Ring, Plunk, Pluck

We join the Music Ministry for many reasons. Cecille Waggner writes about joining the handbell choir.

I never considered myself the creative or artistic type, preferring math formulas and the scientific process over the subjectivism of the arts. But when my sister told me that Francesco was starting a handbell choir at the parish, I was curious. I figured I could always quit if it didn’t work out.

Now I love every single plunk, pluck, ring, thumb damp, and shake and I'm still discovering the different sounds those bells can produce. I know now that my childhood music lessons were not for naught (thanks Dad!). I like being part of this group of musicians (an ensemble really) - from our newest member Ghislaine and her do-re-mi, to Bridget who can now sight read music like a pro to Precy, our resident nurse.

Each of our 11 ringers has a role to play and no single ringer is more important than the other. We enjoy our rehearsals, sweat through our performances, and we keep coming back for more. In my next post, I'll share some of the new musical pieces for the Lenten season.

Here’s Francesco’s invitation to join our handbell choir.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Hello everyone time for another music video, this one is from the song "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" performed by BYU Combined Choruses.

Our Handbell Choir Needs a Name

Please help us name our adult handbell choir. There is no limit to the number of names that you can come up with. Use this link to enter your suggestions. Name that Choir

Some criteria to guide your creativity:
1. The name should reflect the personality of our handbell choir: dedicated, fun, committed to inspiring the assembly, multi-talented, supportive of each other, welcoming. and we love to learn.
2. We perform a variety of music, primarily during the Christmas and Lenten seasons and for special events.
3. The name must differentiate us from the other handbell choirs in the parish/school: our children's beginning and intermediate handbell choirs and eventually, a beginning adult handbell choir.
4. Anyone can join the handbell choir. We do not discriminate based on musical style preference or level of experience.

Pie Jesu - John Rutter

Here is a choir performance of Pie Jesu by John Rutter, fun fact the soprano singing the solo was a young boy.