Westminster Handbell Choir performing at worship services
(photo by Luke Hall, March 28, 2004)

Guest Director Beth Kline leading the Handbell Choir
at worship service, October 17, 2004

We're always looking for new handbell ringers, so please contact us by email if you're interested. We rehearse on Sunday evenings from 5:30 - 7:00 in the music suite, and visitors are always welcome.
 

WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BEING A HANDBELL RINGER

 
A handbell choir is very much like a jigsaw puzzle. The total image is created only when all the individual parts fit together perfectly.

Handbell music for full 3-5 octave choirs is arranged so that each ringer has a "position" to play. Collectively, the handbell choir creates the music because each ringer is responsible for only certain notes. The composer/arranger writes the music by allowing two hands to cover 3-4 bells in each position. It is very difficult to almost impossible to play two bell positions at once. For example, the melody line might be rung by several players, each having only one or two notes of the entire melody while simultaneously playing harmony. 

Handbell choir ringers are very dependent upon each other------both musically and physically. All ringer positions must be filled anytime the choir rehearses or plays so the complete sound is accomplished. Without all the notes playing, part of the music is missing. So each position must be covered at every rehearsal. Commitment by each member of the handbell choir is essential. Attendance is a must!

Having said that, we try to alleviate the commitment by dividing the church year into three nine week terms - Fall, Winter and Spring - and by implementing the use of substitute ringers when necessary. Since we realize it is sometimes impossible to be at every rehearsal because of busy lives and illness, we require that whenever a ringer is unable to be at practice, he/she make arrangements for a substitute to be in his/her place to play the position. Then the entire bell choir isn't let down. 

It generally takes eleven people to play three octave music and up to 13 to play five octave music. Reading music is helpful but not essential. One can be assigned a "line and space" just as easily. You only need to be able to read your respective space and line. Handbells are a rhythm instrument and easy to learn. Musical aspirations can quickly be fulfilled without years of practice or prior musical knowledge. Good rhythm skills and coordination, however, are important and make ringing much easier. We have a lot of fun and enjoy the challenge of learning something new and making music, all at the same time. 

Our challenge, as a bell choir, is to always present our music in a way which touches the congregation and enhances the worship experience - and doesn't call undue attention to ourselves. We continue to develop toward that goal, working hard to get the musical elements right and to have our visual presentation aid in conveying the message of the music. 

Why not spend part of your Sunday evenings with church friends and join us for fellowship, fun and music? Each handbell ringer is a team player who reaps the benefits of pride in personal accomplishment. It's a unique blend of having fun while enhancing self esteem, enjoying fellowship with co-ringers and making beautiful music. A "flick of the wrist" and a few friends are all you need.

For updated information and news, go to our Chimes Newsletter.

Please email us for additional information: handbells@westminsterpres.com )


You can try playing Malmark's handbells (the kind we have) right here online, if you're using Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator and you've installed Macromedia's Shockwave.