Hymn Arrangements for Handbell Choirs

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!

Note: 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!

All Praise to Thee, For Thou, O King Divine
3-5 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2+

Here’s a setting of the hymn tune ENGELBERG that’s short and relatively easy to play. 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.

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 you smile!

Be Thou My Vision (SLANE)
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2

This straightforward arrangement is for 2 octaves of handbells.

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!

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!

Day By Day (BLOTT EN DAG)
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3

God isn’t just interested in what happens in our lives; He pays attention to every moment of every day we live. That’s why we can rely on Him completely in all circumstances and situations.

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.

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!

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 selected to be performed at the 2022 UK Bronze event in England, and at Distinctly Bronze East in 2023.

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.

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

Here’s our straightforward arrangement of a hymn that’s useful for year-round worship.

Kelvingrove (The Summons)
2-3 octaves of handbells, Level 2

KELVINGROVE is an old Scottish tune. Where it appears in hymnals, it’s usually under the title The Summons.

Kingsfold
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 2

The English tune KINGSFOLD has been matched with many hymn texts. 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 a new 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
2 octaves of handbells, Level 2+

Lift High the Cross is a popular Easter hymn. This arrangement, for two octaves of handbells, will be a welcome addition to your repertoire.

Let us Break Bread Together
2-3 octaves of handbells, Level 2

This peaceful arrangement will be a useful addition to any Communion service.

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.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
3 of 5 octaves of handbells, Level 3

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us has been a source of remembrance and comfort for uncounted Christians. Jesus promises to lead if we will but follow. This arrangement was commissioned by the handbell choir of the First Congregational Church of Brewer, Maine in honor of a member who has gone on to glory to await us with our Lord.