Brockport handbell choirs to ring in 2023, invite new members

The New Year is literally ringing in the news that two English handbell teams are forming to serve Brockport and the surrounding communities.

These ensembles are independent and will play various secular, pop, and sacred pieces. Practices will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 14 State Street, Brockport. Equipment includes four octaves of handbells and three octaves of handchimes.

Both community handbell teams invite new members. The lower-level team is for beginners with no prior music or bell ringing experience. Participants will be met where they are and taught all they need to know. This team will meet on Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. An upper-level team is forming for those who can count independently and can read some music. Again, no prior bell ringing experience is needed. This advanced ensemble will meet Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There is some room for adjusting the practice schedule to meet the needs of the members.

Formal rehearsals will commence when the teams have been assembled. A minimum of 10 people are needed on each team, andsubstitutes are always needed.

Open rehearsals will be held at St. Luke’s on Monday, February 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and on Tuesday, February 28, 5 to 6:30 p.m., for those interested in trying out handbells, learning what’s needed to ring in terms of music, and to ask questions about how the bell teams work. Rehearsals will be held on the second floor. Use the side entry of the church on State Street. All are welcome.

Although there are always allowances for important events in team members’ lives, ringers are expected to prioritize rehearsals and team member pre-agreed upon performances in their schedules. If absences are unavoidable or needed, ringers should let the director know so that alternative rehearsal plans can be made and, if possible, subs can be recruited. Handbells are a group instrument, and too many people absent impacts the ability to function.

Studies have shown that reading music and learning new skills can help with memory retention, social connection, and general feelings of wellbeing. Ringing bells can also be quite a workout, especially at the higher level. Handbells are fun to play and tend to attract people looking for a mental and physical challenge, as well as engage in anunusual group instrument.

Leaders will be following CDC guidelines regarding COVID and associated pandemic viruses, such as influenza. Ringers are expected to cooperate with recommended vaccines and boosters, and if conditions should severely worsen again, with masking.
Those interested in participating should contact the director, Elaine Holt, by emailing https://elvh2012@gmail.com or calling or texting 585-364-2046 (Google Voice number). Please leave contact information.

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