How to Play Hand Bells
In a hand-bell choir, each member can play up to five bells from a set that could span five octaves. Each ringer must read the music and watch the director to be ready to ring all her bells, some of her bells or no bells as required by the score.
Spring-loaded clappers, invented in the 17th century, enabled choirs to produce crisp sounds and spurred an era of competition with championships keenly sought in the 19th century.
Hand bells date from 3,000 BC and appeared in Europe in the eighth century. By the 1100s, bell ringing became popular in India, Japan and China.
The brass bells of varying sizes ring one note each when the clapper strikes the rim, choirs of ringers play music by ringing their bells in order.
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Things You'll Need
- Sets of hand bells
- White or black gloves (to protect the bells)
- Padded table
- Music
- Director
Instructions
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The bells are ringing...
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The correct position for the bell is either with it resting on your shoulder when you are playing, or placed on the padded table if you are not. Holding it down by your side invites accidental strikes, sends sour notes into the music and means you are not ready for your next note.
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The proper position to hold a hand bell is with your hand against the hand guard wrapped snugly around the handle with your thumb forward.
The movement to ring the bell begins with the bell on your shoulder. You extend your arm out and down, with a snap of the wrist at the apex to activate the clapper. Then bring the bell back to your shoulder to mute the vibration. -
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The most common techniques of playing the hand bells include:
The swing, a free movement from your shoulder to extend your arm for the clapper strike, then back for the next note.
The shake, possible by gripping the handle with thumb and index finger, leaving the other three free to shake the bell.
The Wa Wa: after the clapper strikes, lower the bell to gently tap the padded table.
The Martellato: push the bell into the padded table for a plunk sound.
Mart Lift: do the Martellato, then immediately raise the bell to continue its ring.
Thumb Damp: slide your thumb up the bell casting for a light note.
Free Vibrate: allow the tone to continue without dampening. -
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How firmly you hold the handle will alter the bell's note.
Use your thumb for a quick dampener to produce a staccato note.
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Tips & Warnings
Take care of your bells. After playing, rub them with a soft cloth and inspect for cracks or other damage. When transporting them, link the handles to prevent them from crashing against each other.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit TS Owen sketch.
