9 Pieces for the Intermediate Handbell Choir

Over the years, I’ve written several posts geared toward smaller, beginning handbell choirs:

• A Dozen Budget-Friendly Collections for the Small Handbell Choir

• 50 Pieces for the Small Handbell Choir

• How to Write Your Own Handbell Processional

• 25 Reproducible Collections for the Small Handbell Choir

“But what about those of us with more established groups?” you might be saying. “What about intermediate-level repertoire?”

That’s where today’s post comes in.

If you play 3-6-octave handbell music and are looking for repertoire that offers your ringers a good challenge (and a variety of special techniques!), this post is for you.

Today, I’m sharing nine pieces (Level 2+ and up) specifically written for intermediate-level handbell groups.

There’s something for every season of the church year! I hope you find something you love to take back to your bell choir this year.

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9 Pieces for the Intermediate Handbell Choir

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Advent & Christmas

Keep Your Lamps (Trimmed and Burning)
arr. Michael Glasgow

3-6-octave Handbells + 3-octave Handchimes
Level 3

A creative setting of this African-American spiritual (with a bass line drawn from “Elijah Rock”) that would work well during Advent.

Fantasy on “Greensleeves” (What Child Is This?)
arr. Michael Coe

3-5-octave handbells
Level 3

Marked by lyricism, intricate texture, a steady pulse, and warm harmonies, this setting of Greensleeves would be a wonderful choice for Advent.

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Epiphany

I Wonder As I Wander
arr. Arnold Sherman

3-5-octave handbells + opt. 3-5-octave handchimes
Level 3

A simple, haunting opening presents the familiar Appalachian tune against a backdrop of malleted suspended bells to create a “twinkling” effect. The piece gives way to a fuller, richer section with rich harmonies and flowing accompaniment before drawing to a quiet close.

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Looking for Level 1 & 2 handbell pieces?

Take a look at these reproducible collections:

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Lent & Easter

Give Me Jesus
arr. Anna Laura Page

3-5-octave handbells + opt. 2-octave handchimes
Level 3

A reverent setting of this traditional spiritual paired with “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me.” Bright harmonies and a gentle accompaniment make this an appropriate choice for the beginning or middle of the service. Watch a live performance here.

Thine is the Glory
George F. Handel/arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

3-6-octave handbells
Level 2+

A joyful pairing of two upbeat hymn tunes: Maccabeaus (“Thine Is the Glory”) and Azmon (“O For a Thousand Tongues”). A great choice for Easter Sunday or the season that follows.

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Pentecost

O Day Full of Grace
arr. Ron Mallory

3-6-octave handbells + opt. 3-6-octave handchimes and percussion
Level 3

A trio of percussion instruments (tambourine, triangle, and wind chimes) adds a fun, rhythmic element to this setting of a less familiar hymn tune. A contrasting minor section provides melodic and harmonic interest. Read the hymn lyrics here.

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Ordinary Time

Be Thou My Vision
arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

3-6 octave handbells + opt. 3-octave handchimes
Level 3

A harmonically rich setting of this well-known hymn. The arrangement begins simply, building to a full climax with beautiful tone colors throughout. The middle verse is marked by the melody in the low bells with upper chime accompaniment.

Psalm 24
Sandra Eithun

3-6-octave handbells + opt. 3-7-octave handchimes and narrator
Level 3

A colorful, creative interpretation of Psalm 24 featuring handbells and handchimes and interspersed with an optional narrator reading the Psalm text. This would also work well during Epiphany on a Sunday when Psalm 24 is one of the lectionary texts.

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Thanksgiving

We Gather Together
arr. Joel Raney

3-5-octave handbells + opt. 3-5-octave handchimes
Level 3

A jazz-infused setting of this traditional Thanksgiving hymn with gentle syncopations, an ornamented melody, and fresh harmonic colors throughout. The handchimes add a beautiful tone color to the opening and closing sections.

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Which one is your favorite? Any other intermediate pieces your bell choir loves? Leave them below in the comments!