Handbell Inspiration – The St Olaf Ringers
On a lighter and less serious note:
Just a few hours ago I returned from the weekly practice session for the church handbell group I ring with. Each Monday evening is a time for fellowship and practice. I have to say we have a talented group of musicians — by the end of the evening we had three or four ringers playing 3 or 4-in-hand, several playing 2-in-hand and keeping an eye on another bell, and two ladies sharing 6 or 7 bells in the lower octave. We had quite the bell-robics workout this evening.
When I came home I did some YouTube searching and came across the following audio version of Glories Ring from the St Olaf Handbell Choir & Orchestra. Granted, the Christmas season is over, but this is a great piece to listen to. They played it on the 2007 PBS St. Olaf Christmas Concert -- which I Tivo’d -- and I watch over and over again (especially the handbell piece). The choreography of bell ringing is amazing. If you have some time, take a listen to St. Olaf and enjoy! You can find more of their video and audio over at their YouTube site — just click here.
And if your church has a handbell choir and you are interested in ringing, ask the director how you can participate. Most choirs welcome new people with open arms and will help you learn the joy of bell ringing. It all begins with counting 1, 2, 3, and 4.
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