Knitting the Blues: YouTube Saturday, Handbells(you really should watch these, I promise you'll like it.)

Last week I let it out there that I am a member of a handbell choir. While I wasn't surprised that alot of people didn't know a whole lot about handbells, I was surprised that some knew nothing and some didn't think they knew anyone that was a ringer. At first thought, it might seem a boring thing, people standing there, making music with bells, a sort of stagnant thing, maybe boring to watch. You would be so surprised! Some handbell concerts are so exciting, the intensity of the musicians and the activity! There is movement and excitement in playing of handbells, especially playing difficult pieces and playing them well. I have watched handbell choir concerts in which I have been on the edge of my seat, almost breathless, wondering how they can weave between and around each other, sharing bells, ringing then malletting, then changing keys and bells many times in a section of music. There is an art to it. Every bell has a spot and once it is picked up it has to be returned to that spot, quietly, quickly and accurately so it can be found with ease by that ringer or the next one that needs it, and so it isn't clanked by the next bell set next to it because it is too close. Often a ringer is reaching for a bell without looking down, and it has to be there. I have rung in groups as small as three, ringing the three octaves that we have at our church, moving up and down the tables, moving in and around my companion ringers (which were my daughters-I love those memories) in a piece written for three ringers, or in a group of eight ringing the three octaves, which can be, depending on the complexity of the arrangement, just as difficult. This next video is a great introduction to handbells, what they are, how they came about and what it takes to ring them. By comparison, these fourteen ringers are ringing something like eight octaves! Our group of eight, consisting of mostly beginner ringers, rings three octaves.

Gillian and Meagan have rung quite a bit, ringing duets and solos. Watching one or two people ring has an electricity to it that always transfers to the audience. Even a non-musician can see and appreciate the physicality of the task. A lot of practice goes into that feat. Watch this:

And if you aren't convinced that it can be fun and exciting, or it is for sacred music only, this group should change your mind:

How about Stairway to Heaven? Hee. Or this solo. And this one. How about Fiddle Tunes for Bells? There are so many good YouTube handbell videos, I'm stuck on it.

Locally, the New England Ringers put on a really entertaining show and are in the midst of their spring concert series. I really recommend that, if you can make a concert you do it. These people work really hard and it shows. I'll be attending at least one, if not more. Maybe I'll see you there?

Two hundred forty-three to go. Why can't I get rid of the ringing in my ears?