Last weekend’s Handbell Weekend in Madison, WI was a lot of fun! The event was organised by two churches — Westminster Presbyterian and Covenant Presbyterian — who invited us to visit Madison and lead workshop classes on various handbell topics. We appreciated the opportunity to talk about handbells for an entire morning, with around 40 workshop participants from churches and community groups in the area. We taught five classes between us, and shared a lot of information during that time.

Larry’s Bass Handbell Class

Larry’s class for bass ringers aimed to answer questions submitted by workshop participants before the event. He covered topics such as: how to lift bass handbells safely, how to assign parts when short-handed, bell placement on the table to avoid weaving, and how to use mallets effectively. The session also included an photo opportunity with bass shelleys; a chance for all the class participants to demonstrate their ability to hold two bass bells at the same time!

Notes for class participants: If you were at Larry’s class on Bass Ringing, and you’d like to learn more, you can find out everything you need to know and more by reading his very own book, The Bass Ringer’s Notebook. This book is available for purchase from Choraegus. If you were at the workshop and you regret not buying the Notebook at the special discount price, get in touch with us, and we’ll arrange to make that possible (although you’ll still need to pay for shipping). Alternatively, use the coupon code given out at the event to save 20% on Choraegus purchases.

Carla’s Treble Ringing Class

Carla’s treble ringing class focused on some of the challenges treble ringers face, including topics such as how to make quick bell changes, how to play stopped sounds, and how to make martellato easier.

Adventures in 8-Bell Music

We enjoyed sharing some of our 8-bell music with workshop participants. We talked about the reasons for playing 8-bell (or small group) music, handbell assignment, space requirements, and the challenges and considerations to bear in mind. Then we all enjoyed playing some 8- and 12-bell music together as a group. We were able to add higher and lower bells to fill out the sound, and it all sounded great!

Note for class participants: If you enjoyed our 8-bell music class on Saturday morning, you can find lots of small-group music available for purchase from Choraegus. Don’t forget to use the coupon from the event to save 20% on every purchase!

British-Style 4-in-Hand Ringing

This is not actually an accurate representation of how it’s done, but Carla always enjoys the opportunity to teach other ringers how to play 4-in-hand in the traditional British way. Some of the class participants were trying 4-in-hand for the first time, while others were proficient in the ring-and-knock style most often used here in the USA. Either way, learning a new technique is a challenge, but everyone rose to the occasion and eventually succeeded in making it work!

Note for class participants: If you went to the class, and your hands forgot everything the minute you left the room, you can find more information (with extra pictures) in this detailed article on our site. If you’re wondering where you can find some free music to practise your new skills without spending any money, you can find it here!

Choraegus “Speed Reading” Session

This was a top-speed sight-read though some of the full-choir music available from Choraegus. Some pieces were more challenging than others, but we kept the session low-stress, and just enjoyed making music together as a group.

The following pieces were included in the session. Click on each title to find out more!

Celebration

3-5 octaves, Level 1. An original composition with lots of chords! Suitable for worship or concerts.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

3 octaves, Level 2. A new arrangement of this peaceful Christmas carol, to play on either bells or chimes.

Let Us Break Bread Together

2-3 octaves, Level 2. An accessible arrangement of this popular hymn. 

Newness

3 or 5 octaves, Level 1, 2 or 3. An original composition, available in 3 levels to suit your choir.

Kingsfold

3-5 octaves, Level 2+. An arrangement of the traditional English hymn tune, with a little extra challenge.

Peace

3-5 octaves, plus optional handchimes, Level 2+. An original composition for worship or concerts.

Five

3-5 octaves, Level 2+. An original composition, with FIVE sharps, and FIVE flats in the key signatures!

The Heavens Declare Your Glory

3-5 octaves, Level 3. For more advanced groups, this uses mallet and mallet lift techniques in the bass.

‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

3-5 octaves, plus optional 3-octave handchimes. An interesting arrangement of the traditional Huron Carol.

Processional

3-5 octaves, Level 2+. An original composition, suitable to memorize as a processional.

Jingle Bells

3-5 octaves, Level 3-. A laid-back, jazzy arrangement of the popular Christmas carol.

Woodlands

3-5 octaves, plus optional 1-octave handchimes, Level 3+. For groups looking for some extra challenge, this is a recent arrangement of the hymn Tell Out My Soul.

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

3 or 5 octaves and handchimes (3 octaves), Level 4. A fun, mixed-meter challenge for advanced handbell choirs at Christmas, this arrangement has options for suspended mallets, handchimes, and “unusual” bells. There’s also an additional cajón part, available for purchase separately.

All the “thank you”s

We’re thankful to everyone who worked so hard to make the Handbell Weekend a success. Thanks to Joe and Melissa, from Westminster Presbyterian Church and Covenant Presbyterian church for being such wonderful and welcoming hosts. Thanks also to the Madison Area Concert Handbells, who helped so much with the loan of equipment for the event, and to all the participants who came to the workshop and shared in the fun. We hope to be back in Madison to do it all again someday!