Most of my compositions, including my first piece published in 1991, have optional instruments and/or multiple performance options, such as bell choir and handbell solo/accompaniment. Many include instrumental ensembles like recorder consort or string orchestra, which are compatible and completely independent, so they can be performed as separate pieces. Selections marked as “piece within a piece” (to my knowledge, I’m the first handbell composer to do this) can be performed as an original composition when the arranged material is omitted. These options give greater flexibility, and more “bang for your buck,” thus stretching your music budget and library.
AGEHR PUBLISHING:
Oh For a Thousand Tongues. 3-5 oct./opt. 3 oct. chimes. Church Music Sunday/General. 1998 Malecki Music best seller. Lvl. 3. AG35118.
Osse Shalom (Nurit Hirsh). 3-5 oct./opt. 1 oct. chimes, clarinet or violin & tambourine set in a rousing Klezmer style. Recorded on CD, DVD and used for festivals numerous times. This recording played by Embellish, Stephanie Wiltse, Director. AGEHR best seller & Jeffers “HOT 40” title. Lvl. 3. HB Score: AG35165-2. Inst. Parts: 30/1437AG.
Tuya Es la Gloria [We Sing of Your Glory], 3-5 oct./opt. 3 oct. chimes, flute (C
inst.) and guitar OR bell solo/accomp. Hymn tune is augmented by an original melody I
wrote. Repertoire for
many AGEHR festivals including 2007 Area I Festival Conference and 2007
A.M.S.I.
Czechoslovakian Carol. 3-5 oct. handbells. Christmas. Lvl. 3. HB-27.
Four Festive Hymns for the Church Year. 2-3 oct./opt. organ & trumpet(s). Easy - cue notes allow the pieces to“grow” with the choir. Contains: All Good Gifts (Thanksgiving), Christ the Lord is Risen (Easter), Come Thou Almighty King, and Trumpet Voluntary on Rejoice the Lord Is King (Christ the King). Lvl. 2. HB score: HB-38. FS/Parts: HB38S.
Hymnworks II. Collection of short “fillers” for bells and various
instruments. Contains: In Dulci Jubilo, The Holly and the Ivy,
Holy Manna, St. Columba and "
Two Hymns in Renaissance Style. 3 oct./opt. recorder quartet or organ. Contains: Madrigal on In Thee Is Gladness (General) and Galliard on Fling Wide the Door (Advent). Lvl. 2. HB score: HB-33. FS/Parts: HB33S.
Elegy. 2 oct./opt. sop. sax (Bb or C inst) OR bell solo/piano. Original composition. Lvl. 2. 11-10554.
Give Me Jesus. 3 oct. handbells. Lvl. 2. 11-10983.
Largo (Vivaldi). 3 oct./opt. C inst. (or guitar) solo, OR bell solo/keyboard or guitar accomp. Lvl. 2. 11-10556.
A Plainchant Meditation. 3 oct. handbells. A medley of Adoro te Devote, Divinum Mysterium, and Pange Lingua. Advent, Christmas, Lent, General. Morning Suite. Original composition in 3 movements: Lvl. 3. Dance, Pastorale, Psalm 11-10696.
BECKENHORST PRESS:
Christmas Reflections. An original composition with Christmas carol quotes
sprinkled throughout. A “piece within a piece,” it can be played anytime during
the year by eliminating the Christmas carol fragments. Commissioned by Deborah and David Rice for
the Rejoice Ringers,
Eventide. is a medley of “Abide With Me,” “All Night, All Day,” and “Tallis’ Canon” arranged for 3 octaves of bells with optional 3 octaves of chimes. Lent, funerals, evening or mid-week Lenten services. Lvl. 3. HB242.
King of Glory, The. 3-6 oct./opt. B-flat clarinet or violin. Klezmer arrangement suitable for Advent, Palm Sunday, General, concert, or festival. Lvl. 3+. HB292.
CHORISTERS GUILD
Easter Alleluia (O Sons and Daughters). 3-5 oct./optional 3 oct. chimes, percussion, solo C or Bb instrument. A festive, versatile piece with driving rhythms and rich harmonies. Uses a method I invented in the early 1990’s to suspend and mallet chimes by placing them clapper side down on the table. Diverse accompaniment, from ostinato to crashing chords; descant to pedal point are used, culminating in an exciting accelerando. Lvl. 2. CGB216.
I’ve Just Come From the Fountain. 3-5 oct. handbells. This is a fun, upbeat arrangement with plenty of stopped sounds, including a new technique I invented that calls for malleting the handles of the bells! There’s plenty of variety, with the melody featured in the treble, battery or bass, and a “call and response” section, characteristic of the style of spirituals. Minimal use of parentheses and brackets means 3 and 4 octave choirs will not have to omit many notes, which is quite unusual in 3-5 octave arrangements. Baptism, General. Lvl. 2+. Jeffers “HOT 40” title. CGB531.
COMPOSERS MUSIC COMPANY
Chaconne. 3 oct./optional 1-2 oct. chimes. This original composition sports variations over a ground bass, similar to the Pachelbel “Canon.” Can be performed on bells, chimes, or both. Good teaching piece for dotted 8th-16th rhythm. Lvl. 2. CP7025.
CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE
Casabel - 3 oct. with opt. sleigh bells. A fun fusion of Good King Wenceslas/Ding Dong Merrily on High. Jeffers “HOT 40” title. Lvl. 2. Concordia 97-6707.
Coronation Fanfare (All Hail the Power). 3-6 oct./org./piccolo trumpet or 2 trpts./timp./opt. congregation ©1997. A “piece within a piece,” it can be played as an original composition when the hymn sections are omitted. Lvl. 3. HB score: 97-6721. FS/Parts: 97-6704.
Fum, Fum, Fum. 3-5 oct./opt. 2 oct. chimes, castanets & tambourine. Fun arrangement that sports a tango in the middle section. Lvl. 3. 97-6898.
Lenten Prayer. 3 oct./opt. flute OR bell solo/piano. An etherial original composition. Lvl. 2. 97-6616.
Nativity Carol. (Puer Nobis/Angels We Have Heard). 3-5 oct./opt. 3 oct. chimes, 1-3 oct. alternate bells, sleigh bells. MP3. Lvl. 2+. 97-7064.
Noel, Ye Merry Gentlemen. 3 oct./opt. 2 oct. chimes &/or recorder. An artful blending of Nowel Nouvelet and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Lvl. 2. 97-6674.
Suite for Handbells & Trumpet in the Baroque Style. 2-3 oct./opt org. & trpt(s). Original composition containing: Trumpet Voluntary, Fuguing Tune, Hornpipe and Postlude. Lvl. 3. 97-6621.
What You Gonna Call Your Pretty Little Baby. 3 oct./optional 1 oct. chimes. Makes a wonderful prelude or communion selection for Christmas season. Lvl. 2. 97-7105.
Zimbelstern. 2 oct. handbells. Original composition. This recording was played by Handglockenchor, Hannover, Germany, Lothar Mohn, Musical Director. Lvl.3 97-6848.
FROM THE TOP MUSIC
Ain’t a That Good News. Quartet, 3 oct. #1032. Available 2008.
Air from Water Music. Quartet, 3 oct. bells or chimes. #1029. Available 2008
Brian Boru March. 3-5 oct./opt. flute (or C instrument). A toe tapping set of variations in 6/8 time, enhanced with LV's, malleting and thumb damps in the accompaniment. #20168. Lvl. 3. A quartet version is available also (see below).
Brian Boru March. Quartet version, 3 oct. #1027.
Do Lord. Quartet, 3 oct. #1030. Available 2008
Fanfare for an Uncommon Instrument. 4-5 oct. with optional 2 oct. chimes, 2 oct. "alternate bells," brass quartet, or solo trumpet. Has processional/antiphonal and double choir options. Commissioned by Velocity Handbell Ensemble for their Vintage & Vogue tour. A quartet/3 oct. version is available also (see below). All settings are completely compatible AND completely independent, so they can be performed separately or in any combination. Lvl. 4. HB Score: #20172; Brass Quartet #20172B; Solo Trumpet Part #20172T.
Fanfare for an Uncommon Instrument. Quartet -OR- 3 oct./opt. 2 oct. chimes, 2 oct. alternate bells, brass quartet or trpt. Processional/antiphonal and double choir options. (Compatible with above arrangements.) Lvl. 4. 20172-Q.
My Faith Looks Up to Thee. 3-5 oct./opt. 3-4 oct. chimes (Gospel arr.). Lvl. 2+. 20180M. Has a separate compatible/completely independent SATB choir anthem too.
On This Day Earth Shall Ring. Processional/antiphonal arrangement for 3-5 oct. with optional 2 oct. chimes, 2 oct. alternate bells, & perc. ad lib. Lvl. 2. 20166. A quartet version is available also (see below).
On This Day Earth Shall Ring. Quartet, 3 oct. Processional/antiphonal arrangement for 3 octave quartet with opt. chimes & alternate bells. #1026.
When Christ our Lord was Born. 3-5 oct./opt. 1 oct. chimes. A pastoral setting of the Sicilian "Bagpiper's Carol with snippets of Handel's "He Shall Feed His Flock" in the intoduction, interludes and ending. Lvl. 3. #20185.
GIA PUBLICATIONS
Nowell Sing We. Pull out all the stops and have your choir, recorder consort, string orchestra (or quartet) and handbell choirs join forces for this rousing setting of the Medieval carol! Use a hand drum or tambourine ad lib for extra flair. Employs a Landini Cadence, another “first” in handbell literature! Arrangements for all the ensembles are completely independent and can be performed by as few as one, to all of the ensembles in any combination. 3-5 oct. with optional 3-4 oct. chimes GIA G-6366; SATB choir G-6367; recorder quartet G-6367INST-B (incl. full score); string quartet or orchestra G-6367INST-A (incl. full score). Lvl. 3.
Psallite (Praetorius). Looking for a bell/choral/orchestra arrangement for Christmas? This setting is compatible with most of the choral transcriptions published (see matching SATB choir anthem GIA G-2136). Arrangements for all ensembles are independent so they can be performed in any combination, together or separately. 3-5 oct./opt. 2 oct. chimes, recorder quartet, string quartet or orchestra. Lvl. 2. Jeffers “HOT 40” title. G-6341.
Canto de Esperanza. 3-5 oct./opt. 2-3 oct.
chimes, marimba (C inst.), guitar, claves, congas, maracas, vibra slap. Repertoire: 2007 Youth Handbell Festival,
Eres Digno (You Are Worthy). 3-5 oct./opt. 2 or 5 oct. chimes. Another Latin American favorite! A Sheet Music Plus best seller. Lvl. 3. G-6881.
GREEN ROSE PRESS
Cradled in Thy Loving Arms. 3 or 5 oct. handbells (2 versions). Original composition in a “Praise Hymn” style. Lvl. 3. HB-0117.
Festive Ring. 2-3 oct. handbells. Sacred, Secular. Original composition. Lvl. 2+. HB-0134.
Jesus the Strength. Handbell solo (2 oct.)/piano accomp. Original composition. HB-0123.
Trumpet Voluntary, A. 2-5 oct. & organ/opt. trumpet. Original composition for general or weddings. Lvl. 2. HB-0139.
Two Schubert Waltzes . 3-5 oct. handbells. Lvl. 2+. HB-0166.
HIGH MEADOW MUSIC PUBLISHING
BelAyre. 3 oct./opt. flute (C inst.) OR bell solo/piano. Original composition in a soft Jazz style. Lvl. 2. HM-01-046.
Caribbean Canon. 3-5 oct./opt. Marimba, steel pan (&/or flute-like inst., percussion & bass guitar. Original composition with an island flair! Lvl. 3. HM-01-040.
Child is Born in Bethehem, A (Puer Natus). 3 oct./optional 2 oct. chimes, sopnino recorder, (C inst.), lute (guitar) bass gamba (cello) & perc. Lvl. 3. HM-01-059.
Consolation. 3 oct. A medley of Come Ye Disconsolate and When Peace Like a River. Lvl. 2. HM-01-016.
Contemplation. 3 or 5 oct./opt. chimes or flute. Original composition in the style of a Baroque chorale prelude. Commissioned by Laurie Sanders for Crusader Bells and played by them on this recording. Lvl. 3. HM-01-022.
Echo Fanfare. Double (or single) handbell choir (3 & 5 oct.)/opt. organ or 3 or 5 oct./opt. organ. Original antiphonal composition with 6 performance options great for a festival conference where double choirs are handy! Lvl. 2. HM-08-002.
Greensleeves. Handbell solo (2-4 oct.)/Guitar accomp. HM-05-010.
Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal. 5-6 oct. handbells. Lvl. 3. HM-01-071.
Hush a Bye. 3 oct./opt. 3 oct. chimes & perc.Lvl. 2. HM-01-072.
Indonesian Impressions. 5 oct. An original composition which imitates the sound of a Javanese gamelan. Uses a technique I invented called a “pinch damp.” Lvl. 3. HM-01-019.
Jig Fugue in C (Buxtehude). 4-5 oct. lvl. 5. HM-01-031.
O Come, Little Children. Handbell solo (2 oct.)/Guitar accomp. HM-05-011.
Panis Angelicus (Franck). Duet: (or 1 oct. chimes)/handbell (2 oct.)/keybd accomp. A best seller. Commissioned by Stephanie Wiltse, handbell soloist and director of Embellish. HM-05-004.
Silent Night. Handbell solo (3 oct.)/Guitar accomp. HM-05-012.
Thanks Be To Thee (Handel). 3 oct. bells &/or chimes with opt. solo C inst., OR bell solo/ keyboard accomp. Lvl. 2. HM-01-013.
HOPE PUBLISHING
Heaven's
Rest - 3-6 oct./optional 3 oct.chimes, sopranino recorder (C inst.). This reflective original composition begins
in a contemplative manner and builds progressively. The melody, reminiscent of early American
"southern harmony" tunes, is sustained by flowing
How
Firm a Foundation/Simple Gifts Medley - 3-7 oct./opt.
3-4 oct. chimes, bell tree, 2-3 Petit & Fritsen (silver melody bells or tubular chimes), &
glockenspiel. Repertoire for 2005 AGEHR National Festival
Conference,
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending. A “piece within a piece,” the introduction, interlude and coda can be performed as an original composition. A showy piece for church, concert or festival, it can be used for Advent, general or Ascension under its alternate title, Look, Ye Saints! The Sight is Glorious. Powerful opening and closing fanfare frames the hymn tune, which receives a variety of treatments ranging from chordal, to contrapuntal and antiphonal. Counter melody, mallets and chimes serve to imitate the sound of a pipe organ. Repertoire for festivals including Bay View 2003 and the 2008 AGEHR National Festival Conference, Orlando, FL. 3-6 oct./opt. 3-4 oct. chimes. Lvl. 3+. 2253.
JEFFERS HANDBELL SUPPLY
Air (Appalachian Air). 3 oct./opt. recorder (C inst.) OR bell solo/piano. My first published piece. Original composition. Lvl. 2. JHS9064.
Chorale Prelude. 3 oct./opt. oboe (C inst.) OR bell solo/organ. Original composition. Lvl. 2+. JHS9082.
Wexford Carol. 3 oct. handbells. Lvl. 2+. JHS9128.
LAURENDALE ASSOCIATES
Juxtaposition. 5 oct./opt. 3 oct. chimes. An original composition in a “new age” style, great for concert, bronze festival selection or community choir. This recording was played by The Ringers-on-the-Green, a high school ensemble from Presbyterian Church, Morristown, NJ, Dr. James D. Hicks, Director. Lvl. 3+. HB-1080.
Mediævalé. 3 oct./opt. piccolo (C inst.) & perc. Another “first,” this original double quartet is written for one choir using only one 3 oct. set of bells. Commissioned by Laurie and Rusty Sanders for RingOut! Ensemble and premiered at the 1999 San Diego DS. 2001-2003 repertoire for Velocity Handbell Ensemble. HB-1056.
Strike It Up Tabor (Weelkes). 3-5 oct./opt. 3 oct. chimes, sopranino or alto recorder (C inst.) & tambourine. Lvl. 3. HB-1126.
LORENZ
T’was in Moon of Wintertime. 3 oct. handbells. Lvl. 2. 20/113L-2
NATIONAL MUSIC PUBLISHERS http://www.emersonenterprises.com
My Bonny Lass. 3-5 oct. w/opt. 3 oct. chimes, AATB recorder consort, string quartet or orchestra. Arrangements for all ensembles are completely independent (can be played separately) and compatible. 9 performance options. Lvl. 2+. HB score: NMHB-622; String parts: NMHB-622STR; Recorder parts: NMHB-622REC; FS: NMHB-622FS.
Now is the Month of Maying. 3-5 oct./opt. chimes, soprnino recorder, (C Inst.) & tambourine. Lvl. 2. HB score: NMHB-623; FS: NMHB-623A
Passacaglia. 5 oct./optional 5-6 oct. chimes. Commissioned by Laurie & Rusty Sanders for Crusader Bells. Variations start softly and then build progressively throughout the piece. Malleted bells, thumb damps and optional handchimes in the echo phrases are imitative of a pipe organ. Concert, bronze festival selection or church. Lvl. 4+. “Platinum Series” HB-621.
Perpetual Motion. 5 oct./optiional 5-6 oct. chimes. Commissioned by Laurie & Rusty Sanders for Crusader Bells. A thrilling show of technique, it is suitable for church, concert, or bronze festival selection. Similar to a baroque organ toccata, the melismatic 16th note themes bounce antiphonally back and forth between the upper middle and lower octaves, while articulations and chimes provide contrast. Lvl. 4. “Platinum Series” HB-620.
Sing We and Chant It. 3-5 oct./opt. recorder consort or solo recorder (C Inst.). Arrangements for the ensembles are completely independent and can be played separately or together. 4 performance options. Repertoire for the 2008 AGEHR National Festival Conference, Orlando, FL. Lvl. 3. HB score: NMHB-624; FS/Parts: NMHB-624FS.
RING OUT! PRESS:
You Alone are Holy (Solo tu Eres Santo). If you liked "Tuya" you'll love this one too! 3-5 oct./optional 2 oct. chimes, flute (C Inst.) & guitar. Rhythm, vibrato chimes and plenty of stopped techniques enhance the Latin American flavor of the piece, as does the optional flute and guitar. There is only 1 note in parenthesis and 4 bracketed notes, so 3 and 4 octave choirs will not have to omit many notes. Lvl. 2+. RO3271.
SASSAFRAS PUBLISHING
Whispering Hope. 3-5 oct./ optional 2 oct. chimes & 1 oct. Petit & Fritsen (alternate) bells. Music box-like accompaniment and chimes combine for an arrangement with a turn of the century charm. Lvl. 2. SPHB-134.
RIMA GREER/ABOVE THE LINE PUBLISHING (Duplicating Masters) http://www.anet.net/~rima/pubmenu.html
Abominations on Row Your Boat. Hilarious variations a la Bach, Verdi, et al, for 3-5 oct. with opt. chimes, boomwhackers &/or anvil. Commissioned by Laurie Sanders for RingOut! Ensemble. Lvl. 3.
Elysium. 5 Performance options. 3 oct. OR 5 oct. bells or chimes/opt. flute(s) OR bell solo (3 oct.)/piano. Original composition commissioned by Laurie Sanders for Crusader Bells, Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church, San Diego, CA. Baptism, wedding, general. Works great as an antiphonal or massed work for festivals, especially Young Ringers (3 oct., Lvl. 2.) and Adults (5 oct., Lvl. 3+).
Sue’s Blues. (2 versions) 3-4 oct. handchimes/opt. C, Bb or Eb inst., guitar, acoustic bass OR bell solo (3 oct.)/chimes or keyboard. Original composition for Jazz ensemble, concert or community handbell group. Lvl. 2.
Sue’s Blues Too. (3 versions) 3-4 oct. bells, C, Bb or Eb solo inst./opt. guitar & bass, OR bell solo(2 oct.)/accomp. OR jazz ensemble (solo inst./accomp./bass). Original composition for Jazz ensemble, concert or community handbell group. Lvl. 2.
Trilogy. 3-5 oct./opt. sop. recorder (C inst.) & electric guitar. Triptych of New Age, Celtic and Rock on bells! Original composition for concert or community handbell ensemble. Lvl. 4.
Vortex - 4-6 oct./ optional 2 oct. chimes &/or Petit & Fritsen (alternate) bells. Driving, forceful and energetic, this original composition packs plenty of punch! Marts, ring touch and LVs propel the piece forward to an exhilarating ending, complete with a harmonized whole tone scale (a “first” in handbell literature)! A great postlude for the advanced choir (use alternate name “Fantasia”), concert opener or closer, or bronze festival piece! Lvl 4.
99
Bottles of Beer on the Wall. (2 versions) 3-5 oct. bells/opt.
percussion ad.lib. OR bell solo/piano. Humorous arrangement
written for Rise Kagan’s pub gig in