How to Play Percussion Bells
The deceptively-named percussion "bells" are, in fact, a metal keyboard instrument resembling a xylophone. While the basic principles of playing percussion bells are as simple as striking the individually-pitched metal bars, getting the best quality of sound, precision and the desired volume output requires proper playing techniques.
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Instructions
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1
Decide which side of the mallets to use. Bell mallets are made with metal tips on both ends, one side smaller than the other. The larger mallet tips are capable of creating louder, more resonant sounds while the smaller tips are more suited to softer and subtler pieces of music. While you're learning the instrument, you may want to stick to the large-tipped side for better accuracy and to help you as you develop volume.
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2
Hold the mallets properly. Grip the mallets in your fists with the length of the shafts protruding from between your thumb and the knuckle of your forefinger. Adjust the position of your hands as needed: The closer your hand is to top of the mallet, the easier it will be to control the mallet for accuracy, but you will have to strike with more force to get more volume, since the mallet will naturally strike harder if it's allowed to flex as you strike.
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3
Aim for the center of the bars. Prepare to strike with the mallets so that the metal tip hits the very center of each key bar, as this is the point on the note that is the most resonant. Keep your eyes on the appropriate bar, rather than the mallet, in order to ensure the greatest accuracy.
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4
Strike the bells. Raise your arm slightly--about six to 12 inches above the bars--then move your forearm down in a smooth, but not snappy, motion. As your hand gets close to the bar you want to strike, snap your wrist to make the metal tip of the mallet strike the bar. Immediately snap your wrist up to remove the metal tip from the bar as soon as it has struck.
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5
Practice. Repeat strikes of the metal bars for accuracy and experiment with different amounts of force to get used to controlling the instrument's volume.
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