This setting is for two or three octave handbell choir and is abbreviated to make it more accessible and performable by smaller groups.
Part of the “Easy & Easy Medium Series”, this folio contains two arrangements of the Christmas hymn.
"O Sacred Head Now Wounded" with "Holy, Holy, Holy" is a partner song for handbells. This anthem is up-beat, joyous, and just keeps marching right along. At one point, it turns into a canon between the two different melodies.
This arrangement of a 14th Century Italian Christmas carol stays mostly true to the harmonic style of the High Middle Ages.
“Praise” is a happy dance in 6/8 time. Rather Celtic in style, it is appropriate for any joyful time.
"REJOICE,OH MY HEART; THE LORD IS GOOD is for two octave handbells with flutes. The mood of the "Rejoice" section is one of celebration and joy. Careful practice will make this piece exciting and challenging.
“Responses and Interludes” is a set of service music for 2 octave handbell choirs.
Written for 2 octave handbell choir, this piece uses swings, gyros and martellato to create a feeling of excitement. Should be played with joy.
The fun spiritual here titled is paired with optional flute and hand drums for a "rocking" good time. Syncopations and quick rhythms add interest and challenge along with a few bell changes.
The favorite old spiritual is set here in E flat major in 4/4 meter with a swing feel. Syncopation, sixteenth-note rhythms, and accents add additional interest to the 45 measures.
"Rock Him Gently" has a melodic theme that shifts back and forth between treble and bass. It is an original composition appropriate for any part of the Christmas season.
Part of the “Easy & Easy Medium Series”, this folio contains two arrangements of this original Christmas tune. Overall, this lovely piece brings to mind Mary gentling rocking the Christ child amid the peaceful company of the animals in the manger.
This original composition is set in 5/4 time, so there's a "dance" feel already built in! Subtitled "A Dance to the One God", the piece utilizes an open texture with fairly simple rhythms that should be quickly learned.
This original composition is set in a slow 6/8 time in the key of G. The piece conveys the gentle feelings of safety and sweetness in our Savior's arms.
The music of this original composition reflects the truth of the title through pulsing, malleted eighth notes, harmonies, bell changes, and loud dynamics.
This three movement Suite encourages choirs to work on contrasting styles and tempos. There are no specific metronome markings given, allowing directors the freedom to interpret the movements in a manner best suited to their choir.
"Shenandoah" is one of the most recognizable American folk songs, dating from the early-to-mid 19th century. This arrangement by Billy Brandt features handbells, handchimes, and optional flute. With minimal techniques, ringers can focus on musicality and interpretation, bringing out the melody and allowing the accompaniment to flow gently underneath.
This waltz takes the listener on an auditory journey down the Snake River, from the mountains of Wyoming, through Montana, Idaho, and Washington where it joins the mighty Columbia River. Various sections sound out the violence and majesty of white water while others show the placidity of reservoir lakes.
"Songs of Meditation and Prayer" is a simple, straightforward setting of three very old and very beloved hymns from the Protestant tradition.
This original work from Bill Dugger is comprised of four movements, with each movement representing a month on the Spring calendar – March, April, May and June. Each movement has a distinctive feel, creating the imagery and emotion of Spring's arrival and full glory.
The old gospel hymn is here set in 4/4 time with the direction to "swing the eighth notes." Mallets are scored to be used on bells AND the table! Dynamic markings are carefully noted with extra directions than normal bell music.
The Austrian Christmas Carol is here set in a undulating texture using alternating eighth note patterns in the introduction. The piece is set in B flat Major but changes to F Major for the second half.
"Still, Still, Still" is a three octave arrangement of the famous lullaby from the great Austrian tradition.
Contemporary Christian composer Lanny Wolfe's classic song is here set for 2 octaves with flute. The score is open and light and easy to read. A separate flute score is included.
"Surely the Presence of the Lord Is In This Place" is a time-honored favorite by Lanny Wolf, noted composer of contemporary Christian music. The song is an expression of faith.
A theme and variation arrangement of an early Renaissance children's French folk song that starts easy to medium easy and gets progressively more difficult. The director may choose to stop at the end of the first section and still have a complete song.
Meadowlark Melodies Co. is owned by Bill D. Dugger and he is the composer/arranger of all titles in that catalog. Mr. Dugger writes that many of his works include "aspects of music not traditionally included in handbell music." World music also influences his writing. This piece is a medley of Thanksgiving hymns, including "Now Thank We All Our God, This is My Father's World, and For the Beauty of the Earth," and is written to keep ringers involved. It is 50 measures and is arranged in the keys of Eb Major and G Major.
This arrangement of the Christmas favorite stays close to the original true.
"Thine Be the Glory" is a 2 Octave handbell piece in G Major. It is very straightforward and filled with the joy and victory this treasured hymn describes.
A short (40 measures) rendition of the traditional English humn melody. Set in D and E flat major with chordal and polyphonic accompaniment. Martellatos are scored for effect.
"This Is My Song" is a very familiar melody originally written by Jean Sibelius, is the most familiar theme from his "Finlandia," and has been repeatedly used as a hymn tune.
The “Three Intermezzos” in this folio are separate pieces that can be used at any point in a service that calls for quiet contemplation, but when something shorter than a full anthem is needed.
This original piece is intended for young ringers but can be played by any beginning group. The beauty of the work is found in its simplicity.
Toccata is a joyous dance and march. With a tempo marking of allegretto (quarter = 75), it does not relax from beginning to end.
Set in 6/8 time, this original composition includes a score for 3 flutes and hand claps (designated in the music as crosses and black squares). 27 measures with repeats.
"To the Gates of the City" is intended for Palm Sunday. The style is that of a march, and the music depicts the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.
The Sunrise and Moonlight Fanfares are mood pieces. They can be used to open a concert or church service or for special purposes as needed to set or reflect appropriate emotions of an event or service.
The theme of this adaptation of the well-known organ processional (commonly known as “Prince of Denmark March” or “Trumpet Voluntary”) is fairly straight forward and contains repeated sections.
This setting of the familiar carol is written as a fantasy on the theme in D Minor. Stately, mystical, and harmonically rich, one can almost see the kings as they search for the Christ child. Follow them as they ride through the mysterious night and find the babe, led by that bright star.
Johannes Brahms wrote this uniquely brilliant Christmas Carol, and Mark Sherry has set it for 3 octaves of handbells in this short but effective arrangement.
