A message from Brenda E. Austin, Handbell Editor at Hope Publishing
Hello friends!
Have you noticed how grumpy many people are today? I sure have. I believe with all of my heart, that is in part because no one has been to the symphony, seen a broadway show, sang in their church choir or rang in a handbell festival in months and months. Our souls are crying out to be part of a musical experience again.
There are so many challenges facing us today. We need to keep the safety of our communities as our top priority. With that being said, I believe that we also need to consider our spiritual and emotional health as well. Where and when it is possible to do so safely, let’s begin to ring again. It may look different from what we “normally” do. But, what would it look like to ring today? Ringers wearing masks, each ringer at their own table or music stand at a safe distance from one another, no shared equipment. Perhaps ringing outside?? What are the possibilities?
Wishing you well!
Ring with 6: Year-Round
Arr. Martha Lynn Thompson
Martha Lynn Thompson adds another set of six settings to her highly successful series of Ring with 6 collections. Each arrangement uses 14-22 bells and is easily playable by six ringers. Three pieces have optional handchimes. A “Bells Used Chart” for each piece provides suggested assignments. No four-in-hand ringing is required but, because some ringers have more than two bells, it is necessary to have a table or a place to put the additional bells. Three of the hymns are suitable for general occasions, one is appropriate for either Palm Sunday or Advent, and rounding out the collection is Natalie Sleeth’s beautiful “Were You There on That Christmas Night?”
SONG LIST
Great Is Thy Faithfulness; I Will Arise/On Jordan’s Stormy Banks; Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (Hail to the Lord’s Anointed); It Is Well with My Soul; Were You There on That Christmas Night?
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Arr. Susan Geschke
Susan Geschke’s setting of this well-known William Bradbury hymn pairs the tune with Bradbury’s equally popular “He Leadeth Me.” Using only legato ringing and a single shake near the end, this piece is easily learned and instantly endearing. Two-octave choirs, as well as larger, experienced groups who find themselves short-handed, will find this setting a real gem that touches the heart with its reassuring message of God’s faithfulness and love.
Called Home to Heaven
Arr. Fred Gramann
“Holy Manna” is masterfully woven through this arrangement creating an enchanting setting of the traditional tune. The fugue-like second verse is beautifully created.
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