by Jill Boday

On March 8th the Handbell Choir attended “Totally Tins,” a one-day workshop in Whitinsville, MA at the Village Congregational Church. This was designed specifically for beginner ringers. Several of our members have been ringing for a few years, but it was helpful to revisit the basics! The clinician, Kimberlee Strepka, an outstanding music educator shared her expertise in “Laban Movement (Dance) Analysis” as it relates to handbell ringing! Using different movement action words like “glide,” “punch,” “push,” and “dab,” we were able to change the velocity and force of our ringing, thus changing the sound. Beginners and intermediate ringers were able to drastically improve their musicality. Fascinating stuff!

On April 26 we will be visiting Dunns Corners Community Church in Westerly, RI for a half day handbell workshop, from 9am-12pm! It is for beginner to intermediate ringers, working on basic technique, music reading, and music games. Please join us! The cost is $10.

On April 27 we look forward to hosting a “Making the Magic of Music” workshop from 12 – 1:30 pm. Join me and Ropi as we introduce how we prepare music, play, and sing during worship services. Get a taste for what it’s like to be in the choir or to ring a handbell. This will be an informational, hands-on workshop for ANYONE! Come with your questions.  Everyone is welcome. No prior music experience is needed!

I will be starting up a children’s chimes choir! We will begin by trying it out during Sunday School. Once we are established, we will showcase our new music skill during a church service. If your child is interested, just let me know.  This will be fun! As always, kids in grades 5-12 are welcome to try handbells, too!

More music and workshops to come!

Happy spring!