Bells Come Alive
This session will focus on revitalizing handbell choirs, encouraging directors to go on the road with new ways to make your choir effective in church and the community.
Did you take a new job as a church musician and discover a set of handbells in the closet? You don't have a handbell director, so now what? Is your handbell choir stuck in a rut and sometimes humorously called, "The Ding-a-lings"? Do you wish you could change the negative attitudes and perform more frequently in the community? Where or where can I find more ringers? These are questions that are often heard, and yes, there are some solutions to these problems.
With 18 years experience directing handbell choirs of all sizes and ages, Priscilla Rigg, Music director of St. Luke's Church new directs the Jubilate Ringers. This handbell choir of 14 ringers, plus several substitutes, has become an ecumenical/community choir. They perform regularly in the surrounding communities and enjoy invitations to play for church festivals, funerals and numerous community activities.
Building skills, faithful o rehearsals and with lively spirits the Jubilate Ringers are role models for many struggling and beginning handbell choirs. Come to this session and hear about the experiences that have helped ot shape these ringers into an energetic and creative choir.
"I never expected or wanted to be a Handbell Director. How often I have had to eat those words! Today I have this wonderful, dedicated choir that constantly challenges me. Now I am enjoying every moment of it and appreciate the musical stimulation that this choir brings to all of us"
-Priscilla A Rigg, Directory of Music, St. Luke's Church
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