Big Band Music on Handbells

In the Mood by Joe Garland

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 GarlandIn the Mood* by Joe Garland
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy* by Don Raye and Hughie Prince
 

Paul Allen

Moonlight Serenade by Glenn MillerPaul 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
 

Douglas Benton

Brazil by Ary BarrosoBrazil* 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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