I’m having lots of fun finding and posting these local events. One of my favorites so far is the Handbell Duo last year.
I’ve rung handbells for many years, starting with my dad’s church in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. I have no idea where those bells came from and we just rang the melody line of various hymns.
Starting so simply, I had no idea how complex the music could get. Check out some of these symbols that can turn up at any time in any music!
When I joined my current church it turned out that they had a great music program – including handbells. The program was so popular that our fourth grader was able to get into his group before I could.
But, I let the director know I was interested and got on a wait list. In the spring of the next year, the adults were going to a handbell festival in Virginia Beach and there was a “hole” in the group. Could I go? Oh, yes! So I went and tried to play this complex music without ever having played it before. Fortunately, the 450 or so other ringers covered any of my mistakes.
At that time, the bell groups were divided into “Tins” and “Copper” depending on the main bell material. I was pleased to find myself in the group with the “better” bells. These days, bells are made of bronze in the approximate proportions of 80% copper and 20% tin.
How Handbells are Made
Eventually, I did get into a group and started actually learning how to play. The actual music notes were easy – each person usually has only 2 notes plus its sharp or flat. Left hand plays the space note and right hand plays the line note. Easy, right?
But then, that above notation pops up and it makes you think. People playing higher on the staff sometimes have to have two notes in each hand. Sometimes you switch to a chime, or play using a mallet, or actually hit the bell on the table.
My group will be playing in a concert on December 9 of this year. I’ll be sharing more info on this blog as the other details are firmed up.
Last year, we played Masters in this Hall:
If you’re interested in playing, listening or just learning more about handbells, please let me know and I’ll share the info you need.
Here’s some basics I wish I would have known before my first festival way back:
