Odds are good that you have been around the dinner table when someone produces a sound by rubbing their wet finger along the wine glass’s rim. Heck, in our family in can be a family event. This science tidbit is about vibration and resonance. (Here’s a link from The Learning Channel).
It’s been a while since my last handbell post, but this weekend we’re using a technique known as the singing bell. Similar to the fun we have with wine glasses, our handbell choir is using a 1″ dowel to rub around the handbell’s outer rim.
Enjoy this beautiful version from YouTube … and watch for the dowels.
A Frank Angle 
Frank, how incredibly cool. Thoroughly enjoyable. BTW, I am shooting a symphony concert tomorrow. Watch for the results.
Joe
LikeLike
Joe,
We played it this morning, and it was incredible how silent the attendees got – especially our late service that has a tendency to be noisy. Glad you enjoyed the video and I look forward to the symphony post. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Our Bell Choir “Ringspiration” played with singing bells this month… it was so gorgeous
LikeLike
Dianne,
“Singing Bells” were awesome. We added a vocalist (like the video), which was a great addition. Good luck to your choir in the future. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
What piece is this? Please let me know!
LikeLike
Andy,
How Can I Keep from Singing …. arranged by Arnold Sherman. Glad you liked it and I’m thrilled to pass it along to another choir. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I am excited about using the singing handbell technique, but am finding that the 1″ diameter X 9″ long Oak dowel rod isn’t right for the C3-B3. Can someone help me out and tell me what to use instead.
Nancy in Nebraska
LikeLike
Hi Nancy,
I’m not sure of your dilemma. Is the problem not getting it to sing or problems during the singing? Thanks for asking … I’m no expert by any means, but I may be able to find out. Thanks for asking.
LikeLike
I would like my choir to play “Coventry Carol”, setting by Keith Burt. Here is a portion of the score: http://s3.amazonaws.com/media-master/pdf/000000000-hb-coventry-carol.pdf
In Measure 49, the singing bell starts. I’m ok with that, but my question is, in measure 52, the chord that is “singing” changes and most of the people who play those notes will already by playing the original chord. Any suggestions of how to make this work?
LikeLike
Angie,
I’m just a player, so I won’t be much help. Did you listen to the recording? http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/coventry-carol/273598/?s=1 …. nice piece … and good luck.
LikeLike