How to Play Bass Handbells

Playing handbells in a handbell choir is becoming popular in churches and with other groups and organizations. In a handbell choir, there are treble bells and bass bells. The bass bells are usually the larger bells that play the harmony. Here are a few steps to teach you how to play the bass bells in a handbell choir.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Learn the notes on the bass clef. The first line on the bass clef is the G. Then each line going upward is B, D, F, and A. Know the notes for the spaces as well. The first space on the bottom is A. Then each space going upward is C, E, and G.
2. Play the lower bell in the left hand always. Keep the bells in order as they appear on the musical staff. Mixing the handbells may make you ring a bad note.
3. Know the dynamic symbols on the music. This is very important because the bass bells can easily drown out the sound of the treble bells. The dynamic are : F = forte (Loud), P = Piano (Soft), MF = Metzoforte (medium loud), MP = Metzopiano (Medium soft), FF = Fortissimo (Very loud) and PP =Pianissimo (Very soft). Always watch for dynamic changes in the music.
4. Practice. Train your hands to become accustomed to the feel of the bass bells. The bass bells are the heavier bells, so practice will allow the player to know when and where each bell is located and played. It also will build the wrist strength you need to swing the bells quickly and accurately.

Tips & Warnings

• Never bang the bass handbells together. This will damage the bell and distort the sound.