O Little Town of Bethlehem

When the familiar words of O Little Town of Bethlehem are sung, the hymn tune ST. LOUIS is the one most often heard in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland, one hears the FOREST GREEN tune. As a tribute to the international nature of the fellowship of the handbell community, this arrangement uses both of these tunes. To add to the visual aspect of the handbell performance, a new suspended mallet technique is employed at the beginning and the end of the piece. Optional 2- or 3-7 handchimes and 2 octaves Petit Fritsen or auxiliary bells.