Looking for a Good Time?
Learn to Play Handbells!
The St. Mark’s Ringers
has a couple of open slots for the fall, and it would be awesome if we could
start a second handbell choir at St. Mark’s. Any ringer will tell you that
playing bells is a great way to stay active. Playing bells is also an enjoyable
fellowship activity. Most important, handbells add to the beauty of our worship
and are an important part of the church’s song at St. Mark’s.
Commitment
Just like in team
sports, honoring the time commitments for a musical ensemble is important.
The St. Mark’s Ringers
rehearse one hour per week and play in church 10-12 times per year September
through May. We also have a short rehearsal on the Sunday mornings we play.
A new group would
rehearse about the same amount of time, but probably not play in church as
frequently. As our skills increase, we would play more.
We have historically
rehearsed on Wednesday evenings. The St. Mark’s Ringers will continue
with that schedule, but a new group may choose another time to rehearse.
Of course, things come
up and everyone must be absent at one time or another. Having more bell
ringers makes filling in the gaps much easier.
Who can ring?
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| St. Mark's Ringers Lutheridge Handbell Weekend 2012 |
All adults and youth
from 12 years old are eligible. Youth members would need reliable
transportation to and from rehearsals. If a parent is unable to accompany
a minor child, two adults need to help with transportation. (See “Protection
and Prevention – Working with Youth Under Age 18” in St. Mark’s Policies and
Procedures”).
Handbell ringing is a great family activity! I have seen many instances with one or two parents and their child (or children) ringing in a handbell choir.
Handbell ringing is a great family activity! I have seen many instances with one or two parents and their child (or children) ringing in a handbell choir.
Ringers do not need to
be members of St. Mark’s to be part of our choirs. Do you have a friend who might
be a good fit? Bring them along – but we do ask that non-members have the same
level of commitment to our schedule as any member of St. Mark’s.
Do I Need to Be Able to
Read Music?
Yes. . . but not right
away! We will teach you. (It’s easier than you think!) If we have a
lot of true music newbies in the beginning choir, then we can start right at
the beginning with everyone. If we have a mix of musicianship levels, then we
may have a couple of “private lessons” before bringing the whole group together.
Did you play an instrument in high school? Can you still name the lines and spaces on the musical staff? Do you remember how to clap rhythms with eighth notes, quarter notes, and half notes? Then you already know a lot! We can easily fill in the rest. This might be the perfect time to make use of those piano lessons you had as a child!
Did you play an instrument in high school? Can you still name the lines and spaces on the musical staff? Do you remember how to clap rhythms with eighth notes, quarter notes, and half notes? Then you already know a lot! We can easily fill in the rest. This might be the perfect time to make use of those piano lessons you had as a child!
How many spaces are
there?
We need 11 ringers to
form a new three-octave handbell choir, one or two more for a four-octave
choir. (An octave equals eight notes.) Advanced ringers in this group may even
be eligible to serve as subs for the St. Mark’s Ringers – and vice versa!
Are there other
activities?
Yes! We often attend a
Handbell Workshop at Lutheridge in North Carolina. This three-day event is a
fun way to work on our skills, learn new music, and meet lots of ringers from
other churches.
Our annual Christmas party features an ornament exchange and great food!
Our annual Christmas party features an ornament exchange and great food!
I’m intrigued. Now what?
Contact Tony Cruz as
soon as possible either via email (cantortonycruz@gmail.com). The schedule will be announced as summer comes to an end.
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| St. Mark's Ringers in Concert! 2017 at Riverside Park United Methodist Church |
