Away in a Manger is this week’s new 12-bell piece for Christmas. The tune is CRADLE SONG, written by the American composer William J. Kirkpatrick and most commonly used in the United Kingdom. Don’t be confused if this is an unfamiliar tune; in the USA, the tune used most often is MUELLER, written by James R. Murray. We have arrangements of that tune too; keep reading and you’ll find more information!
More about this 12-bell arrangement
Away in a Manger is suitable for 3-6 ringers. We demonstrate it using 4-in-hand, but if you have six ringers, they’ll only need two bells each. Sheet music is available to purchase and download from Choraegus. The arrangement is available in two versions – in Bb major (C5-G6) and C major (D5-A6), so be sure to refer the bells-used charts on the Choraegus webpage to make sure you have all the bells you need, and make sure you purchase the right version.
Other arrangements of this carol
There are more versions of this carol available from Choraegus:
An accompanied arrangement for 6 handbells and piano (the CRADLE SONG tune)
Arranged for 8 handbells, unaccompanied (the CRADLE SONG tune)
For 8 handbells, unaccompanied (the MUELLER tune) – available in two versions
Another 12-bell arrangement, unaccompanied (the MUELLER tune)
A full-choir arrangement for 3-5 octaves (the MUELLER tune)
An accompanied handbell duet arrangement (the NORMANDY tune)
Did you miss Go, Tell it on the Mountain?
Our 12-bell arrangement of Go, Tell it on the Mountain has been available since last week. This laid-back arrangement is another one suitable for 3-6 ringers. Again, there’s a choice of two handbell ranges, and you can download the sheet music from Choraegus.
Things to know about Choraegus handbell music
Choraegus handbell music scores are designed to be downloaded as a PDF files. That means you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail. Purchasing a 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so please don’t pay for more copies than you need! A practice track is also available separately – useful if your ringers need to practise their parts without the full group being available.
Your purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details. Please remember to mention the arranger (Larry Sue) and the publisher of the piece (Choraegus) on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs. We appreciate your help in getting the word out about Choraegus handbell music – and if you make a video of your handbell choir playing this piece, we’d love to see it!
If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a (we hope!) stress-free way.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about our music, please start by reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. Please contact us if you don’t find the answers you need, and we’ll be happy to help!
