Bel Canto in Italian translates to "pretty song" and the name fits perfectly the music produced
by this talented group. The Bel Canto Handbell Choir rings 5 octaves of English bells, the lowest
octave beginning on C below the bass staff and the highest octave ending high above the treble
staff. A ringer is usually responsible for two pitches (such as A and B) and generally for the
ringing of 3 or 4 bells (two at a time). In the extremely high range, ringers may often ring two
bells in each hand, while in the low range, ringers usually only ring one at a time due to to the
size and weight of the bells.
Whereas the Bel Canto Handbell Choir rings songs, handbells had their origin in change ringing,
a system of ringing various patterns of notes with bells in the towers of churches. In the early
years of the 17th century, bell ringers in villages competed for prizes in change ringing contests,
and the practice times on the large church bells often annoyed the villagers. Handbells were
acquired to permit ringers to practice their changes in the basement of the church. Ringing a
"song" on handbells became popular in this country in the 1950's, and here at St. Andrew's, our
group is perfecting the art.
|
