Handbells Ringing Again
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.
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.
New Music from CPH
This is just a heads up that CPH recently released their new choral, handbell, and organ books/pieces for 2009. As always, CPH has MP3s and PDF samples of the pieces to view before purchasing. On the organ side, at least, there were a few items that got my attention early on and I have since purchased.
If you’re in the market for some sacred music, give the folks at CPH a try. They have an abundance of resources — especially for the Lutheran musician. But if you want Paul Manz, Michael Burkhardt, or some of Robert Hobby’s pieces, you’ll need to head over to MorningStar Music.
Church Music Workshops
Don’t forget to take a look at the Church Music Workshops being offered at Concordia Theological Seminary this summer. They are well worth your consideration.
Church Music Workshops @ CTSFW
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! As the music of Holy Week and Easter Sunday continues to ring in our ears, I’d like you to think about summer.
What’s happening this summer? The Church Music Workshops at Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne, IN. This year there are opportunities for organists, AND choir directors, AND handbell directors/ringers. In other words, bring the whole crew.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Minnesota Public Radio will present a live broadcast — on the air and streamed online — of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, “My Spirit Sings of Wondrous Things,” Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning at 3:30 p.m (Central Time). MPR will present an encore broadcast Dec. 25 from 8 to 10 p.m.
Listening to the St. Olaf Christmas Festival has become an annual tradition for me.
Handbell Inspiration – The St Olaf Ringers
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.
Share your thoughts . . .