How To Start a Handbell Choir at Your Church

Many churches are seeing a resurgence of interest in restarting handbell choirs in their churches. It is quite simple to start a handbell choir, especially if you already have a set of handbells. But it does take some planning! So here are the steps you need to take to start a handbell choir:

1. How many people do you need to start a handbell choir? You can start a choir with four people by using music composed for 8-bell choirs. You need a minimum of 8 ringers for a 2-octave handbell choir and a minimum of 11 ringers for a 3-octave handbell choir. This is a good place to start because there is 2-3 octave handbell music written.

2. Make sure you have adequate interest in starting a handbell choir. Include an interest form in your church's newsletter and/or bulletin. Consider having a representative from the manufacturer of your handbells come to your church & demonstrate use of the handbells and how easy it is to learn.

3. Do potential ringers have to know how to read music? It is certainly much easier to teach someone to ring if they know how to read music, but it is not entirely necessary. This choice is up to you and how much time and energy you have to put into building your handbell program. You might want to consider having a beginning group for those that don't read music so that you can teach them theory, how to read music, and rhythm. Do, however, make sure that you include this question in your interest form.

4. Invest in learning more about handbell ringing yourself. Consider joining Handbell Musicians of America (formerly AGEHR). You can find membership information at: http://www.handbellmusicians.org/redirect.html. Also consider attending a director's workshop sponsored by HMA, especially if you've never rung handbells before or it's been a long time since you have.

5. Become friendly with your local handbell representative. There are two popular handbell manufacturers: Malmark (black & white handles) & Schulmerich (black handles). By contacting your handbell's manufacturer, you can find out who your local representative is. Many times these representatives will come to your church and do an introductory class for anyone interested in ringing.

6. Make sure your handbells are in good shape. Again, contact your handbell's manufacture or local representative to find out where you can have your handbells refurbished. Many times there are people in your area (perhaps even your representative) that will come to your church to refurbish & clean your handbells.

7. Have a clear plan laid out before you start your handbell choir. Make sure you have an idea of the goals you want for your group. Do you want them to be able to play once a month in a worship service? Do you want them to attend a workshop to help them with their ringing skills? Set them up for success for the first time they ring in church.

8. Pray! Have fun!