Handbell Music


As a parish musician for 40 years, I had the opportunity to work with many bell choirs. Most of the ensembles I encountered were small groups of up to 8 ringers but most often there were just 4 or 5. The music I wrote for them was often played without tables and each ringer held the same two bells for the duration of the piece. Most scores posted here are AGEHR level three or higher, and some works include obbligato parts for the organ.

This music is often unconventionally scored for which there are no apologies made. When assigning bells, you may encounter the possibility that a given part may be reading on both staves, sometimes even simultaneously. Be patient, power through, offer the use of colored markers, and teach your ringers to see the score in new ways.

Here are the rules regarding your purchase and download of this music:

  • Buy one copy and reprint as needed for local use.
  • Do not redistribute this music in anyway.
  • Maintain your copies as appropriate.
  • OK to live-stream performances.
  • Pro recordings must be licensed.
  • The composer is the copyright holder, period.
  • Replacement PDFs are charged as new.
  • Your download indicates that you agree to our terms.

Sample pages from each score are below.
Click BUY to download a copy from this website.
Click HEAR to listen to a performance or demo.

Abó Chapel

An austere and imposing work for organ and bells. Inspired by the ruins of a massive church in the Salinas Pueblo Monument in Northern New Mexico. 14 bells, a separate part for handbells is included.

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Ember Days

Three little abstract pieces for four ringers which contemplate the days set aside in the church year for fasting and prayer. 8 bells.

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I am the Way

Expressive, moving, and challenging piece contemplating the words of Christ, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” 13 bells.

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Little Toccata

A complex little piece composed to teach handbell ensembles about 5/8 meter. Challenging, but achievable, and very impressive. 8 bells.

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Mysterium Fidei (Mystery of Faith)

Beautiful, melodic, and expressive work for organ and bells composed as a communion ‘motet’ for the vigil of Easter. Easy to accomplish for seasoned ringers in just a few rehearsals. 6 bells, with a separate part for the handbell ensemble.

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Sarabande

Quiet and solemn work in triple meter for a small ensemble. This music is especially suitable for penitential occasions or as an expressive piece on a recital program. 13 bells.

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Six Little Preludes (for the Church Year)

A collection of works for organ and bells designed for performance throughout the church year. Music for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. 8 bells, each piece. Organ parts, with a little liberty, can be easily adapted to piano or other keyboards. Sold separately.

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BUY a copy now!
HEAR a performance
BUY a copy now!
HEAR a performance
BUY a copy now!
HEAR a performance
BUY a copy now!
HEAR a performance
BUY a copy now!
HEAR a performance

Three Little Carols (for Christmas)

A trio of Christmas Carol settings. Each includes a free-form ‘prelude’ which is followed by a straightforward setting of the carol melody. Included are ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’ (Es ist ein Ros), ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ (Cranham), and ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’ (Gloria). 9 bells.

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Two Copper Coins

A graceful little work pondering the offering of the ‘Widow’s Mite’ as illustrated in the Gospel of Mark. Composed as a meditation for a stewardship Sunday. Accessible and attractive music for worship. 10 bells.

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Uriel the Archangel

An elegant piece for oboe and treble clef handbells. The oboe part can be played by a flute or clarinet, or even violin or viola. 12 bells, a separate for the solo instrument is included.

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© 2022 by Frederick Frahm.
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