Here’s a list of hymn arrangements for handbell choirs, available from Choraegus. Click on a title, and you’ll be taken to our music site, where you’ll find more details about each piece. From there, you’ll be able to see preview pages, audio files, and information about how to purchase music from us!
There are so many hymn arrangements that we’ve listed them below according to the number of octaves required to play them. If you’re looking for music suitable for 2- or 3-octave handbell choirs, please also check our 16-bell music, as some of those pieces might work for your group. If in doubt, please ask us!
2-octave hymn arrangements for handbell choirs
All Things Bright and Beautiful
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2
This arrangement of the ROYAL OAK hymn tune is lively and fun to play! There’s also an arrangement for 3/5 octaves.
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE)
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2
This straightforward arrangement of a beloved hymn will be enjoyable for your ringers and your congregation. We also have a different arrangement of this hymn for 3-5 octaves with organ.
Blessed Assurance
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
Blessed Assurance is one of Fanny Crosby’s all-time classics. Your congregation will love this arrangement! We also have a 3 or 5 octave arrangement of the same tune.
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
You’ll enjoy this arrangement of the NETTLETON hymn tune. This is one of our most popular 2-octave hymn arrangements.
ENGELBERG
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
The hymn tune ENGELBERG has been used with several texts:
- All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine
- When in Our Music God is Glorified
- We Know that Christ is Raised
For bigger handbell choirs, we also have an arrangement for 3 or 5 octaves. This hymn is perfect for Music Appreciation Sunday!
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
2 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 3
This the MELITA hymn tune, also known as the Navy Hymn and For Those in Peril on the Sea.
Lift High the Cross
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
Celebrate Palm Sunday or Easter with this triumphant hymn arrangement for 2 octaves!
For the Beauty of the Earth
2 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2-
You can use the versatile hymn tune DIX with the texts For the Beauty of the Earth and As with Gladness Men of Old; the latter most often at Christmas and Epiphany. For bigger handbell choirs, we also have a 3-5 octave arrangement of the DIX tune.
How Great Thou Art
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
“O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!“
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
Johann Franck wrote I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say in the 17th century. The music for his hymn is unusual, because it has a minor key verse and major key refrain. The contrast reflects on how the difficulties of life (minor key) are answered by the love of the Savior (major key).
It Is Well With My Soul
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.“
For larger handbell choirs, we also have an arrangement of the VILLE DU HAVRE hymn tune for 3-5 octaves.
Kum Ba Yah
2 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2+
Kum Ba Yah is an African-American spiritual, most likely dating back to the eighteenth or nineteenth century. The first known recording of it dates back to 1926, and was a pretty upbeat version of the song that, since then, has become a more prayerful meditation. The phrase “kum ba yah” is a linguistic variation of “come by here”, a plea for God to be near to provide comfort and hope.
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
“My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device, nor creed;
I trust the ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.“
We also have a 3-5 octave arrangement of the Norwegian hymn tune LANDÅS.
My Jesus, I Love Thee
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2
Your congregation will enjoy this accessible arrangement of the hymn tune GORDON.
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2
This is our popular arrangement of the beautiful RESIGNATION hymn tune; perfect for Good Shepherd Sunday.
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
2 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
This Level 3- arrangement of the DEO GRACIAS hymn tune can be used year-round in worship!
Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
“Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia! Praise the everlasting King!“
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
2 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
The title from Joachim Neander’s German 1680 chorale, reads even more impressively in German: Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty has been a church favorite for many years.
That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright / On Jordan’s Bank, the Baptist’s Cry
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
The 15th century hymn tune PUER NOBIS is a versatile hymn for Advent or Easter!
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
“The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended‘
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.“
The ST. CLEMENT tune is Carla’s favourite hymn!
When Morning Gilds the Skies
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2
Your ringers will enjoy this 2-octave arrangement of the LAUDES DOMINI hymn tune!
Woodlands (GREATOREX)
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
The hymn tune WOODLANDS was written by Walter Greatorex in 1919. It’s a melody of grandeur and joy, and has been paired with texts such as Tell Out, My Soul and Filled with the Spirit’s Power. We also have a 3-5 octave arrangement of this hymn tune.
2-3 octave hymn arrangements for handbell choirs
Kelvingrove
2-3 octaves of handbells, Level 2
KELVINGROVE is an old Scottish tune. Where it appears in hymnals, it usually is under the title The Summons. This is a popular hymn melody, but you can also use the tune in secular settings.
Let us Break Bread Together
2-3 octaves of handbells, Level 2
This peaceful arrangement will be a useful addition to any Communion service.
Hymn arrangements for 3 octaves and more
All Things Bright and Beautiful (ROYAL OAK)
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3+
This arrangement of All Things Bright and Beautiful has a special sparkle that will make your ringers and congregation smile!
America, the Beautiful
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 4
This Level 4 arrangement for three to five octaves of handbells will sparkle in your church service or patriotic gathering. If you’re a fan of running sixteenth notes, you’ll love it!
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE)
3-5 octaves of handbells, with organ, Level 3
This arrangement of the long-time favorite, Be Thou My Vision, was included in the Michigan AGO’s gift to their conference participants in July 2019. It combines handbells and organ into an expression of praise; we hope you’ll enjoy it!
Beautiful Lilies
3 octaves of handbells, Level 3+
Beautiful Lilies (hymn tune: LILIES) is an Easter hymn from the turn of the twentieth century.
Blessed Assurance
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
Blessed Assurance is one of Fanny Crosby’s all-time classic hymns. It speaks of faith, dependence, and triumph through having an absolute reliance on God and His power. Our arrangement is for three or five octaves, and will be a welcome addition to your ensemble’s repertoire. Fred Gramann selected this arrangement for a recent UK Bronze handbell event in England.
Come Down, O Love Divine
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, with 3 octaves of handchimes, Level 3-
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ compositions are highly regarded across the world. Come Down, O Love Divine (tune: DOWN AMPNEY) is a fine example of his work. This hymn is ideal for Pentecost.
Crown Him with Many Crowns
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
Crown Him with Many Crowns (hymn tune: DIADEMATA) has inspired faith and hope for generations. This is a great hymn choice for Palm Sunday!
Day By Day (BLOTT EN DAG)
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3
“Day by day and with each passing moment,
strength I find to meet my trials here;
trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
gives unto each day what he deems best–
lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
mingling toil with peace and rest.“
Doxology / Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow (OLD HUNDRETH)
3-5 octaves of handbells (plus optional D8), Level 1
The Doxology is sung in churches around the world, often as a congregational response to the presentation of tithes and offerings. We have two versions in our score package based on the hymn tune OLD HUNDREDTH so that you can use the one which is more familiar to your church family. Both versions are in G major, the key in which the Doxology is presented in most hymnals. This is available at a bargain price for use by your handbell choir in worship.
ENGELBERG
3-5 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2+
Here’s an accessible setting of the hymn tune ENGELBERG. You might recognize it as the music for one of these other hymn texts as well: When in Our Music God is Glorified, and We Know that Christ is Raised – which makes it particularly suitable for Music Appreciation Sunday, as well as Easter.
For the Beauty of the Earth (DIX)
3-5 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 3-
God made the world a beautiful place, not just because of what we see, but because of the things we can experience. Most importantly of all, the faith that He enables us to have is what makes all the difference. This is also the tune for the Christmas Carol As With Gladness, Men of Old.
He Leadeth Me (AUGHTON)
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3
Having direction and purpose in life is a challenge… but following God can make our walk through this world seem much more reasonable. One hymn on this subject is He Leadeth Me. If you’re looking for an arrangement with a malleted bass line, this one is for you!
The Heavens Declare Your Glory
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3
The FAITHFUL hymn tune is suitable for year-round worship with the title The Heavens Declare Your Glory. You can also use the Easter title O Joyous Easter Morning, for an Easter service.
His Eye is on the Sparrow
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 4-
God watches over His children all the time and in every circumstance. Jesus reminded us of this when He said that none of the little birds falls to the ground without the Father knowing about. In Matthew 10:29-31 – and through the song His Eye is on the Sparrow – He tells us that we’re worth even more than that. Our flowing handbell arrangement will bring comfort to your congregation. This piece was performed at the 2022 UK Bronze event in England, and at Distinctly Bronze East in 2023.
HYFRYDOL
3 octaves of handbells, Level 2
This delightfully versatile Welsh melody is published on Choraegus under the title Come, Thou Long–Expected Jesus, but is also often used with the hymn text Alleluia, Sing to Jesus, as well as others. It can also be used in secular settings! This is a very straightforward arrangement for 3 octaves.
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3+
The ELLACOMBE hymn tune is also used for the Palm Sunday hymn Hosanna, Loud Hosanna. Our arrangement uses mallets and thumb-damping to create a fun challenge for ringers!
I Will Arise and Go to Jesus
3-8 octaves of handbells and 3 octaves of handchimes, Level 5
This arrangement of the well-known Southern Harmony tune was commissioned by Barbara Charlebois in memory of her father. It was first performed at Distinctly Bronze West in 2011.
In the Garden
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
In the Garden is an early twentieth-century Gospel song by C. Austin Miles. This arrangement of the beautiful melody was written for a dear friend and her mom. We hope you’ll enjoy playing it too!
It Is Well With My Soul
3-5 octaves of handbells and 3 octaves of handchimes, Level 3
This arrangement was commissioned in 2022 by the First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania in honor of the music ministry of their handbell director, on the occasion of her retirement.
Jesus, Good Above All Other (QUEM PASTORES)
3 octaves of handbells, Level 2-
Jesus is good, and wonderful, and holy… and, well, He’s God. What else could He ever be? This is a relatively simple arrangement of this gentle hymn.
Jesus, Lover of my Soul (ABERYSTWYTH)
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3
This is a straightforward arrangement of a hymn that’s useful for year-round worship.
Kingsfold
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 2
There are many hymn texts that use the English tune KINGSFOLD. Its solemn/meditative feel lends itself well to thoughts of great depth.
A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
3 of 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
This beautiful hymn, with optional handchimes, will enhance your worship during Lent or Holy Week.
Let All Things Now Living (ASH GROVE)
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3
Here’s an arrangement of the ASH GROVE that’s in 3/4 and Level 3 (not like the rather more infamous one in 11/8 which is much more challenging…)
Lift High the Cross
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
Lift High the Cross is most frequently sung in churches at Easter (and maybe on through Pentecost), but the message of salvation through Christ rings true the whole year round. This arrangement will be a welcome addition to your repertoire.
The Lord is my Shepherd (POLAND)
4-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3
This arrangement of the less familiar POLAND hymn tune was commissioned by Caroline Harnly in honor of her mother.
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
3 or 5 octaves of handbells, and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 3
“My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device, nor creed;
I trust the ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.”
Your choir will enjoy playing the beautiful LANDAS hymn tune, arranged for 3 or 5 octaves of handbells.
Now the Green Blade Riseth (NOEL NOUVELET)
3-5 octaves of handbells and 1 octave of handchimes, Level 3-
Here’s a dual-purpose arrangement that you can play as Sing We Now of Christmas for Christmas, or as Now the Green Blade Riseth for Easter
Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah!
3-5 octaves of handbells, with optional 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2+
This lively arrangement of the early American hymn tune PRAISE JEHOVAH will bring joy to your ringers and congregation. Perfect for Easter or Thanksgiving!
Rock of Ages
3 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
Rock of Ages is one of the most beloved hymns of all time. It focuses on God’s absolute reliability and how those who put their complete trust in Him possess the salvation that He offers.
Stowey (STOWEY)
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 2+
Our arrangement of this English folk melody actually gives you three options for how it’s used; as the folk melody STOWEY, as the hymn When a Knight Won His Spurs, and as the Christmas carol How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
Sunrise (KYRIALE)
3 or 5 octaves of handbells
This straightforward Level 2 arrangement (with optional handchimes) is a versatile year-round hymn, often sung as At thy feet, O Christ, We Lay and Spirit, Working in Creation.
This Is My Father’s World
3-6 octaves of handbells, with optional handchimes, Level 3-
“This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.“
Woodlands (GREATOREX)
3-5 octaves of handbells, with optional handchimes, Level 3+
The hymn tune WOODLANDS was written by Walter Greatorex in 1919. It’s a melody of grandeur and joy, and has been paired with texts such as Tell Out, My Soul and Filled with the Spirit’s Power.
Looking for a handbell arrangement that you don’t see here?
There are a lot of hymn arrangements for handbell choirs, available from Choraegus and other sources. If there’s a specific hymn arrangement that you can’t find, you’re welcome to contact us and let us know! You could commission Larry to write an arrangement for your choir, or simply plant the idea in Larry’s mind, and see if he’ll add it to his ever-growing “to do” list!
