Peg’s handbell music is published by High Meadow Music Publishing. Purchase her handbell music through Jeffers Handbell Supply. Click on the title to go to the piece’s listing at their website.
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (co-written with Gary Smoke) (3-4 octaves) Level 3
The melody begins in the treble, moves to the bass and jumps back to the treble clef. It has a joyful and spritely beginning with a majestic ending. The melody is purely rung in the beginning and stopped techniques are used in the harmony when the melody moves to the bass. The final section is broader and more stately. This piece is 56 measures and is set in C Major.
Away in a Manger (3 octaves) Level 2
The first stanza of this gentle, rocking arrangement of the “Mueller” tune uses a simple, one measure ostinato pattern. LV in the last stanza provides interesting chord structure. This 51-measure arrangement is set in D Major with a tempo marking of 66 – 72.
Be Thou My Vision (co-written with Gary Smoke) (4 octaves) Level 2
A study in textures, this arrangement begins with the melody appearing in the middle voices surrounded by sustained bells before moving to the upper voices. The thicker texture of the first section gives way to a three part setting of the tune with flowing eighth notes. This texture slowly changes as the melody is presented in the lower voice. The final phrase of the tune returns to the upper bells where it is repeated three times with growing intensity. The piece ends with an echo of the final few notes of the melody, a brief return of the opening textures, and a sustained four octave arpeggio. Key of G Major. 74 measures.
Four Advent Introits (3-4 octaves) Level 2: Each introit is for solo voice or unison choir (or solo instrument) and handbells.
- “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (3 octaves needed, 12 bells used – Level 1) is set with a quiet and pensive drone-like accompaniment. The subtle ebb and flow of the accompaniment gives it a mood reflective of the sacred mystery of the hymn.
- “Hark, a Thrilling Voice Is Sounding” (3 octaves, 26 bells used – Level 2) is set to an original tune that captures the fanfare and expectation of the text.
- “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” (3 octaves, 19 bells used – Level 1) is set to the Swedish folk tune HAF TRONES LAMPA FÄRDIG. This setting emphasizes the quiet joy of the coming of Jesus the Bridegroom and Redeemer.
- “Savior of the Nations, Come” (3 or 4 octaves needed, 15 or 23 bells used – Level 1). Mystery and the plaintive dissonance of the ostinato chordal accompaniment match this simple and profound hymn tune.
Good Christian Men, Rejoice (co-written with Gary Smoke) (3-4 octaves handbells and piano or organ) Level 3
Handbells and keyboard combine to produce a jubilant, exciting setting of the “In Dulci Jubilo” tune.
Handbells Are a Handful of Fun! Volumes 1-4 (2-3 octaves)
These books are the result of the author’s years of work with children. Each title has two versions, one for 2 octaves and one for 2 1/2 – 3 octaves. All of the music is arranged in a simple manner, with minimal eighth notes and techniques, yet full chords will provide a nice big sound.
There are many special techniques used in this volume and may be left out or added according to the skill level of the ringers involved.
- Volume 1 (Level 1)
- God is so Good
- Jacob’s Ladder
- Joyous Celebration
- Praise to the Lord
- Simple Prayer
- Volume 2 (Level 1)
- Fairest Lord Jesus
- Holy Holy Holy
- Meditation
- O Worship the King
- Processional
- Volume 3 (Level 2)
- Amazing Grace
- Bells of Praise
- Festival Fanfare
- For the Beauty of the Earth
- Holy Manna
- Volume 4 (Level 2)
- Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
- Postlude
- Praise Him All Ye Little Children
- Prelude
- Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Handbells Are a Handful of Fun! Christmas Volumes 1-2 (2-3 octaves)
- Christmas Volume 1 (Level 1)
- Away in a Manger
- Joy to the World
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- O Come O Come Emmanuel
- We Three Kings
- Christmas Volume 2 (Level 2)
- Angels from the Realms of Glory
- Christmas Lullaby (SoundCloud link)
- Deck the Halls
- First Noel, The
- He is Born
Jesus Loves Me (2-3 octaves) Level 1
Using only whole, half and quarter notes, this piece is ideal for the beginning 2 – 3 octave choir.
Meditation on Carol of the Bells (4 octaves) Level 2
A slow tempo, a few altered harmonies, and simple counterpoint give the “Ukrainian Bell Carol” a somewhat different feel and piquant quality. G Minor. 45 measures.
Prayer (3-4 octaves) Level 2
Quiet, meditative sections surround a faster section in which the melody is accompanied by running 8th note scales and arpeggios.
This Is My Father’s World (3 octaves) Level 2
A lyric arrangement of the “Terra Patris” tune, using LV and arpeggiated chords. Bass bells have the melody in a short section. Ends quietly.
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