All About Handbells

Handbells have been used in Christian worship for centuries all over the world. In recent decades in the United States, we have seen a great rise in handbell choirs and ensembles, both as a supplement to congregational singing as well as a performing medium. Some of the most frequently asked questions about handbells are noted below.

What Are the Best Handbells?

There are a number of different handbell manufacturers in the U.S.A. and around the world. Most handbells are of the finest quality and built to last many years. Two of the most popular manufacturers in the United States — both of which offer a lifetime warranty on their bells — are:

Schulmerich Bells
Carillon Hill P.O. Box 903
Sellersville, PA 18960-0903
Toll-Free Telephone: 800-423-7464
Web Site: http://www.schulmerichbells.com

Malmark Handbells
P.O. Box 1200
Plumsteadville PA 18949
Toll-Free Telephone: 800-426-3235
Telephone: 215-766-7200
Web Site: http://www.malmark.com
E-mail: [email protected]

(Malmark Handbells, pricing, and additional handbell equipment are listed for sale in the Cokesbury Catalog. Call Cokesbury toll-free at 800-672-2789. Web Site: http://www.cokesbury.com.)

How Many Bells Are Available?

Bells are individually pitched; that is, one bell per pitch, or one bell per note on the piano. You may purchase bells individually (more expensive) or by sets of varying sizes. A beginning set of two octaves (G4 to G6) includes 25 bells. A larger three-octave set (C4 to C7) contains 37 bells. Although there is some music written for two-octave sets, much more is written for three-octave sets. Additional bells may be purchased in larger four-, five-, and six-octave sets, or individually as add-ons to an existing, smaller set.

How Many People Are Needed for a Bell Choir?

The normal number of ringers for a two-octave set is eight; eleven for a three-octave set; and fifteen for a four-octave set. Many choirs, however, choose to involve more or fewer ringers than this, according to their own situation and the director. Many churches have more than one bell choir, sometimes divided according to age; and all choirs commonly share the same set of bells by rehearsing and playing at different times.

What Is Needed in Addition to the Handbells Themselves?

The most common items needed by handbell choirs, directors, and musicians may include the following. These are available from the bell manufacturers, a neighborhood music store, a handbell specialty company, the Cokesbury catalog, or sometimes even in a department store:

• Handbell cases: For storing, transporting, and protecting the bells.
  
• Tables: Usually thirty inches high. There are special bell tables available, but often the six-foot or eight-foot rectangular tables in many churches work well.
  
• Music stands: For the ringers to place their music when rehearsing and performing. These can be specially made for handbells or can be the normal instrumental stands used by directors and bands.
  
• Risers: To place under the music to raise the sight level between ringer and director.
  
• Foam pads: At least four inches thick, cut to the size of the tabletop. This is crucial to protect the bells.
  
• Cloths or covers: To cover the pads and tables on which the bells sit.
  
• Gloves: Usually one hundred percent cotton in various sizes for each ringer to wear when playing or rehearsing. Most often the gloves are white, but they are also available in black. Gloves are available with or without plastic dots that increase grip and ease the turning of pages.
  
• Music: Available from many manufacturers and stores.
  
• Bell polishing cream and cloths: For removing dirt and oil and for preserving the bells’ shiny appearance.
  
• Mallets: An optional way to play the bells.
  
• A manufacturer’s repair kit containing required tools and some of the most frequently replaced parts of the bell, plus instructions.

What Is the Cost of Handbells?
The cost depends upon how many bells purchased, which bells (the larger ones are more expensive) are purchased, the manufacturer of the bells, and other factors. In mid-2002, a two-octave set with cases is about $4000; a three-octave set with cases is about $6500; additional pricing should be obtained from the manufacturers or suppliers. Cokesbury offers Handbell Packages of varying sized sets, cases, tables, covers, pads, gloves, mallets, music binders and stands, polishing cream and cloths, music, and instructional materials at various package prices.

Are There Training Opportunities Available for Directors and Ringers?
Many festivals and workshops are offered around the world and in the United States for various levels of difficulty from novice (beginner) to the most advanced level. Two organizations that offer such opportunities include:

The Fellowship of United Methodists In Music and Worship Arts (FUMMWA)
David Bone, Administrator
P.O. Box 24787
Nashville TN 37202
Toll-Free Telephone: 800-952-8977
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.fummwa.org

Handbell Musicians of America
1055 Centerville Station Road
Dayton OH 45459
Telephone: 1-800-878-5459
Web Site: http://handbellmusicians.org/

Where Do We Get Music to Play?

Most church music publishers regularly issue new releases for handbells. Also check the publications of the two organizations listed above.

What About Chimes?

Choirchimes (or handchimes) are a lower-priced alternative to handbells. The tone and technique are somewhat similar, although not exactly the same. Chimes are long and rectangular-shaped rather than bell-shaped. They also come in cases, but are much less likely to be damaged. Chimes can be played as their own choir or together with handbells. The approximate cost of chimes (mid-2002) is $800 for two octaves, $1400 for three octaves, $2000 for four octaves, and $3000 for five octaves, including cases. Malmark Choirchimes are offered in the Cokesbury Catalog.

Where Do I Go for More Help or Information?

The best source for information is an experienced church or school handbell director. An excellent introduction to handbells would be to attend a workshop, or to sit in on a neighboring church’s rehearsal, or even to join the bell choir for a time. Contact FUMMWA and AGEHR, especially to receive their publications.

Another excellent source for information, music, and handbell-related equipment is:
Jeffers Handbell Supply, Inc.
PO Box 1728
Irmo, SC 29063-1728
Telephone: 800-547-2355 or 803-781-0555
Fax: 803-781-3020
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.handbellworld.com