UVMC Rings in a New Handbells Class this Fall
Upper Valley Music Center invites experienced ringers and total beginners to join us for a brand new Handbells class this fall! Described as “the ultimate team sport for musicians,” handbell choirs are both fun for experienced musicians, and accessible for those who have never played an instrument.
A collaboration between UVMC and the Upper Valley Ringers, the idea for a UVMC handbells class arose after a jam-packed and engaging workshop at the Kilton Library last spring. UV Ringers members took workshop participants from Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to more challenging arrangements. “I loved playing together,” remarked one workshop participant, “It sounded beautiful!”
The class will be led by guest teachers and enthusiastic ringers Jo Shute, Judy Csatari, and Jane Sachs. The trio are all members of the Upper Valley Ringers and other handbell ensembles in the Upper Valley, with decades of ringing experience between them. “Playing bells in an ensemble is such fun! It requires focus, so it’s a great break from worldly distractions. I especially enjoy the process of learning a new piece – it’s like working on a puzzle together,” says Shute.
This new handbells class is one of many ensemble classes Upper Valley Music Center has rolled out in recent years, with the goal of giving community members a space to learn and make music together. “I’m so excited to add handbells to our roster of programs at Upper Valley Music Center because it really demonstrates the magic of bringing people together to make music as an ensemble, and it does it in a way that is engaging for both beginners and advanced musicians,” says Erin Smith, UVMC’s Education Director.
The Handbells class at UVMC will cover basic bell ringing techniques, how to play in an ensemble, and how to read and follow your part in music arranged for bells. There are two sections: one for those who are new to handbells and reading music, and another for confident music-readers who are ready to try a new instrument! Anyone with handbell ringing experience is encouraged to join the latter section as well. Each section will learn handbell repertoire as an ensemble to be shared with friends and family in an informal performance. Both sections are open to kids ages 10 and up, and adults.
The first class session will take place on Thursday, September 24, at River Valley Community College. Registration is available online now through Upper Valley Music Center. Visit uvmusic.org to learn more and register, and contact the UVMC Office at info@uvmusic.org or 603-448-1642 with any questions.