No Auditions Required: The Experience of Being Part of a Handbell Choir Must be Open to All

Posted in: Percussion by WebScribe on August 27, 2010 | 5 Comments

Being part of a handbell and/or handchime choir, ringing out melodious tones and magnificent music, is such an enjoyable and, for some, therapeutic experience that it should rightfully be open to all people, of any age or ability. Yet often, there are significant barriers to membership in many groups: “By audition only”, “Must be able to read music”, etc. Can non-music-reading and special needs groups ever join in this wonderful experience?

Three Easy Handbell and Handchime Choir Methods Mean Everyone Can Direct and Ring!

Posted in: Percussion by WebScribe on August 26, 2010 | 3 Comments

There are at least three Methods for starting and running successful handbell and handchime choirs for ringers who do not read music, by directors who also may have no music reading ability or previous musical training. One of these three Methods (the “STB”, Melody or Chord Method) will work well for your beginning handbell or handchime choir.

Choosing Instruments to Start a Bell Choir: Consider Handbells, Handchimes or Belleplates, Your Group’s Ability, and That Budget!

Posted in: Percussion by WebScribe on August 25, 2010 | 3 Comments

Could I actually lead a group myself? Could my group come together as a bell choir? What would I need? Handbells, handchimes, belleplates: Which type of instrument is best for my beginning bell choir? Here are the benefits and drawbacks of these instruments, along with recommendations, based on long experience, for their use with your beginning handbell or handchime choir.

Percussion Instruments Used in World Music

Posted in: Percussion by clavier on August 25, 2010 | 1 Comment

Here are among the more well-known world percussion instruments and their country of origin:

A History of Handbells, From Cold Bell Towers to a Warm Modern Day Reception

Posted in: Percussion by WebScribe on August 24, 2010 | 2 Comments

Handbells have a rich and interesting history, beginning as an invention of 17th century bell tower ringers (change ringers) to allow practice in more comfortable surroundings than their cold open air ringing halls, rising and falling in popularity during the next centuries, until today handbell choirs are widely popular not only in church and academic venues, but also in therapeutic settings.

Easy Handbell and Handchime Choirs: All Ages, Even Without Musical Experience, Can Create Beautiful Harmony Together From The First Rehearsal

Posted in: Percussion by WebScribe on August 22, 2010 | 4 Comments

Teachers, recreation directors and volunteers can take heart: A director with no musical background can lead handbell and handchime ringers of any age, from three to the late 90’s, in producing beautiful musical harmony together, right from the first rehearsal. The tremendous pleasure and benefits of making harmonious music together with chimes and bells, of working for peace through music, are truly open to all.