Free music resources for handbell choirs | @ashleydanyew

Looking to dust off those handbells in the music closet and start a handbell choir this year?

Great!

First of all, check out this helpful resource from Reformed Worship—lots of practical information for getting started, recruiting, and choosing repertoire.

In today's post, I thought it might be helpful to share a round-up of free music resources.

Yes, free!

These sites offer a variety of arrangements for bell choirs—some for a small number of bells, others for as many as 5 octaves, some with piano/organ accompaniment, others with instrumental parts.

One quick note:

Because these are free arrangements, the engraving (the way the music is notated in the score) for some may not be as professional as something you buy from a publisher. If this doesn't bother you, or if you can work with it, by all means. Just wanted to mention it.

Free Handbell Music Arrangements

Hymn Arrangements

The UMC Discipleship Ministries has a few free arrangements for Christmas Eve and the Christmas season, arranged by Sandy Rogers. Titles include: Joy to the World and Silent Night.

Processional

I shared a free acclamation/processional that SD wrote for our bell choir a few years ago. Download it here.

Hymn Accompaniments

Arnold at adrhandbell.wordpress.com has several free hymn accompaniments. Some include organ parts, others include instrumental parts (flute, cello, hand chimes). Titles include:

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
What Child is This?
Holy, Holy, Holy
Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Take My Life and Let it Be
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Go My Children With My Blessing

Looking for more handbell music suggestions? See 50 Pieces for the Small Handbell Choir.