Every week, from 2:30 to 4 on Saturday afternoons, a handful of Carleton students gather together in the Chapel to make music. They are members of handbell choir, one of Carleton’s tiniest clubs, but certainly not its least.
Each term, the members of handbell choir get together in the Chapel to pick out the pieces of music they are going to learn and play for the term. Their repertoire is eclectic, ranging from songs from Disney musicals, to the famous “Chorus of the Bells,” to the Star Wars theme. Currently they don’t have plans to make any public appearances, though they may be playing for one of the chapel services this term.
“This is just something that warms our hearts,” says Meryl Schumacker ’11.
The handbell choir players focus on improving their craft. There is a complex technique to ringing the bells, explains Hilary Rosenheim ’11. “It is important to keep the bell upwards so that you can always see the clapper in the bell. The bell only rings in one direction, so if you are holding it incorrectly or backwards, it won't sound. Bells must be dampened into the ringer's shoulder, or else the note will keep ringing.” The also practice advanced techniques with such colorful names as the “four-in-hand” and “marting.”
Handbell choir is open to anyone, with or without musical experience, so feel free to drop by!
