Information on Handbells
Handbells are unique musical instruments that can collectively produce a very distinct and compelling sound. They are generally played by large groups of musicians, where each individual is responsible for ringing a select number of bells with proper timing and delivery to create a singular musical composition. Handbells are commonly used in church choirs, but there are some professional ensembles that tour and record.
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Common Type
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English handbells---a term used to describe the type of handbell and not the country of origin---are most frequently used by handbell groups in the United States. Their clappers move on a hinge, only moving back and forth, as opposed to moving freely like a school bell. Manufacturers consider overtones when they are casting handbells, making sure to give all of the bells in a set a consistent harmonic profile. English handbells emphasize the 12th above the fundamental, or an octave plus a perfect fifth.
Casting and Clapper
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The metal body of the bell is called the casting, and can be made from aluminum, bronze or a combination of the two. In order to create accurate tones, the inside surface of each bell is carefully shaved down and polished during manufacturing. The bells will remain tuned unless they are handled too roughly; a poorly treated bell will develop micro-fractures that may cause the bell to lose its tone or generate an audible buzz.
Handbell clappers are typically made from bronze. The clapper strikes against the casting to create the handbell's tone. Clappers have stops at their base that keep the clapper from touching the bell while at rest and prevent the clapper from inappropriately hitting the backside of the bell.
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Handle and Handrest
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The handle of a handbell is usually made from polypropylene, a strong material that resembles plastic and rubber, or sometimes from plastic or leather. The pitch and proper position of a bell can be determined by checking the markings on the handle.
The bell's handrest is also made from polypropylene, and is located between the handle and the casting. It creates a surface on which to rest the inverted bell when it's being held, thus keeping the hand from interfering with (or dampening) the sound of the bell.
Gloves
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Choirs and ensembles have traditionally worn gloves to protect their handbells from the skin's natural oils that can tarnish and eventually corrode the bell casting. Since sweat can penetrate the gloves anyway, some groups prefer to play without gloves, citing the benefits of a more "natural feel" for the bells. Other groups still choose to wear gloves for their aesthetic value.
Basic Techniques
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In order to properly ring a handbell, the logo on the bell's handle must be facing in your direction. Grip around the entire handle---not through the loop. Lift the bell and invert it so the handle is on the bottom, and stretch your arm forward in a circular motion, matching the size of your motion with the value of the musical note that you are playing. Bring the bell back in and press it against your chest to stop the ringing. To maintain proper posture, treat the bell like a glass filled with liquid and employ angles that would keep the liquid from spilling out.
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