Creative Handbells
Original, Simple One, Two & Three Octave Easy/Moderate
 (Level I & II) Handbell Arrangements*

By Thomas F. Fischer, M.Div, M.S.A.
 

 

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Handbell Music
For All Seasons

a
aGeneral   +  Festival   +  Advent/Christmas/Epiphany   +   Transfiguration  +  Lent   Easter/Ascension    +  Patriotic  +   Bach   +   Pachelbel   +  Handel   +   Secular & Misc  


Do You Need The Handbell Score In A Different Key?
Many Of The Scores Below ARE Available In Different Keys For Hymn Introductions, etc.

 
Season Song
Click For Sample
Octaves &
Ringers Used
Description MP3*
Computer
Generated
Keyboard/Organ Accompaniment
(
.wav or .mp3)

Check Back Soon! Site Updated With New Songs Regularly!


NEW From Inkrist!
Take  A Look At Our Latest Additions!
All Compositions $5.00 each unless otherwise noted
 
NEW FOR THANKS-
GIVING!
Now Thank We All Our God
(Simplified)

One Octave w/ Optional Bass
(4-6 Ringers)

A simple, easy-to-play selection for Thanksgiving based on the familiar hymn, "Now Thank We All Our God" (Nun danket alle Gott).

No
NEW FOR CHRISTMAS! O Come, All Ye Faithful Bell Peal Introduction Two Octaves with
Optional Bass
(5-7 Ringers)
An easy, yet energetically flambouyant introduction to one of the Christmas season's greatest hymns, "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (Adeste Fidelis).
No
A New Simple Praise Trilogy Praise To The Lord The Almighty
"Loben Den
Herren" Suite

1: Antiphon

2: Pensive

3: Toccata
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Three short movements--Antiphonal, Pensive, and a Tocatta reminiscent of Flor Peeters' "Grosser Gott." This suite may stand alone or each variation may serve as an introduction to verses of the hymn, "Praise To The Lord, The Almighty."
s
Since the handbell part for all three movements is IDENTICAL, it is very simple to perform. Only the accompaniment changes. A GREAT arrangement for those those times when practice time is a premium!

Click Below To Listen

Variation 1

Variation 2

Variation 3
Yes

Note: Variations are $5.00 each or $10/set of three. Great Value!

New!
For General Use
Fantasy On "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" ("Converse") One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
A delightfully simple bell peal-style fantasy rendition of "What A Friend." Don't let the eighth notes scare you. The regular rhythm and straight forward arrangement of eighth notes makes this another great piece to introduce your handbell choir to eighth notes. Yes

General &
Pentecost Season

 

Accolade FREE DOWNLOAD FREE Anthem For Any Number of Novice Ringers. No Music Reading Necesssary. A Great Tool For Introducing/Promoting Handbells.

FREE DOWNLOAD

 
All Praise To Thee, My God, This Night Two Octaves
(4-6 Ringers)
Based on Tallis' Canon

No
Amazing Grace
Big Ben
Two Octaves
(4-6 Ringers)
Lively Bell Peal Stands Alone Or May Be Used To Introduce This All-Time Favorite Hymn

No
Amazing Grace One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Another Lively Variation On This Popular Hymn.

Yes
Amazing Grace
Cantus Firmus
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
A Meditative Version Featuring Cantus Firmus In Bass.

Yes
Amazing Grace
w/ Jesus Loves Me
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
This Creative Combination Reminds Hearers Of Jesus' Loving Grace For Them In This Simple One Octave Handbell Arrangment.

No
Blessed Jesus, We Are Here One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Simple Meditation Based On Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier

No
Children Of The Heav'nly Father-
Simplified
Two Octaves
(5-7 Ringers)
Based On The Scandinavian Hymn, Tryggare kan ingen vara. No
Children Of The Heav'nly Father-
Advanced
Two Octaves
(5-7 Ringers)
Based On The Scandinavian Hymn, Tryggare kan ingen vara. No
Glory Be To God, The Father Three Octaves
(7-10 Ringers)
March-Like Rendering Of Henry T. Smart's Hymn, Regent Square. Also available With A Festive Optional Keyboard/Organ Accompaniment. Yes
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

One Octave
Duet

Gently Flowing Arrangement Of This Simple Hymn For Two Ringers And Keyboard. A Favorite Selection. Yes
Lord of Glory Who Has Bought Us 

Two Octaves
(6-8 Ringers)

Lively Rendition Of The Classic Hymn Hyfrodol With A Rich Organ Accompaniment. (Sound Sample Is Handbells Only Version) Yes
Lord of Glory Who Has Bought Us

Two Octaves
(6-8 Ringers)

The Bell Peal Quality Of This Rendition Makes It A Wonderful Introduction To Hyfrodol Yes
My Faith Looks Up To Thee-
Simplified
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Simple Offertory Based On Olivet No
My Faith Looks Up To Thee-
Advanced
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Rhythmically More Advanced Version  Olivet No
On What Has Now Been Sown One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Based On Darwall's 148th

Yes
Open Now Thy Gates Of Beauty One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Refreshing Festive Arrangement Of Neander Yes
What A Friend We Have In Jesus One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Fantasy Mediation On Converse For One Octave Bells No

Festival



Also See Classics (Bach, Handel, Pachelbel)
 (Below)

A Mighty Fortress One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
A Striking Festive Arrangement Of Ein Feste Burg for One Octave Handbells With Keyboard/Organ. An Outstanding Simple Choice For Reformation Festival. Yes
Acclaim Three Octaves
(7-10 Ringers)
A Simple And Very Flashy Festive Prelude
Or Postlude
Optional

Crown Him
 
Two Octaves
6-8 Ringers
A Flashy Bell Peal-Based Hymn Introduction Based On The Tune Diademata    
Crown Him With Many Crowns Two Octaves
(5-7 Ringers)
Fresh, Festive Handbell Arrangement Of Diademata No
From All That Dwell Below The Skies Two Octaves
(5-7 Ringers)
A Vibrantly Festive Rendition of Laast Uns Erfreuen. A Grreat Hymn Improvisation To Use As Hymn Introduction.  
Hallelujah Chorus Three Octaves
(7-10 Ringers)
Finally A Simple, Yet Outstanding Arrangement Of This Classic For Organ And Handbells Yes
Jubilation! Two Octaves
(5-7 Ringers)
A Flashy, Original Festive Prelude Or Postlude Perfect For Any Church Festival. No

Now Thank We
All Our God

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Fantasy Based On Nun Danket All' Gott Yes

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A Lively One-Octave Arrangement Of Lobe Den Herren No

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty

Three Octaves
(7-10 Ringers)

A Meditative, But Joyful Rendering Of Lobe Den Herren for Three Octaves No

 

Advent/
Christmas

 

Angels We Have Heard On High

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

This Rendition Of Gloria Combines The Famous "Big Ben" Chime (in the base line) With The Exuberance Of Handbell Peals For A Truly Celebrative Christmas Musical Experience. For 2-1/2 Octaves. No
Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Refreshing Rendition Of This Simple Piece. No
Christmas Fantasy

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Featuring "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Bring A Torch," & "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Chords Are Also Provided To Enable Use With Guitar Accompaniment To Give It A Truly Unique Christmas Character. No
Ding Dong Merrily On High / Go Tell It On The Mountain

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A Delightful Christmas Medley Featuring Two Popular Carols. Table Damping, Included In This Simple Arrangement, Adds A Special Touch Of Joy To This Exuberant Piece. No
Epiphany Fantasy

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Featuring "We Three Kings," & "Brightest & Best Of The Sons Of The Morning" No
I Wonder As
I Wander

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A Simple Rendering Of This John Jacob Niles Christmas Song. No
In Dulci Jubilo

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A mellow, but joyful rendering of "Good Christian Men Rejoice" for Christmas with keyboard accompaniment.  
Joy To The World

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A Christmas Favorite Based On The Tune Antioch. Yes

Joy To The World
Festive Peal

 

Two Octaves
(6-8 Ringers)

A Festive Peal Introduction To This Festive Christmas Hymn For More Advanced Ringers.   Yes
Lullay, Lullay Three Octaves
(4-6 Ringers)
A perennial favorite Christmas Carol a.k.a. Coventry Carol. Easily performed by 4-6 ringers As Many Bells Are Only Sparsely Used. Yes
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Simple One Octave Handbell Rendition Of Veni Emmanuel For Advent. (Note: This Arrangement Takes On An Even More Mystical Character With Soft Background Chords On Keyboard.) No
Ratapan

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Traditional Christmas Carol No

Wake, Awake
 

Two Octaves
(6-8 Ringers)

An Easy-To-Perform Advent Classic Based On "Wachet Auf."   Yes
Advent Suite:
The King Shall Come
Consolation

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A Four-Part Suite Using The Exact Same Bell Arrangement For Each Variation. Organ/Keyboard Accompaniment Provides Variation And Freshness To Reflect The Advent Mood For Each Week. Easy Implementation With Remarkable Results.    
Advent Suite:
Savior Of The Nations Come
Komm Der Heiden Heiland.

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

A Four-Part Suite Using The Exact Same Bell Arrangement For Each Variation. Organ/Keyboard Accompaniment Provides Variation And Freshness To Reflect The Advent Mood For Each Week. Easy Implementation With Remarkable Results.   Yes
Variation 1: Pensive

Savior Of The Nations Come
Advent 1

  Yes
Variation 2

Savior Of The Nations Come
Advent 2

Variation 2 of Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, uses the exact same handbell part as Variation 1 but with another creative accompaniment. Yes
Variation 3 Savior Of The Nations Come
Advent 3
Variation 3 of Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, uses the exact same handbell part as previous  variations but with a joyful accompaniment for Advent 3. Yes
Variation 4 Savior Of The Nations Come
Advent 4
Variation 4 of Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, uses the exact same handbell part as previous variations but with a majestic accompaniment for Advent 4. Yes
Finale: Savior Of The Nations Come
Christmas Eve
Finale: This Finale Variation May Be Played Alone Or As The Finale For The Complete Suite At Christmas Eve (e.g. Prelude or Postlude). Yes

Transfiguration

Look Ye Saints

Two Octaves
(4-6 Ringers)

Festival Arrangement For  Transfiguration or Ascension Based On Bryn Calfaria No





Lent

"Fantasy On
Go To Dark Gethsemane"


Bells Only Version

Simple Version
w/ accompaniment
Quarter, half and whole notes only

a
Advanced Version
w/ accompaniment
(Includes 8th notes
)
 

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

This fresh rendition of this classic Lenten hymn comes in three versions.

1) Handbells only version without accompaniment. Note values include eighth notes.
2) The Simple Version with accompaniment in which the handbells play the melody throughout. The fastest note values are quarter notes.
a
3) The Advanced Version also has keyboard accompaniment. The handbells play an eighth-note fantasy-style bell change opposite the melody played either by keyboard, chimes, solo instrument or soloist.  When ordering, specifiy which version (1, 2, or 3) you desire.


Click Below To Listen

Bells Only Version

Simple Version 

Advanced Version
Yes
Crucified FREE DOWNLOAD A Somber Good Friday "Random Ring" Written To Strike At The Horror Of Christ's Sacrifice. Can Be Performed By Three Or More Ringers. FREE DOWNLOAD No

Go To Dark Gethsemane

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Based On The Familiar Tune Gethsemane (For Lent Or Good Friday) No
         

In The Cross Of Christ I Glory

4-6 Ringers A Very Simple Five-Part Suite Based On Rathbun With Variations Featuring Organ And Piano. Use One Variation Each Week During Lent To Introduce The Hymn Or Use Each Variation Between Each Verse. Each Variation Has A Different Texture And Energy. Yes

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Somber Rendition Of O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden. Ideal for Lent Or Good Friday. No

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Same As Above Without Eighth Notes.  

The Old Rugged Cross

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
Creative Reflection Based On The Familiar Hymn   No

When I Survey

One-Two Octaves
(4-7 Ringers)
Lenten Meditation For Handbells On The Tune Hamburg by Lowell Mason. Features Optional String Or Flute Descant.  

Easter &
Ascension

 


Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands
 

2-1/2 Octaves w/ Accompaniment

A Simple Adaptation Of Bach's Classic Chorale "Christ Lag In Todesbanden" from His Orgelbuechlein. For Bell Choirs With Organ Accompaniment. Yes

Easter Suite:
He's Risen, He's Risen!

One Octave
(Duet Or 4-5 Ringers) w/ Accompaniment
OR Three Octaves w/ Solo Voice

A Delightful Celebrative Arrangement For Easter Based On Walther (He's Risen, He's Risen). Has Several Options For Performance To Provide Flexibility For Those Sometimes Difficult Easter Absence Situations.
Organ w/Bells

Bells w/ Instrumental Solo
Yes

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Two Octaves
(5-8 Ringers)

Festive Easter Tune Based on Duke Street. A Great Easter Call To Worship! No

Jesus Christ Is Ris'n Today

Two Octaves
(5-8 Ringers)

Mystical Rendition Of Easter Hymn. Perfect For Easter Morning Call To Worship Or Voluntary. No

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Simple Version

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Simple, One Octave Arrangement of Easter Hymn. Starts Slowly And Ends With Exuberant Joy! No
Look Ye Saints

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Festival Arrangement Of The Welsh Hymn,  Bryn Calfaria. Same As Transfiguration (above). Yes
Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Exciting, Simple Rendition Of Orientis Partibus For Easter, Ascension or Festival. No

 

Patriotic


 

America The Beautiful

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Meditative Arrangement Of This Favorite American Patriotic Tune. Yes
God Bless Our Native Land

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Refreshing Treatment Of The Well-Loved Patriotic Hymn, National Anthem. No
God Bless Our Native Land w/ Battle Hymn Of The Republic

2-1/2 Octaves
(5-8 Ringers)

Solemn Medley Of Two Patriotic Favorites. A Great Tribute To God And Country. No

Classics

         

Johann
Sebastian Bach


 


 

 

In Thee Is Gladness
BWV 615
Three Octaves
(8-10 Ringers)
Simplified Version of In Dir ist Freude From Bach's Orgelbuechlein ("Little Organ Book")  
Jesus Joy Of Man's Desiring
BWV 147
Two Octaves
(4-7 Ringers)
Finally A Version Of This Bach Favorite For Simple Bells With The Common Doxology Creatively And Seamlessly Incorporated Into This Classic Favorite.  
Prelude In C
BWV 553
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From Eight Little Preludes & Fugues   Yes
Prelude In e
BWV 555
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From  Eight Little Preludes
     & Fugues
  Yes
Prelude In F
BWV 556
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From  Eight Little Preludes & Fugues    

Vom Himmel Hoch da komm' ich hier
BWV 769
Variation 1

Solo, Duet or Small One Octave Ensemble
(1-4 Ringers)

One Of Bach's great Christmas Classics From Heav'n Above To Earth I Come. It's Subtitle, "A Wandering Canon For Christmas" describes the exciting fugue accompaniment. Handbells play the melody to add distinctive character to this celebrative song.

  Yes
Vom Himmel Hoch da komm' ich hier
BWV 769

Variation 2
Solo, Duet or Small One Octave Ensemble
(1-4 Ringers)

Click Here For Full Printed Accompaniment Of All Three Variations
Vom Himmel Hoch.pdf

  Yes
Vom Himmel Hoch da komm' ich hier
BWV 769
Variation 3
Solo, Duet or Small One Octave Ensemble
(1-4 Ringers)

 

   


Johann Pachelbel
 
Canon In D One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
A Simplified Rendition Of Pachelbel's Classic for One Octave Bells   Yes

G. F. Handel
Water Music Suite

Allegro Maestoso One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From Handel's Water Music Suite

 
Hornpipe One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From Handel's Water Music Suite   No
Hornpipe
(w/ Bass)
One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From Handel's Water Music Suite   No
Trumpet Tune One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From Handel's Water Music Suite   No
Trumpet Voluntary One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)
From Handel's Water Music Suite   No

Hallelujah Chorus

One Octave
(4-6 Ringers)

Simplified and Shortened Version Of Handel's Classic with Organ

Yes
Miscellaneous

&

Secular

         
         
         
         

 

 

 

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For further information, please contact inkristresources@gmail.com.
 

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About Creative Handbell Simple Arrangements

Creative, Simple & Exciting Handbell Anthems

As you use these arrangements, you will be amazed by their simplicity, livelihood and musical appeal for worship. They are the perfect all-purpose solution for beginning choirs or advanced groups working "under the gun" for an upcoming performance.

Most of these arrangements were originally written by Thomas F. Fischer for groups of 4-5 ringers of all ages with varying degrees of musical ability. Many came be performed with just one-practice.

In order to meet the needs of the congregation's worship and the group, Most 1-2 Octave Anthems were written for 4-5 ringers (Level I or II) with quarter notes as the shortest note value.

Organ and piano accompaniments are available with many of these selections. These accompaniments offer solid, predictable rhythmical foundation for the group while providing an impressive worship anthem. In many cases, the accompaniments also enable the choir to be "self-directing" (or led by less [or no] - experienced directors) during worship performances.

All Handbell/Handchime Anthems priced at $5.00 each, with discounts for multiple purchases. Keyboard/Organ Accompaniment Files (.wav format) Available for $2.00 each. Permission is granted for customers to reprint copies within the customer's local organization only. Not For Resale without specific written permission from Inkrist Resources, LLC.

 

* Handbell arrangements listed above are, as best as can be determined, in the public domain unless otherwise noted.
Please contact www.Inkrist.com immediately if there are any errors in this regard.

Copyright 2010 Intrkist Resources, LLC
 CreativeHymns.com.
All Rights Reserved.