Celebrating 30 years of handbells at AUMC

Eight members of Auburn United Methodist Church gathered 30 years ago to establish the church's first handbell choir. Now five choirs strong, with an emphasis on music education, the groups of ringers not only perform all over Auburn, but travel throughout the Southeast.

"We were nervous at first. We practiced a long time before we performed in front of the congregation," admitted Julia Norton, one of two founding members still performing in "Village Bells" and director of the five choirs.

"Village Bells" still keeps its daytime rehearsals, but "Bell Ensemble," the other adult bell choir, was created for those who can only meet in the evenings, Norton said.

Gary Klarenbeek, AUMC music director, explained why handbells appeal to so many ears.

"Handbells have a sound that is really unique from the capabilities of the human voice or other instruments," he said. "When you hit the bells on the padded table, swing them behind you, or shake them really rapidly, you get a sense of the excitement and variety."

Each bell rings one note, but players control two to eight bells, depending on their skill level. The adult bell ringers use a five-octave set, while the children use a three-octave set, Klarenbeek said.

"About 25 years ago, we created 'Genuine Bells' for ninth and 10th graders," Norton recalled. "That was a great year—the students were so musically inclined that we could ring and sing together. One even wrote compositions for us to play."

Even today, Norton said, the church's high school bell ringers are a "great group" because they stay in the program from an early age. Klarenbeek agreed, saying the program helps young people learn to read music—a requirement for the adult choirs though AUMC does not hold auditions.

Twenty years ago marked the beginning of "Joyful Ringers," the first children's handbell choir for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

"We don't introduce the bells to children younger than that because their hands can have a hard time controlling them," said Norton. "But then, about two to three years ago, we started a hand chime group—the instrument looks like a big tuning fork and it's much easier for a second- or third-grade child to hold."

Norton said that even though Auburn United Methodist Church now has five handbell choirs, she still has to put people interested in participating on a waiting list.

"All positions are full," Norton said. "However, sometimes schedules change and people have to drop out for a while. Then I just go to the list and say 'Hey, want to start ringing this week?'"

In total, Klarenbeek said, 75 to 80 people participate in the five choirs, which travel all over the Southeast to handbell festivals, where members take classes and learn new notes. This year's big festival is in Huntsville and will host 40 to 50 choirs, all with about 14-15 members each, Norton said.

In addition to several other upcoming festivals, the choirs stay in practice by performing once a month at AUMC and meeting once a week.

"Since we have five choirs, every Sunday there is someone ringing bells," Norton said. "We try to prepare the congregation for worship through either exciting or calm melodies, whatever is called for."

The choirs make an appearance at the Auburn Music Club's Christmas event and play throughout the year at senior residences as well as are scheduled to appear at other churches.

"If anyone wants us to come play, we will come," said Norton. "We just have to have a lot of notice!"