As you know, Steve and I have been directing a beginning handbell choir at church these past two months.

We've been working on a few reading pieces but we've also enjoyed doing some improvising (read more here) and teaching a few things by rote.

Last week, Steve wrote this acclamation for our bell choir to play in worship.

I thought it was too good not to share and he was gracious enough to let me share it with you as a free printable!

An easy-to-learn introit for ringers of all ages.

Free resource

A short, festive acclamation or introit for 16 bells. Perfect for your beginning bell choir (the piece is built on simple, repeated rhythmic patterns - no music required!). Works well as a processional (if your group can ring and walk at the same time!).

Download

Glorioso for Handbells - free acclamation for 16 bells

About Glorioso

The piece is designed for a smaller group (16 bells) and is simple enough to teach without notation. Each player has a rhythm pattern that is repeated throughout. The piece is gradually built from the bottom, with two parts entering at a time.

Since we had been practicing rhythmic reading in our rehearsals, I wrote out index cards for each player with their rhythmic pattern and bell position to help them keep track of their own part.

This piece works really well as an introit—something short but joyful to begin worship. It was well-suited for the third Sunday in Advent but it really could be used any time of the year!