Big Band Music on Handbells

Did you know there are some absolutely fantastic arrangements of Big Band classics for handbells?  Big Band and handbells are a match made in heaven. By its very nature, handbells involve almost dance-like movement in order to create a rich and exciting visual experience for the audience.  In fact, many of us are dancing with our feet to the rhythm while we play.  A little Jitter Bug anyone?  Here are some of our favorite handbell composer/arrangers who have produced handbell arrangements for the "Big Band" genre.  (* items are featured in our concert "Just Dance" coming up on October 20, 2018.)  

Hart Morris In the Mood* by Joe Garland Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy* by Don Raye and Hughie Prince   Hart Morris on LinkedIn

Paul Allen Paul Allen specialized in arrangement for handbells of swing tunes from the big band era.   Moonlight Serenade* by Glenn Miller Begin the Beguine by Cole Porter Blues in the Night* by Johnny Mercer Don't Get Around Much Anymore by Duke Ellington Tuxedo Junction   Paul Allen on From the Top Music

Douglas Benton Brazil* by Ary Barroso

Do you have other big band favorites you would LOVE to see performed on handbells?  Let us know!  Sign in to add your comments below.

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