How to Teach Handbells
With minimal musical knowledge, anyone can learn the basics of handbells. Each person is responsible for ringing at least one bell that plays a distinct note. Together, a choir of bell ringers plays a song note by note.
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Instructions
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Assign each member of the bell choir at least one bell. Consider assigning more than one bell for notes that don't get played as often, or to skilled musicians. Tell each bell ringer what note(s) they are assigned.
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2
Show each bell choir member how to properly handle a bell. Instruct them to hold the bell upright, close to their chest. Show them how to ring the bell forwards and to make a full circle with their bell so the clapper strikes the bell as the circle is completed.
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3
Practice running scales to familiarize each ringer with their note(s). Have the base and treble clef ringers practice alone before putting the clefs together.
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4
Teach the ringers how to read the musical notations on the score. Instruct them how to determine how loud to ring, when to mute their bell and if they need to play a long or short note.
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