9 Pieces for the Intermediate Handbell Choir
Over the years, I’ve written several posts geared toward smaller, beginning handbell choirs:
“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.
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.
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.
Looking for Level 1 & 2 handbell pieces?
Take a look at these reproducible collections:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which one is your favorite? Any other intermediate pieces your bell choir loves? Leave them below in the comments!