New to Handbell Camp?
Who can ring?
Anyone who wants to ring can do so! Bells come in a wide variety of
sizes, so weight is not an issue - you can have a small bell if you
need one. It’s our job as directors to help you learn all the things
that bells can do - how to hold the bell, how to use a mallet and
how to do the various techniques that are special to bells.
What if I can’t read music?
No problem! At camp it is the director’s job to help you learn what
you need to know. Ringers are grouped in individual choirs according
to their knowledge, experience and ability, so you would be with
other beginners and would get plenty of help. Beginning
ringers only have one or two notes and we show you how to find them
in the music and when to ring.
Can I sit down to ring?
We usually stand when we ring and we prefer that you stand, but if
you have a physical issue we encourage you to bring a high stool
with you. At camp we have chairs in the practice rooms and you will
get breaks occasionally!
What does Handbell Musicians of America mean?
Handbell Musicians of America is the national organization that works hard to provide
education and special events that promote the art of ringing
handbells. The Handbell Musicians of America has divisions all around the country. Here in
the midwest we belong to Area 8, which includes Kansas, Missouri,
Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois.
Do I need to buy music or bring any special equipment to camp?
No, all the music you need will be at camp and bells are provided
by the directors and some local churches. You will need a pair of
gloves, which can be purchased at camp for about $6 and some
directors even bring spare gloves. A pencil is useful and some
ringers bring tape or band-aids for their fingers because after a
few days some people get blisters.
Do we ring all day at camp?
You’ll find a sample schedule on the CLASSES page - this year’s
camp will be quite close to what you see there. We ring after the
morning devotions in individual and massed (the whole group) choirs.
In the afternoon there is one massed rehearsal and then a break for
classes and activities. After dinner there is one individual choir
rehearsal before the evening activity. So its about 5 hours of
ringing each day plus whatever you choose to do in classes. There’s
plenty of time to rest or take a walk or make new friends.
Is it better to be in camp or register as a commuter?
We think you have a better camp experience as a camper. Of course
you can commute, but the extra traveling and the long hours can make
your camp experience less enjoyable. If you do commute, we need you
to be at camp from breakfast time (before devotions), to the end of
the evening activity - because your choir will probably be
participating and they need you.
Do I have to be in the talent show?
The talent show is a fun activity and each individual choir usually
plays something during the evening. Apart from that your
participation is completely optional. This is a very fun time with
lots of laughing and silliness - the talent is sometimes amazing and
sometimes a little questionable!
What do we do at Christmas in July?
Each choir usually plays a Christmas piece, some of us wear
something “Christmassy,” there’s usually a Christmas tree, maybe
some candy-canes, and at the end of the evening we exchange “white
elephant” gifts. It’s just an excuse to bring out the Christmas
music and have fun! Please don’t spend money on the gift - look for
something you have at home and wrap it - nobody puts their name on
the gift they bring and some of the gifts have been coming back to
camp for years!