Welcome to the repertoire recommendations list of the Faith Resources section! Here you will find a quarterly posting of suggested selections that can be played in your church services throughout the year. Each August, November, February, and May a new list will be posted with selections that might fit a variety of churches, liturgical or not. While these lists will not be exhaustive (in fact, they will be quite short), they will give directors some focus, if needed. There have been many social media posts asking for “hints” regarding music selection. These lists are an attempt to give those hints. We hope they will be helpful.
Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Medley, P. Hurlbutt, BEHB682 – This medley includes several well-known Thanksgiving hymn tunes, so those directors who are having trouble choosing won’t have to with this piece. LOL! The medley is well crafted, includes chimes and stopped sounds, but is still quite playable for most intermediate groups.
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/18380.mp3 - Sing to the Lord of Harvest, S. Tucker, HP3073 – This is a lovely arrangement that uses handchimes along with a few other techniques. The minor section has a joyous and uplifting feel, and the flow into the final statement is just different enough to add variety.
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/20044.mp3
All Saints
- For All the Saints, A. Birling, HP2218 – Yes, this is just a 3-octave piece, but these days, there are many more of our choirs playing with just three octaves. With its minor section, stopped bell techniques, and triumphant finish, this is a great selection for more traditional choirs.
https://www.hopepublishing.com/W2287_FOR_ALL_THE_SAINTS/ - A Mighty Fortress – Appropriate for Reformation or All Saints Sunday, this song arranged by Kathleen Wissinger can be purchased in one of its many arranged formats: 3 octave choir, 5 octave choir, or quartet/quintet.
Quartet or Quintet: From the Top, FM1062, 3 Octaves, Reformation Sunday, Level M/MD
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=14790
3 Octaves: From the Top, FM202993, Level 3
5 Octaves: From the Top, FM202995, Level 3
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/14766.mp3
General
- Lead on O King Eternal, R. Mallory, HP3044 – This fun arrangement is both exciting and triumphant and can be programmed all year long. The bass parts are very accessible, and the optional trumpet adds a lot.
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/19851.mp3 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is, J. Black, HP3067 – This is a lovely arrangement of a familiar hymn tune. Its simplicity makes it lovely and endearing to the listener. Ringers will enjoy working on smoothing out their ostinato patterns in the treble to create a lyrical quality.
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/20038.mp3
Christmas
- Go Tell It!, K. Thompson, CGB811 – This delightfully slow rendition of Go Tell It on the Mountain will put everyone in the Christmas spirit. While it says Level 3, it really is not impossible for developing choirs to do this arrangement justice. Make sure you have chimes, mallets, and a sassy attitude!
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/15537.mp3 - O Come Let Us Adore Him, A. Sherman, RRHB0016A/B – There are both 2-3 octave (A) and a 3-5 octave (B) compatible versions of this gem of an arrangement of Adeste Fideles. Even beginning choirs are likely to be able to handle this piece. But its full chords and shakes (and transition in and out of Infant Holy, Infant Lowly) don’t have the sound and feel of an “easy” arrangement. This is a repertoire selection that will stand the test of time.
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/4564.mp3 - Now the Holly Bears a Berry, J. Krug, SF202087SF/202086SF – The little-known “Sans Day Carol” has been accessibly arranged for both 2-3 octave and 3-5 octave handbells by Jason Krug. While it’s arguably used for both Christmas and Easter, the most common text is considered a Christmas text due to its reference to holly berries. This will definitely be an unexpected and welcome addition to any church service or concert.
https://www.handbellworld.com/music/recording/17527.mp3