INTERESTED IN HANDBELLS?
Playing them, that is! I would like to offer an opportunity for individuals to learn the basics involved in playing. We could potentially gain some new players, and at the very least would increase the understanding and appreciation of what is involved in producing the lovely ensemble sounds of a handbell choir.
So what are the qualifications of a good handbell choir member? First and probably foremost, is the willingness to commit being present 100% of the time. Once certain bells are assigned to a player, they simply will not be played if the player is absent. Second, ringers must have a good sense of rhythm. The clappers must strike absolutely together in order for there to be a good ensemble sound. And the third essential is to be able to count! I assume that everyone can count, but the counting in ensemble playing requires that each player keep up with which beat and in which measure the music is- from before the first note until after the final one. Sometimes the hardest park is not the actual playing, but the keeping up with exactly when to play (and when not to!).
If you would like to explore the possibility, give me a call and we'll fist of all set up an individual sessin where I can show you the basics of how to hold and ring the bells and how to follow a simple musical score. Then later in August I plan to pull any interested newcomers together and do some ensemble work. By then you and I will both have a pretty goody feeling about whether this means of musical expression is a good one for you.
James Richardson