HANDBELLS

at St. Lambert United Church

As part of the music program at St. Lambert United Church we are proud to boast three octaves of handbells, three octaves of hand chimes, and three groups or choirs willing to ring them (The Village Ringers, The Mellowtones & The June Bugs).

Our choirs rehearse two hours per week on a regular basis and during that time, we prepare handbell anthems to be rung in church at least once a month with lots of extra music played during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Our ringers are members of our congregation who have shown an interest in bell ringing and have been willing to learn something new.

As well as ringing full choir anthems, some of our ringers have enjoyed the challenge of ringing in smaller groups and even as solo ringers. Upon occasion we have accompanied the vocal choirs in their anthems and at other times, they have accompanied us! In all, it makes for an exciting time, musically speaking!

While we do most of our ringing at home, we have also participated in handbell festivals where we join with many other choirs, all ringing the same selections. Can you imagine the sound with 500 other ringers? These festivals are usually held in Ontario and are biennial events. We have also participated in several one-day-event “Spring Rings” in the state of Vermont. Attending these festivals and events outside our hometown gives us the opportunity to meet new friends, to learn new techniques, to ring new music and to share widely in our newfound interest. And you can be sure, we always have fun!