How to Start a Handbell Choir
Handbell choirs, which are gaining popularity in mainline churches, make a beautiful sound. A handbell choir has a greater range than an orchestra and more uniformity than a choir. Starting a handbell choir is no easy feat, however, since it requires learning about a new instrument and how to use it properly. The payoffs definitely are worth the time, though, as these bells sound almost magical when played well.
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Instructions
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Decide the age group of the members of the handbell choir. Because of the specialty nature of the handbells, you need to have a fairly narrow range. A choir for children may have 6 to 10 year olds, for example, or you could go with youth or adults. Each person in the group needs to be at a similar level musically for the choir to work well.
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Determine when your first performance will be. Because you'll be starting up, give yourself plenty of time. You cannot start a handbell choir in January and play in February. Determine the time frame of your first performance and create a practice schedule from that date.
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Advertise your intentions through local musical outlets. Contact band directors and choral leaders in the community as well as church music directors. These people should be happy to pass along information to potential handbell choir members.
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Hold auditions. Few people have played in a handbell choir. It is a novelty experience, and you'll need to adjust your expectations. For children, you should make sure that they can ring the bell when you point or when referring to a color-coded chart. Test adults primarily on their ability to read music. The biggest test when using the bells should be the ability of these people to make the proper motion with the bells. They can pick up the other techniques during practice times.
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Select people based on needs. All English handbells, which are likely what you'll use, require that the user makes a certain hand movement. The larger handbells, which have deeper sounds, are heavy and typically require someone who is fairly strong and sturdy. As you are selecting your choir members, you must think about where in the lineup each person will fit.
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Tips & Warnings
Think about having a day-long workshop when you get started to familiarize everyone with the handbells. It will give you a jump start when you begin regular practices.
