Learn to Play Handbells!

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?

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.

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!

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!

  

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.

St. Mark's Ringers in Concert!
2017 at Riverside Park United Methodist Church