Larry’s handbell history
Larry Sue began playing handbells in a workshop at a 1987 music conference. He then spent sixteen years with the Valley Ringers (Cupertino, CA) and eight years with Son Ringers (Mountain View, CA). He directed the Alleluia Ringers at Los Altos United Methodist Church, Los Altos, CA until the summer of 2016.
Larry also performed with Bay Bells, one of the longest-running community handbell ensembles on the West Coast. As a bass handbell specialist, he was the Artistic Figurehead of Low Ding Zone, the World’s First Bass-Only Handbell Ensemble for eight years. His experience also includes performing at Distinctly Bronze West and the Bay View Week of Handbells, plus many other local events, as well as the occasionally foray into the area of bass handbell solos. Larry is a member of the Kalamazoo Ringers, where he enjoys being part of the bass section.
Larry’s book, and other ventures
Larry Sue is a published handbell composer/arranger, and is the author of The Bass Ringer’s Notebook. His festival conducting experience includes California Spring Rings, the Rogue Valley Handbell Festival, the Redding Handbell Festival, and advanced events such as the River City Radical Ring and Redding Bronze. Larry has been a church musician for most of his life, serving on piano, guitar, clarinet, voice, and electric bass. Conducting and composing in the choral and instrumental ministries have been part of his efforts as well. Larry has also had sidelines in music teaching and piano tuning, and has been running his music publishing company, Choraegus, since 1995.
Larry’s handbell music
Larry’s been composing and arranging handbell music for many years. You can find much of it available for purchase on the Choraegus website. He continues to write music for anything from 6 handbells to 7 octaves! His music has been performed at many events over the years, including the Bay View Week of Handbells.
Current handbell happenings
Larry and Carla were married in 2012. Since they’ve been together, they’ve embarked on a new handbell adventure by creating and playing new pieces for just eight bells. Their duet repertoire extends across the entire spectrum of hymns, classical music, Christmas carols, and folk music. It’s surprising how many musical selections can be played using just eight notes! Larry and Carla are available to perform their duets at concerts, weddings, corporate events, memorial and church services. They can also teach classes and workshops in various handbell techniques, including Larry’s specialty – bass ringing!
