Looking for something different for your handbell choir to play? Here’s a list of original Larry Sue handbell music that just might fit the bill! Click on a title, and you’ll be taken to our music site, where you’ll find more details about each piece. You’ll be able to look at score preview pages, audio files, and information about how to purchase music from us!
A Minor Crash
5-8 octaves of handbells and optional handchimes, Level 4
This original composition is full of interesting rhythms. Separately, they’re fairly easy to learn; together they’re an exciting mix. With some exciting bass challenges, there is a somewhat easier middle section provided, in case you need to be less adventurous with the bass runs.
A Snail’s Pace
5-8 octaves of handbells and 5 octaves of handchimes, Level 5+
Written with a plush orange-pink-and-purple snail in mind, this original laid-back jazz piece will challenge you even as you relax into its feel!
Celebration
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 1
Larry originally composed Celebration for a group of teens, but it has proven to be a great starter piece for any handbell choir.
Coronation and Triumphant Exultation
5-8 octaves of handbells
Coronation and Triumphant Exultation was commissioned by the Allured Composition Committee. It’s a major addition to the concert repertoire for advanced handbell choirs. This piece is dedicated to Maestro Carl Wiltse, and Carl conducted the premiere performance at the Bay View Week of Handbells. The first movement, Coronation, begins solemnly using the singing bell technique before the main melody enters with driving rhythms. The second movement, Triumphant Exultation, expresses the joy of a kingdom, through LV and a beautiful bass melody. Thumb damps, marts, and mallet work crescendo the rejoicing to the end for a memorable performance.
This title is published by A.G.E.H.R. Publishing, available from Lorenz.
Five
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 2
Larry wrote this as a fifth anniversary gift to Carla, and the handbell choir at Third Reformed Church in Holland played it in worship, just a couple of days after our actual anniversary date.
Forever
5-8 octaves of handbells, Level 4+
This score is the piece that Dee Allaway and her family commissioned after winning a composition at the silent auction at Distinctly Bronze West 2012. It’s dedicated to the memory of Walter Dennis Oliver, her father.
Friskin’ the Whiskers
5-6 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 5
Friskin’ the Whiskers is an original handbell composition for five or six octaves. The style is big band swing. RiverBells of Sacramento, CA commissioned this piece to celebrate twenty years of ringing!
Greet the Morning
3-5 octaves of handbells and 1 octave of handchimes, Level 3-
Perfect for Easter, or for any sacred or secular performance, this original composition opens with singing bells, and adds handchimes for a festive start to the day.
Home at Last
5-8 octaves of handbells, Level 4+
The fifty-fourth piece in the Living Water Composition Project, Home at Last is about the blessed hope that Christians have in the promise that Jesus Christ will one day return to take us to a new heaven and a new life. The original choral version is also available from Choraegus, and you can even combine the choral music with the handbell arrangement!
Meditation
2-3 or 3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 2
Here’s a meditative piece which you can play at any time when you need a thoughtful, contemplative atmosphere. Formerly named Lenten Piece, it’s suitable for sacred and secular performances.
Newness
3 or 5 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2
The Bible tells us to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It’s all about the beauty and joy of a redeemed soul experiencing God’s love and guidance from day to day and minute to minute. This original piece depicts how that newness feels.
Nocturne
3 or 5 octaves of handbells and 3 octaves of handchimes, Level 2+
Nocturne is a thoughtfully introspective piece, suitable for times of reflection. As an original composition, it’s suitable for secular performances, as well as Lent and Holy Week, and memorial or remembrance services.
Turmoil is a standard of life for many. We have the varied components of our lives competing for our attention, often all at the same time, and so there are times when that competition puts us into mental paralysis. Getting nothing done can become an all-too-regular occurrence! This peace is an anchor for the soul, a comfort in stressful times, and promise of good for all eternity.
Procession and Celebration
5-7 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 4
Shosh Meyer is a friend from Oregon who does marvelous things with the handbell program at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church (Beaverton, Oregon). She has a deep love for music, and handbells in particular. Erik, Julie, and Jan Tate were three of those blessed by Shosh, and so much that they commissioned this original piece in her honor.
Processional (TCCC 2014)
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 3-
Larry wrote this processional especially for the 2014 Texas Conference Choir Clinic at the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas. It’s easy to memorize, and can be an effective part of your worship service.
Rescue
3-7 octaves of handbells and 3 octaves of handchimes, Level 3
Sometimes we find ourselves in what we think is a hopeless situation. Well, we think it’s hopeless, because we don’t have an adequate answer to that problem. It’s at those times when rescue often arrives!
Snow
3 octaves of handbells, Level 1+
This original composition is very relevant to Michigan weather!
Strollin’ in the Park
5 octaves of handbells, Level 3+
Larry wrote Strollin’ in the Park for Libbie Randels and her handbell choir. This was an unusual group because it consisted of about three dozen seniors. At the time, their average age was 73 – and they were active, happy, and musical. Getting older is most definitely not a barrier to good handbell ringing! So… here’s a composition about two people in love taking a romantic walk in a park. The sun is shining… and suddenly the rain and thunder arrive… and then the sun comes out again. Imagine the choreographic opportunities!
Tigress Rag
5-7 octaves of handbells, Level 5
Written in the style of Scott Joplin, Tigress Rag was the Second Place Winner of the 2011 Bells of the Sound “All That Jazz” composition contest. We also have a version for pianists!
Walking Home
3-5 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 3-
Walking Home, an original work for three to five octaves of handbells, brings to mind that feeling you have when the time to leave work or school has arrived. There’s a special feeling you get when you’re on your way home, and a melody in your head as you look forward to getting there!
