ST. JOHN'S MUSIC PROGRAMS

The Norwood Ringers

Norwood Ringers is St. John’s handbell choir. Open to teens and adults, this collaborative group comprises a diverse background of music lovers, including members who have studied piano or played an instrument in a band or orchestra. Norwood Ringers is an excellent musical opportunity for someone who may not consider themselves a singer, but who enjoys music and wants to participate in a musical program.

Unlike playing a “regular” instrument, when you play handbells, you only play two bells with the associated flats and sharps (much easier than having to learn to play scales). When you are part of a bell choir, you are an integral part of a team of musicians who make beautiful music.

Handbell technique is easy to learn. Within a few minutes, you’ll be ringing bells with absolute precision. The only other requirement is to be able to count to 4 and hold a steady beat! You’ll enjoy the feeling of using your musical skills by participating in a fun musical group. (Yes, it isn’t all serious music making; we have fun along the way!) If you’ve never played handbells before, that’s okay! Experience is not required.

Depending on what instrument you have played or your musical background, you can ring bells in the clef that you are most comfortable reading. We need people of all skill sets, including those who can lift our largest and lowest sounding bells, which have an awesome sound, or who have the dexterity to play the smaller, delicate bells.

Handbell veterans may be interested to know that St. John’s owns three (3) octaves of handbells, as well as three (3) octaves of hand chimes. The chimes, which produce a softer, more hollow sound, are played with the same technique and can be quite effective when compared to the handbells.

Norwood Ringers rehearse on Thursday evenings, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and play once a month during the Sunday morning services.

The St. John’s Norwood music programs continue to grow, and we welcome newcomers to our lively and loving choir family.