Frog Music Press

Carillon bells once were only heard by people outside the church, while only chimes were sometimes heard playing with the organ.  Today carillon bells can be heard inside the church as well, some due to using microphones in the steeple carrying the sound to speakers in the church, but more commonly today through digital bell carillon systems that may also play from the organ and be heard in the church.

This series of playable arrangements of hymn tunes are written to expand the scope of music for organ playing with carillon, chimes and organ handbell stops.  With the richer sound of carillon bells and handbells, the series includes pieces that are composed to as Preludes but also as Postludes.

By keeping with the standard keys of these hymns, we’ve made them are useful when introducing hymns that are already well-known by the congregation, adding a new dimension to the church service.

Handbell parts are included, very useful for a beginning choir, and also as a quick substitute when ringers are absent - no reason to announce the bells won’t be playing if you have prepared a few of these as backup pieces. They may be played by a small number of ringers or even a solo ringer.  A solo ringer may play these with an organist to create interest in a church interested in restarting a handbell program or start one with a new set of bells.

The music is written out on two staves.  Pedals are optional for the organist.  Pedals may also be played using a Bass coupler.

Composer Noel Jones is an Associate of the American Guild of Organists and has worked as church musician in the United States and Europe.  He was organist for the Church Center for the United Nations and accompanied the United Nations Singers in concert. 

Frog Music Press has published collections of playable hymns in three parts for organists as well as a Guide to Hymnplaying for Organists.