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 (and interacting!) rhythms. Separately, they’re fairly easy to learn; together they’re an exciting mix. With some exciting bass challenges, a set of somewhat simplified pages is provided in case you need to be less adventurous than the as-originally-written middle section.
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!
Bring My Heart Home
5-7 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 5
Bring My Heart Home, the eighty-second song in the Living Water Composition Project, is a prayer for God to remake us in His image, and to make us able to overcome the times when we fall short of what He would want us to be. The original choral version is also available from Choraegus, and the choral version can be combined with the handbell arrangement.
Celebration
3-5 octaves of handbells, Level 1
Celebration was originally composed for teens, but has proven to be a great starter piece for any handbell choir.
Coronation and Triumphant Exultation
5-8 octaves of handbells
Commissioned by the Allured Composition Committee, Coronation and Triumphant Exultation is a major addition to the concert repertoire for advanced handbell choirs. This piece is dedicated to Maestro Carl Wiltse, and was first performed 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. Not to be outdone, 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
This was written as a fifth-anniversary gift to Carla, and first performed by the handbell choir at our church 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. It was commissioned by RiverBells of Sacramento, CA to celebrate twenty years of ringing!
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 the choral version can be combined 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 a thoughtful, contemplative atmosphere is planned. Formerly named Lenten Piece, it can be used for much, much more than its original concept!
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.
Peace
5-7 octaves of handbells and 2 octaves of handchimes, Level 2+
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! The good news is that Christ offers peace beyond all understanding. This peace is an anchor for the soul, a comfort in stressful times, and promise good for all eternity. It’s reliance on the everlasting care of a God who is absolutely trustworthy, all-powerful, and all-knowing.
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). Her love for music in general and handbells in particular has inspired the many, many ringers who have been involved in her ministry. 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-
An original short work, this processional was written specially 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 those times when God can send the answer in the form of someone else who shares the burden and helps to make sense of life.
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+
Strollin’ in the Park was written for Libbie Randels and her handbell choir. Now, 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!
