Creative Use of Keyboard with Handbells in Worship

When presented with the opportunity to use handbells within a worship service, organists can often be left wondering how to best utilize the instrument, and can sometimes be dismissive of their potential. Handbells and their counterparts, such as choir chimes and Silver Melody Bells, can add a  creative pop of color and can be incorporated into any part of a liturgical service. In this workshop, you will be given examples of techniques that can be combined with traditional hymns, such as obligatos, professionals, and the singing bell. Additionally, we will present ways in which children’s bell choirs can be incorporated, which can add to congregational enjoyment.  

Instructors include director Shirley Lindberg, and members of Bells of the Sound, a Bronze-level auditioned community ensemble based in Seattle, WA. In addition to performing throughout the Puget  Sound area and beyond, they strive to educate audiences of all musical abilities to the versatility of the instrument.