Summer Ringing Fun!
This summer, five members of the 5-octave, 13-member Jubilation handbell team decided they wanted to ring a little more once the regular worship arts season concluded. So they gathered with Director of Handbell Ministry, Carla David, to work on small ensemble music. “There were actually more than these five ringers who wanted to continue ringing during the summer months,” explains Ms. David. “But the reality is that summer is tough is terms of coordinating everyone’s schedule for rehearsing together. With bell ringing – especially small ensemble ringing – it is imperative that each person be present for each and every rehearsal. I was glad it worked out for these five to get a taste of what this type of ringing requires! I decided to give them some “Five by Five” to prepare. It was great fun!”
“Five by Five” is ensemble music for five which is scored for 3 octaves of handbells. Three octave music is normally rung by 11 ringers, meaning the five by five ensemble musician is required to play and share many more bells than what is usual. And this music is usually performed WITHOUT a director, musicians memorize much of the score and direct and cue themselves.
The group of five rehearsed six times and then performed two selections in Sanctuary services on Sunday, July 12. Thank you, ladies. Congratulations on a job well done!
Some words from the ringers themselves . . . .
NANCY MASCHAL
- “Participating in this ensemble was lots of fun. It was different & certainly challenging, but I found that it really added to my joy as a ringer.”
KARAH RICKETTS
- “Ringing five by five was definitely out of my comfort zone. But I enjoyed it a LOT and think that the challenge made me grow as a ringer. And I got to play those little tiny bells! How awesome is that?!?! (Karah is a confirmed low bass bell ringer.)
MENDY BARNETT
- “I am fairly new to ringing. Succeeding with five by five – especially performing it WITHOUT a director – boosted my confidence. I think I proved to myself that I could actually do something I may have thought was impossible only a few months ago. And we really clicked. There’s something about working in a small group that creates a special intimacy – a true bonding.”
ANN MORRISON
- “I enjoyed having the chance to learn something new. I felt like I was much more physically involved because I was moving back and forth a lot on the table while sharing bells. Having to listen and cue so carefully (with no director) made the experience even more personal.”
BRANDY CARPENTER
- "I loved the challenge of this ensemble experience. It was very different, but fulfilling. Handbell ringing is a rewarding experience in itself. It’s a chance to fellowship & to be with others while creating beautiful. And ringing provides a great sense of accomplishment."
The First Church Handbell Ministry is open to all – from 3rd graders to adults.
If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry,continue to explore this website. You may also email us at handbells@fumc-rr.org or call Carla at 255.3336, Ext. 122.