12 Bells/6 Ringers

General Comments about Music for 12 Bells

A recurring question posted on Handbell-L asks why the music published for twelve bells is scored for C5 through G6. In the variety of answers offered, the majority of opinions were divided between two points of view regarding the most useful range for twelve-bell music. The primary considerations of the two main options are listed below.

OPTION #1 - uses C5 through G6 with no sharps or flats

• Is playable by groups with a 2-octave set of bells
• Requires only the natural notes, making it useful in the United Kingdom where the high cost of bells prohibits many choirs from purchasing a full chromatic set of bells.

• Does not conform to standard assignments; when each ringer rings two consecutive bells, (CD, EF, GA, BC, DE, FG) the standard assignments are "out of kilter" by one staff degree
• Fits standard assignments for 5 ringers (DE, FG, AB, CD, EF) only if one ringer rings non-consecutive bells (C5+G6)

OPTION #2 - uses D5 through A6 in a variety of keys

• Lays naturally for the standard assignments (DE, FG, AB, CD, EF, GA)
• Does not require bell changes as long as the music is strictly diatonic

• Requires a 3-octave set of bells to accommodate the A6
• Is not accessible for groups with only 1-1/2 or 2 octaves
• Requires a chromatic set of bells even for music with no bell changes

Consensus of Opinions Derived from the Survey

The responses to our informal survey clearly indicated a small market for music scored for standard ringing assignments. The Dare Team Press publications for 6 ringers listed below use only 12 bells except where noted. Although the diatonic compositions have no bell changes, they are scored in a variety of keys that require the chromatic bells specified in the key signature.

We have designated our publications "music for 6 ringers" to distinguish them from the customary 12-bell music scored for the natural notes C5 – G6.

Click a TITLE to see a minature score.
Click the ITEM NUMBER of a specific piece to playback the music.

6 Ringers — 2 Octave Set of Bells Needed
Title	Level	No. of Ringers	No. of Bells	Octaves	Item No.	Price
Bavarian Chimes and More (uses G4 - D6)	1	3, 4, 5, or 6	6 (8) (10) (12)	2	DT-1059	$4.75
1. Bavarian Chimes	1	6 ringers	12	2	DT-1059-1=6
2. Dance of Life	1	6 ringers	12	2	DT-1059-2=6
3. Pleasant Valley	1	6 ringers	12	2	DT-1059-3=6
Christmas and Beyond (uses B4 - F6)	1 & 2	6	12 (14)	2	DT-1061	$4.75
1. The Christmas Star (Alt. Starlight)	1	6	12	2	DT-1061-1
2. The Heavenly Host (Alt. Cherubim)	2	6	14 bells	2	DT-1061-2
3. The First Nowell (also for Epiphany)	2	6	12	2	DT-1061-3
More Music for Six (uses Bb4 - F6)	1 & 2	6	12 (14) (13)	2	DT-1024	$4.25
1. Procession of the Priests	2	6	12	2	DT-1024-1
2. Placid Stream	1	6	12	2	DT-1024-2
3. Chapel Echoes	2	6	14 bells	2	DT-1024-3
4. O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee	2	6	13 bells	2	DT-1024-4
6 Ringers — 3 Octave Set of Bells Needed (use D5 - A6)
Title	Level	No. of Ringers	No. of Bells	Octaves	Item No.	Price
A Trilogy for Six	1 & 2	6	13 (12)	3	DT-1054	$4.75
1. Episode	2	6	13 bells	3	DT-1054-1
2. Pastorale in G	1	6	12	3	DT-1054-2
3. Festival	2	6	12	3	DT-1054-3
Clock Music	2	6	12	3	DT-1055	$3.95
1. The Clock Song	2	6	12	3	DT-1055-1
2. Minutes Passing	2	6	12	3	DT-1055-2
Dawn of a New Day	1 & 2	6	12 (13)	3	DT-1023	$4.25
1. Greet the Dawning	1	6	12	3	DT-1023-1
2. Morning Bells	1	6	12	3	DT-1023-2
3. Rejoice!	2	6	12	3	DT-1023-3
4. Reflections	1+	6	13 bells	3	DT-1023-4
Sleigh Ride (most popular title in our catalog)	2	6	12	3	DT-1013	$3.95

Prices subject to change without notice.
Click here for complete list of all our music for 6 ringers.

Page updated on November 6, 2012