I have had a lot of vicarious exposure to handbell music. Both of my sons played handbells as they were growing up. We were blessed to attend Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, OH. That church had an outstanding music program for youth and adults. On occasion I would be asked to play a single bell for a fanfare. Those were really my only personal experiences of playing bells.
A few years ago, not long after I started studying choral composition, I decided to write an anthem that included both piano and handbell accompaniment. The process involved a lot of research to better understand all of the different ways that bells can be played. Honestly, having never played bells myself was a huge barrier to writing for them. It turned out pretty good in spite of that, and it was exciting to have this music performed at church. (The sheet music is available HERE.)
Last year I was asked to substitute in our bell choir for someone that was going to be absent. I was very excited and also very nervous. I practiced at home using wooden spoons for bells. It helped me get my hands synchronized. I found out that ringing in a bell choir is much more difficult than I had expected. Even so I had a great time.
That experience as a substitute inspired me to learn more by enrolling in two different handbell events. The first one was small, and was an opportunity to ring a lot of different music. That event was special for more than one reaason. They were ringing a hymn arrangement of Just As I Am Without One Plea that I wrote! Absolutely thrilling!
The second even was a larger regional workshop with many bell choirs. The full day workshop concluded with a concert that we all played in It felt like a lot more pressure but I had a fabulous time. Again, I learned a lot more about what handbells can do. I’m looking forward to creating opporutnities to apply all that I’ve learned in new compositions. I’ve been working on one that is for handbells and harp. I also hope to do another handbell and choir composition soon. Stay tuned.