3-7 octaves – Level 3-4 (see below)
Total Duration: ~12:00

by Gustav Holst
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

Some of the most popular pieces by Gustav Holst are his suites for military band. The 2nd Suite for Military Band consists of the following four movements:

• March – Level 4 (arr. for 3-7 octaves of bells & 3 octaves of chimes)
• Song Without Words – Level 3 (arr. for 3-5 octaves of bells and 3-5 octaves of chimes)
• Song of the Blacksmith – Level 4 (arr. for 4-5 octaves of bells)
• Fantasia on the ‘Dargason’ – Level 4 (arr. for 5-6 octaves of bells and 5 octaves of chimes)

This Suite may be purchased all together or in individual movements. To preview or purchase individual movements, click on their titles above.

3-7 octaves of bells & 3 octaves of chimes – Level 4
Duration: 4:59

by Gustav Holst
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

The first movement of this suite is March, which sets the tone for whole suite. It is a challenging blend of English folk song sounds and is playable by 3 to 7 octaves. Chimes are optional but enhance the piece.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

3-5 octaves of bells and/or chimes – Level 3
Duration: 2:29

by Gustav Holst
arranged by Scott Pfitzinger

This hauntingly beautiful melody was originally played on oboe. In this arrangement, the melody is played on bells while all the harmony is on chimes.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

3-7 octaves – Level 4
Duration: 1:58

by Frederic Chopin
transcribed by Scott Pfitzinger

Chopin’s Waltz, Opus 64, No. 1, is marked molto vivace and is customarily called the “Minute Waltz” because it can be performed in about one minute. This arrangement for handbells will take more like 1:20 to 1:40. This is an excellent short piece to showcase the middle and upper bells with long melodic runs.

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

3-7 octaves – Level 4
Duration: 2:50

by Scott Pfitzinger

This original piece (the title means “Blue Rondo” in Italian) has a jazzy, syncopated feel with several “tricky spots” loaded with accidentals. The strong, driving rhythms continue all the way to the end!

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

4-7 octaves – Level 5
Duration: 3:01

by Scott Pfitzinger

Summer Storm is a very non-traditional piece that uses graphic notation and a variety of techniques to paint a musical picture of a storm in the summertime. A bit more dissonant than most handbell pieces, it is a joy and challenge to play!

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview

4-7 octaves – Level 5
Duration: 3:56

by Gioacchino Rossini
transcribed by Scott Pfitzinger

The Lone Ranger rides again! Experience all the excitement and energy of the end of the William Tell Overture, which the Lone Ranger made famous! A definite crowd pleaser, with all the colors and sounds of the orchestral version included. How fast can YOUR handbell ensemble gallop?

To hear a demo of this piece: Audio Demo
To view the first few pages: Preview