12-bell hymns have become very popular for handbell choirs in recent years. Even before the pandemic, handbell choirs were discovering the advantages of having music that would be playable by a smaller number of ringers. When COVID-19 prevented larger choirs from gathering, 12-bell music allowed small groups of just 3-6 ringers to play together.
Larry arranged these hymns with no bell changes, and no techniques that need tables. As a result, ringers can play them from music stands. In times of social distancing, that proved to be an advantage!
12-bell pieces are also perfect for taking to performances at senior communities, and other venues where space is limited. 12=bell music can be useful for church choirs during the summer months, when a smaller number of ringers are available. It’s also ideal for anyone planning an outdoor performance. Street performing with handbells is a lot easier when you don’t have to take a line of tables and foam pads out with you!
How difficult is this music?
Just because a handbell piece only uses twelve bells, it doesn’t have to be boring, or even particularly simple to play. These arrangements are all accessible, but challenging enough to keep them interesting! Click on a title to visit our music site, where you’ll find more details about each piece. You’ll also be able to see demonstration videos or audio files, and information about how to purchase music from us!
12-bell hymn arrangements available from Choraegus
Most of these arrangements are available in two or three handbell ranges, to fit the bells you have. Click on a title to find more information about each piece.
Ah, Holy Jesus (HERZLIEBSTER JESU)
Johann Crüger wrote the music for this Good Friday hymn that remembers the sacrifice Jesus offered for our salvation.
All Creatures of Our God and King
It’s wonderful to combine great words with great music. The words of St. Francis of Assisi, “All Creatures of Our God and King” match wonderfully with this German melody.
All Glory, Laud and Honor
“All glory, laud, and honor to You, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel and David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming, the King and Blessed One.“
Here’s the popular Palm Sunday hymn tune ST. THEODULPH, arranged for 12 handbells.
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (DIADEM)
Of the several hymn tunes that match the lyric “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, DIADEM is probably our favorite.
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK)
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote this hymn in 1849. The joyous text and its happy melody are perfectly matched!
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is such a popular hymn that we now have two versions! If you’re looking for a laid-back, syncopated, fun arrangement, try Version 1. If you’re in need of something more straightforward, you’ll need Version 2. The video below is Version 2:
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Battle Hymn of the Republic is one of the best-known American patriotic hymns of the nineteenth century. Also known as Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, this lively arrangement is perfect for Fourth of July celebrations!
Be Thou My Vision
The beautiful SLANE melody is available from Choraegus in two different 12-bell arrangements. This is the first, which is unaccompanied. It’s available in three different ranges, to fit the bells you have.
Be Thou My Vision – for 12 Handbells and Piano
By request, Larry added a 4-note additional part to our arrangement of this beautiful hymn for 8-bells and piano, to make it possible to play this as a 12-bell piece.
Beach Spring
The tune BEACH SPRING is used as a setting for many hymn texts. Chances are that you’ll have at least one of them in your hymnal!
Brother James’ Air
This early 20th-century hymn tune is used as the setting for the 23rd Psalm, and will make a beautiful addition to your worship service.
Children of the Heavenly Father
One of our more straightforward 12-bell hymn arrangements, your handbell choir and congregation will enjoy this gentle arrangement of a Swedish hymn tune.
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
You’ll enjoy playing this pretty arrangement of the NETTLETON hymn tune. It’s a versatile hymn, popular for worship services and weddings.
Every Time I Feel the Spirit
“Ev’ry time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart, I will pray.
Yes, ev’ry time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart, I will pray.“
This African-American spiritual dates from before the Civil War. You’ll enjoy playing this lively 12-bell arrangement!
Faith of Our Fathers
This popular 12-bell arrangement is available in three different handbell ranges, so you can pick the one that fits the bells you have!
Give Me Jesus
Our heritage of African-American spirituals is a rich one. This one is about how the most important thing in life – or death – is Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Hark! The Glad Sound
This versatile hymn arrangement can be used for Advent or Palm Sunday!
He Leadeth Me
This popular hymn is now available for 12 handbells! This interesting arrangement is available for C5-G6 or F5-C7.
His Eye is on the the Sparrow
The Almighty God is worthy of the worship we give Him. Part of this worship comes in the form of singing, and His Eye is On the Sparrow provides a way to raise our voices to honor Him.
How Can I Keep from Singing?
“My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far off hymn that hails a new creation.”
You’ll enjoy playing this lively 12-bell arrangement!
How Great Thou Art (O STORE GUD)
Worshipers love the grandness of this Swedish hymn by Carl Gustav Boberg. English-speaking congregants have had the joy of singing it because of Stuart Hine’s translation work.
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
The beautiful Welsh tune ST. DENIO is available as a 12-bell arrangement, in a choice of three ranges of handbells.
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. He was an amazing composer, creating wonderful music during his later years even though he had gone deaf. One of his best known symphonic melodies in the choral world is the “Ode to Joy” from his final symphony. Here’s our twelve-bell arrangement.
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.“
Morning Has Broken (BUNESSAN)
The traditional Gaelic tune BUNESSAN is better known to most of us as the music to the popular hymn Morning Has Broken (popularized by Cat Stevens in the 1970s). Here’s a version of the hymn tune that you can play on twelve bells.
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
The beautiful hymn tune RESIGNATION is arranged for 12 handbells, available in three different ranges.
O Worship the King (LYONS)
Here’s our twelve-bell arrangement of O Worship the King. It’s well-suited to practically any time during the year, especially Easter!
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for He is your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.“
This popular hymn is now available for 12 handbells, in three different ranges to fit the bells you have.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (HAF TRONES LAMPA FÄRDIG)
This Swedish folk melody has been used as the tune for the hymn Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers based on lyrics written by Laurentius Laurenti in 1700. You’ll enjoy playing it for your congregation!
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
This is a lively and fun-to play arrangement of this popular hymn – with piano accompaniment!
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
“Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.“
Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind
This hymn by Margaret Old (1932-2001) uses the traditional Skye Boat Song as its tune!
Take my Life, and Let it Be
This is our arrangement of the MESSIAH tune, available in two handbell ranges.
There is a Fountain
Christ’s giving Himself in sacrifice on our behalf has inspired tremendous emotion over the centuries. Sometimes the triumph of His resurrection comes through. At other times, it’s about how terrible His death had to be to provide the redemption that now is available to all who will believe. This hymn has contemplative, thoughtful words.
Thou Hidden Source of Calm Repose (ST. PETERSBURG)
Charles Wesley, one of the great Methodist hymn writers, wrote this hymn in 1749.
To God Be the Glory
Fanny Crosby and William Doane were a “dynamic duo” of hymn-writing in the decades on either side of the year 1900. She wrote the words, and he composed the music. One of their best-known hymns is To God Be the Glory.
We Praise Thee, O God Our Redeemer
This hymn tune, also sung as We Gather Together, written in 1902, was adapted from a sixteenth-century Dutch folk song.
Need something you don’t see on our music site?
If you’re looking for a 12-bell piece that doesn’t seem to be available from Choraegus, you’re welcome to let us know. Larry’s always open to ideas for new pieces to arrange!
