- 1). Select repertoire. Your handbell choir may already have a library of handbell music to look through. For additional options, visit a sheet music store or browse an online store specializing in handbell music. Select pieces with an appropriate difficulty level and with the right number of octaves for your group.
- 2). Decide who will play which bells. Some standard bell-assignment practices have been developed, but apply them flexibly to your particular group. A simple way to start is to assign each ringer two successive diatonic bells as her "main" or "home" bells. For example, Ringer 1 plays C4 D4, Ringer 2 plays E4 F4, and so on. Chromatic bells (sharps/flats) should be played by the ringer of the bell with the same letter name---Ringer 1 also plays C#4 and D#4, for example.
- 3). Learn the specialized notation and terminology of handbell music. Become familiar with the signs for pluck, martellato, mart lift, mallet, suspended mallet, mallet roll, echo, swing and gyro. Learn the meaning of the following abbreviations: LV (laissez vibrer or let vibrate), R (ring), Sk (shake), TD (thumb damp), RT (ring touch) and BD (brush damp).
- 4). Maintain the handbells. Polish them regularly to enhance their appearance and prevent corrosion. When a ringer complains of a bell being "too loose" or "too tight," adjust the tension of the clapper mechanism. Inspect the bells for loose screws or bolts and tighten them right away.
- 5). Seek advice from other handbell directors. Learn from them by attending handbell festivals and workshops. Consider joining AGEHR, the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, as a way to network with other handbell directors.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -