This month, as we all experience shelter-in-place orders, many handbell musicians are not letting this stop them from performing. In this issue, we offer you two videos of the month, with an invitation to add to the list throughout the rest of the month. In the first video, Sandra Eithun and her son Mitchell bring us a small ensemble with piano arrangement of “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna,” arranged by Sandra. In the second, Brian Seemann tackles all the bells himself with Michael Joy’s “Toccata Ritmica.”
Has anyone else performed on handbells virtually during this period of quarantine? If so, send a link to [email protected], and we’ll add it to the list to share. And keep visiting this page to see what’s been added.
Jennifer Cadwell, director of music at Centennial UMC in Roseville, Minnesota, took home bells for her and her daughters, Genevieve (11) and Jacqueline (8), to practice with during their time at home. She said, “We played Dona Nobis Pacem after the first week of being home as a prayer to those that were home doing the same and to share hope that this too shall pass. Both my daughters joined me for that. Jacqueline Cadwell, age 8, and Genevieve Cadwell, age 11. Both girls play in my elementary bell choir at church.” She is also teaching them to solo ring.
Amy Rollins of First Congregational Church of Camden (Maine) recorded Barbara Brocker’s “Easter Song,” adapted for one bell tree for the church’s Easter service. Amy said, “Getting to play bells during this time of isolation is an absolute joy.” She is also the artistic director of the Penobscot Bay Ringers.
Kerry Johnston, director of music ministry at First United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina, that will be used May 10.
