Tag Archives: Handbells

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – new 12-bell music for Christmas

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is a traditional Polish Christmas carol. The song was originally titled W Żłobie Leży (In the Manger He Lies), and it was translated into English as Infant Holy, Infant Lowly in 1920. It’s thought that the melody could date back to the thirteenth century.

“Infant holy, infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall.
Oxen lowing, little knowing,
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging, angels singing,
Noels ringing, tidings bringing,
Christ the babe is Lord of all.”

We recorded our demonstration video on a hot day in July. If you use your imagination, you might think that the harsh sunlight on the trees and grass behind us is soft, billowing snow. If not, it can just be a Christmas in July thing. After all, if we waited until December to publish new handbell music, no one would have time to learn it!

More information about Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

As with all Choraegus 12-bell pieces, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is suitable for 3-6 ringers. Sheet music for this arrangement is available to purchase and download from Choraegus. Each arrangement is available for three different ranges of handbells, so you can choose which you prefer. Please refer to the bells-used charts on the Choraegus webpage to make sure you have all the bells you need, and make sure you purchase the right version!

Click here to find Infant Holy, Infant Lowly on the Choraegus website

Other versions of Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

We have other arrangements of Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, available to download from Choraegus. We have two 8-bell versions; one standard and one Surprisingly Easy™. We also have a Level 2 arrangement for 3 octaves.

Things to know about Choraegus handbell music

Choraegus handbell music scores are designed to be downloaded as PDF files. That means you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail. Purchasing a 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so please don’t pay for more copies than you need! A practice track is also available separately – useful if your ringers need to practise their parts without the full group being available.

Your purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details. Please remember to mention the arranger (Larry Sue) and the publisher of the piece (Choraegus) on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs. We appreciate your help in getting the word out about Choraegus handbell music – and if you make a video of your handbell choir playing any of our pieces, we’d love to see it!

If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a (we hope!) stress-free way.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, please start by reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. Please contact us if you don’t find the answers you need, and we’ll be happy to help!

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - handbell music from Choraegus

Come, Thou Almighty King – a new 8-bell arrangement

“Come, Thou Almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing;
Help us to praise:
Father, all glorious,
O’er all victorious,
Come, and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.“

Come, Thou Almighty King is sung to the hymn tune ITALIAN HYMN. We’ve had an 8-bell arrangement of this for some years now, but this new arrangement is a “surprisingly easy” version. We recommend our Surprisingly Easy™ arrangements for quartets in particular. When there are four ringers, it helps when there are fewer sixteenth notes, and straightforward rhythms. These arrangements can also be helpful for groups of 2-4 ringers to put together without needing a lot of rehearsal time.

Here’s our demonstration video of Come, Thou Almighty King:

More information about this 8-bell arrangement

Sheet music for Come, Thou Almighty King is available to purchase and download from Choraegus.

Purchasing this arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group. Please don’t pay for more copies than you need to! Purchase also gives you permission to use this piece in online and live-streamed worship services. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title (Come, Thou Almighty King) and arranger of the piece (Larry Sue) on video-sharing sites and social media.

Please note that our music is designed to be downloaded as PDFs, so you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail.

If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this with pictures, to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a stress-free way.

Other arrangements of Come, Thou Almighty King

As well as the two 8-bell arrangements (Standard and Surprisingly Easy), we also have a 16-bell arrangement of this hymn, available to download from Choraegus.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, we recommend reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. If you don’t find the answers you need, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help!

Come, Thou Almighty King, handbell duet

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – new 8-bell music

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing has been one of our favorite 8-bell arrangements over the years, ever since we played it at an event in downtown Holland, and a group of local college students stopped to listen, and started singing along. This new arrangement of the NETTLETON hymn tune has fewer sixteenth notes than our standard version, and is more straightforward to play.

We recommend our Surprisingly Easy™ arrangements for quartets in particular. When there are four ringers, it helps when there are fewer sixteenth notes! These arrangements can also be helpful for groups of 2-4 ringers to put together without needing a lot of rehearsal time.

Here’s our demonstration video of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing:

More information about this 8-bell arrangement

Sheet music for Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing is available to purchase and download from Choraegus.

Purchasing this arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group. Please don’t pay for more copies than you need to! Purchase also gives you permission to use this piece in online and live-streamed worship services. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title (Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing) and arranger of the piece (Larry Sue) on video-sharing sites and social media.

Please note that our music is designed to be downloaded as PDFs, so you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail.

If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this with pictures, to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a stress-free way.

Other arrangements of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

As well as the two 8-bell arrangements (Standard and Surprisingly Easy), we also have a 12-bell arrangement of this hymn, and an arrangement for 2 octaves. All are available from Choraegus.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, we recommend reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. If you don’t find the answers you need, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help!

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - handbells - flowers

I Surrender All – new music for 8 handbells

“All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.”.

Our new arrangement of the popular hymn I Surrender All uses just 8 handbells, and can be played by 2-4 ringers. The tune is SURRENDER, a 19th-century melody composed by Winfield S. Weeden.

More information about this 8-bell arrangement

Sheet music for I Surrender All is available to purchase and download from Choraegus.

Purchasing this arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group. Please don’t pay for more copies than you need to! Purchase also gives you permission to use this piece in online and live-streamed worship services. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title (I Surrender All) and arranger of the piece (Larry Sue) on video-sharing sites and social media.

Please note that our music is designed to be downloaded as PDFs, so you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail.

If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this with pictures, to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a stress-free way.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, please start by reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. If you don’t find the answers you need, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help!

Beloved Friend – new handbell music from Choraegus

Beloved Friend was written in memory of Bernie Foulk, who was a member of Kalamazoo Ringers from 2022 to 2025. We all loved Bernie, and his love for the earth, people, all of nature, music, and (of course) his wife Jackie, who joined Kalamazoo Ringers with him. We’d all hoped to have many more years of ringing with Bernie, but that was not to be. After a short illness, Bernie headed for the next life, and we started missing the kindness, personality and humor that he brought to rehearsals.

Beloved friend Bernie with bass handbells

Larry wrote this original composition in memory of Bernie, and every note has a special meaning that he explains in the introduction to the score. This original composition came together in time for the Kalamazoo Ringers to play it for the first time in their 2025 spring concerts. The group only had a couple of rehearsals to read through it, but it turned out to be a very special (if emotional) tribute to Bernie.

In Bernie’s memory, all proceeds from sales of this work will be donated to the Kalamazoo Ringers.

More information about Beloved Friend

Beloved Friend is for 3-7 octaves of handbells. It’s a Level 3 arrangement, and the score is available to purchase and download from Choraegus. You can either purchase an individual copy (useful for massed ringing events, or for preview), or purchase the full choir license. Please note that Choraegus handbell music is designed to come to you as a downloadable PDF file. You’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail. If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, we recommend our step-by-step guide. We designed this guide to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a (we hope!) stress-free way.

Purchase of the full-choir license gives you our no-fuss permission to print up to 15 copies for your group.

Performance license is included!

Your purchase of the full-choir license allows you to perform, broadcast and live-stream this piece as part of a concert or worship service. There’s no need for any additional license or fee. We ask that you credit the composer (Larry Sue) and publisher (Choraegus) in any printed media such as concert programs, and online (in video descriptions). Please see our licensing agreement for full details. 

We appreciate your help in spreading the word about Choraegus handbell music. If you record a video of your group playing any of our pieces, we’d love to see it. You’re welcome to share it with us by email or on our Facebook page!

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, please start by reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. If someone has asked us a question even once, it will be there, along with the answer. Please contact us if you don’t find the information you need, and we’ll be happy to help.

Kalamazoo Ringers in concert
Photo credit: Keith Mumma

Every Time I Feel the Spirit – 12-Bell Music

Every Time I Feel the Spirit is an African-American spiritual that was first published in 1907. It’s believed to have been sung several decades earlier than that, and many of these traditional songs were sung and passed down through generations long before being written down.

“O, 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.”

Here’s our demonstration video:

More information about Every Time I Feel the Spirit

As with all Choraegus 12-bell pieces, Every Time I Feel the Spirit can be played by 3-6 ringers. Sheet music for this arrangement is available to purchase and download from Choraegus. Each arrangement is available for three different ranges of handbells, so you can choose which you prefer. Refer to the bells-used charts on the Choraegus webpage to make sure you have all the bells you need, and make sure you purchase the right version!

Things to know about Choraegus handbell music

Choraegus handbell music scores are designed to be downloaded as PDF files. That means you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail. Purchasing a 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so please don’t pay for more copies than you need! A practice track is also available separately – useful if your ringers need to practise their parts without the full group being available.

Your purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details. Please remember to mention the arranger (Larry Sue) and the publisher of the piece (Choraegus) on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs. We appreciate your help in getting the word out about Choraegus handbell music – and if you make a video of your handbell choir playing any of our pieces, we’d love to see it!

If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a (we hope!) stress-free way.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, please start by reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. Please contact us if you don’t find the answers you need, and we’ll be happy to help!

Every Time I Feel the Spirit handbells

Brother James’ Air – for handbells

Brother James’ Air is the latest 12-bell arrangement from Choraegus. The hymn was written by James Leith Macbeth Bain, and published in 1915 with the text from Psalm 23:

“The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
the quiet waters by.”

In more recent times, this melody has also been used as the tune for Carl P. Daw, Jr.’s hymn How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place, O Lord of Hosts, to Me. Here’s our demonstration video:

More information about Brother James’ Air

As with all Choraegus 12-bell pieces, Brother James’ Air is suitable for 3-6 ringers. Sheet music is available to purchase and download from Choraegus. Each arrangement is available for three different ranges of handbells, so you can choose which you prefer. Refer to the bells-used charts on the Choraegus webpage to make sure you have all the bells you need, and make sure you purchase the right version!

Things to know about Choraegus handbell music

Choraegus handbell music scores are designed to be downloaded as PDF files. That means you’ll be responsible for printing your own music, and you won’t receive anything in the mail. Purchasing a 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so please don’t pay for more copies than you need! A practice track is also available separately – useful if your ringers need to practise their parts without the full group being available.

Your purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details. Please remember to mention the arranger (Larry Sue) and the publisher of the piece (Choraegus) on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs. We appreciate your help in getting the word out about Choraegus handbell music – and if you make a video of your handbell choir playing any of our pieces, we’d love to see it!

If you haven’t purchased music online from Choraegus before, you might like to look at our step-by-step guide. We designed this to help you navigate the purchase and download process in a (we hope!) stress-free way.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our music, please start by reading our Frequently-Asked Questions. Please contact us if you don’t find the answers you need, and we’ll be happy to help!

Brother James' Air - for 12 handbells

Bay View Campus Club Memorial Service

August 5 at 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm EDT

Bay View Campus Club will hold its annual Memorial Service on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025. Bay View’s local handbell duo Larry and Carla will again be playing handbells at the event.

Campus Club has been in existence for more than 100 years, and has the motto “Where Strangers Become Friends”. It’s a group for men and women of all ages who play indoor games (such as bridge and mah jongg), outdoor games (including lawn bowling and croquet), enjoy off-season social potlucks, and hold educational programs on Tuesday evenings, featuring speakers with a wide variety of expertise. Campus Club raises money during the season for the Manna Food Project.

The Campus Club Memorial Service is where club members take time to remember and honor the friends and family members who are no longer with us. The names of those who have passed during the last year will be read out, and a bell will ring for each name, as we give thanks for lives well lived, and the lasting friendships made in our beautiful Bay View.

Bay View Campus Club - Where Strangers Become Friends

The Bay View Campus Club Memorial Service will take place under the large Event Tent. Larry and Carla will play a handbell duet prelude, so you’re welcome to arrive early, and listen to music as you take your seats. More information about the service, and the pastor(s) and other musicians taking part, will be available closer to the time, here and on our Facebook page. We look forward to welcoming you to this very special service of remembrance.

Bay View Campus Club - Handbells

Free There is no charge to attend this service.

Bay View Association – Campus Club

Bay View Association –

1715 Encampment Ave
Petoskey, Michigan 49770 United States + Google Map
Bay View Association

Kerstmarkt-Holland Handbell Duets

December 12 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST

The Kerstmarkt-Holland 2025 is a great opportunity to see and hear local handbell duo Larry and Carla, who will be playing traditional Christmas handbell music on two Friday evenings in November and December.

The Kerstmarkt is an open-air European-style holiday market located at the 8th Street Marketplace in Downtown Holland. It’s an annual event, and a wonderful opportunity to shop for unique handcrafted gifts and locally-made holiday treats. This isn’t the kind of market that’s filled with mass-produced items that you can easily find online. There are local sellers who will talk with you about their crafts, and sometimes you can even watch items being made! On cold winter evenings, it’s nice to listen to beautiful handbell music as you shop. Coffee, hot cider and food will also be available at this event. It’s your chance to try traditional Dutch treats such as pigs-in-blankets, banket (sweet pastries with almond paste filling), and stroopwafels!

Kerstmarkt Holland handbells in the snow

Things to know about the Kerstmarkt in Holland

Most of the Kerstmarkt is under cover, so you can shop for gifts comfortably there. The street isn’t icy underfoot. The city’s famous “snowmelt” system makes it safe to walk on the heated sidewalks, even if the weather is wintry. The Kerstmarkt will give you a taste of a traditional European Christmas market, without having to fly to Europe! There are plenty of shops and restaurants close by, and lots to do in downtown Holland. Come for the day, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere!

The weather can be unpredictable in December, so dress warmly and prepare for snow or rain! Whatever the Michigan winter throws at us, this traditional market is always worth a visit. Check the Kerstmarkt website for other special events, such as Dickens Carolers and sled dogs, and bring your family and friends!

Kerstmarkt Holland Sinterklaas with handbell ringers
Free Admission is free, but tips for the musicians are appreciated!

Kerstmarkt-Holland

View Organizer Website

Bay View Association –

1715 Encampment Ave
Petoskey, Michigan 49770 United States + Google Map

Handbells at the Kerstmarkt-Holland 2025

November 28 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST

The Kerstmarkt-Holland 2025 is a great opportunity to see and hear local handbell duo Larry and Carla, who will be playing traditional Christmas handbell music on two Friday evenings in November and December.

The Kerstmarkt is an annual open-air European-style Christmas market located at the 8th Street Marketplace in Downtown Holland. Come and listen to beautiful festive music as you shop for unique handcrafted gifts and locally-made holiday treats. Coffee and hot cider will be available to help you stay warm!

Kerstmarkt-Holland handbells

Most of the Kerstmarkt is under cover, so you can shop for gifts comfortably there. The market is located in downtown Holland, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants close by. There’s enough to do that you could easily turn a visit to the Kerstmarkt into a day trip. The city’s famous “snowmelt” system makes it safe to walk on the heated sidewalks, even if the weather is wintry. The Kerstmarkt will give you a taste of a traditional European Christmas market, without having to fly to Europe!

The weather is unpredictable in December. Whilst it’s safe to walk in downtown Holland in the winter months, it’s wise to dress warmly. Here’s a photo from Kerstmarkt opening day, on a chilly Saturday in 2022!

Admission is free, but tips for the musicians are appreciated!

Kerstmarkt-Holland

View Organizer Website

Bay View Association –

1715 Encampment Ave
Petoskey, Michigan 49770 United States + Google Map