Handbells Ringing Again

Chris — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:27:15 +0000

When September comes around, there seems to be a “Back to . . . ” frenzy. In the church that often means Back to Sunday School, Back to Choir, and Back to Handbells. This past Monday, the handbell group I ring with started our Fall season — we were fewer in number (only 6), but one more will be arriving next week.

Even with a smaller group we had a blast at practice (it’s as much a social gathering as it is a music group). To ease back into ringing we sight read a number of 12 bell pieces and are planning to play a setting of Hyfrydol for Sept 20, which also happens to be the tune for the Hymn of the Day (LSB 851). By the end of practice, the piece sounded great.

And what is the moral of the story? For handbells, at least, you don’t need a dozen ringers and 3+ octaves of handbells to make music. Even 6 or 7 ringers with 2 octaves of bells can make some joyful noise. The early beginnings of my group was 6 ringers, 2 octaves of bells, and lots of 12 bell music (all in the key of C!).

Going through the handbell music this weekend, reminded me of the following piece I composed a few years ago for the 7th Sunday after Easter on the Hymn of the Day — Christ is the World’s Redeemer – 16 bells +/- for 2 octaves. Unfortunately, there is not a dearth of music for the tune Moville — Kenneth Kosche’s organ setting in Musica Sacra (CPH) and John Ferguson’s choral setting (GIA).

Take a listen and enjoy!

Christ is the World’s Redeemer

Handbell Inspiration – The St Olaf Ringers

Chris — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:15:34 +0000

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0pFGLm53-M

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.

Lutheran Kantor » Handbells

Handbells Ringing Again

Handbell Inspiration – The St Olaf Ringers