the repertoire
On the fence about which path to take?
Have a look at the music to help you decide
Massed ring: all ringers need this music
Energique - Matthew Prins - Level 3- / 1+
High-energy original work for two handbell teams - Bronze will play the 5-octave score and Copper and Accent will play the 3-octave score. Lots of techniques make it as fun to hear as it is to play.
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Transitions of the heart - matthew compton - Level 3
(Copper and bronze only)
Gorgeous, flowing original work by Matthew Compton that tells a story of love, change, and acceptance.
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o canada - calixa lavallée, arr jason Krug - level 3
Stunning arrangement of the Canadian National Anthem by Jason Krug.
ACCENT ringers do not need to purchase this: copies of your version will be emailed to you.
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accent ringers need this music
Intrada - John Hooper - level 1+
Fun to play original work by John Hooper, utilizing lots of techniques.
This music is unpublished. Upon registration, you’ll receive information on how to get your copy.
serenade - Betty Radford - Level 2
This original piece by Canadian composer Betty Radford will keep you on your toes as you navigate all the techniques sprinkled throughout the song.
This music is unpublished. Upon registration, you’ll receive information on how to get your copy.
Flower Drum Song - Emily Li - Level 1
Emily Li has skillfully adapted this iconic Chinese folk song for handbells. A joy to play and hear.
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Festive Celebration - Kevin McChesney - Level 1
Kevin McChesney’s original piece is proof that Level 1 music need not be dull!
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Behold the Heavens - Kathleen Wissinger - Level 1
Beautiful musical expression of the wonders of the night sky. Lots of singing bells in this one!
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a boardwalk stroll - betty radford - level 3
When you think of handbell music, “12-bar blues” isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But after you play Betty Radford’s 2014 Fred Merret Award winner, it just might be.
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copper ringers need this music
City of Stars - Hurwitz/pasek/paul, arr ron mallory - level 2
The signature song from the Oscar-winning film La La Land comes to life in a very well-crafted arrangement by Ron Mallory.
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Creator of Light (Aurora Borealis) - Erwin Stroobach - level 3
A shimmering tone poem celebrating the Northern Lights was performed at the 2018 International Handbell Symposium in Sydney, Australia
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Ancient Fanfare - Kevin McChesney - level 2
A modern piece that evokes ancient times, this is the rare opportunity for you to play a piece under the baton of the composer himself.
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Pavane and spiritoso - matthew compton - level 4
Copper ringers get to show off their skills in this original piece by Matthew Compton. Using the same melody figure from beginning to end, the listener is taken on a journey from a slow, lilting lullaby to a rollicking ride on a runaway train. Hang on for this one!
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Somebody that I used to Know - Bonfa / De Backer, arr Jim Winslett - level 2+
Gotye’s massive worldwide hit translates surprisingly well to handbells. Fun to play and fun to hear. No face paint needed! (This piece is only available as a print-at-home edition. Available from Sheet Music Plus, Sheet Music Direct, and MuseScore)
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joy beyond measure - betty radford - level 3+
Canadian composer Betty Radford takes inspiration from Bach’s famous cantata and crafts something completely her own in this beautiful piece. From the Top Music graciously made this music available for us early so you’d have time to order and practice. As a means of thanks, we ask that you purchase this piece directly from their site at this link.
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bronze ringers need this music
Land of Make Believe - chuck mangione, arr hart morris - level 5
Chuck Mangione’s iconic flűgelhorn classic comes alive in this re-imagining for handbells and trumpet. Tricky, but worth it.
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Magic Carousel - Lalo Schifrin, arr Jim Winslett - Level 3
Hop on a painted pony and enjoy this ride from Lalo Schifrin’s soundtrack for the 1977 film, “Rollercoaster”. Canadian arranger Jim Winslett has set the entire piece on handchimes to mimic the sound of a calliope. (This piece is only available as a print-at-home edition. Available from Sheet Music Plus, Sheet Music Direct, and MuseScore)
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Daffodil Valley - Ron Mallory - level 3+
Lively, fun, and a blast to play. This newly-published piece is a joy.
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mountaintop - kevin mcchesney - level 4
The first movement of Kevin McChesney’s “Colorado Suite” is as wondrous and majestic as the view from the top of a mountain. Bonus: you’ll be playing it under the direction of Copper conductor Lisa Kyriakides!
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Rondo Appassionata - Karen Buckwalter - level 5
Haunting and lovely at first, the piece drives forward throughout into a fiery conclusion.
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