Every summer, more than 100 handbell ringers from around the world travel to northern Michigan.
Bay View's Week of Handbells
What: Handbell Choir Concert
When: 7 p.m., Thursday Aug. 14
Where: J.M. Hall Auditorium, Bay View
Admission: Free, with donations accepted
They're attending the Bay View Week of Handbells, held for five days every year by the Bay View Association. And it’s kind of a big deal for bell ringers.
IPR Music Director Amanda Sewell spoke with composer and ringer Catherine McMichael. Then Amanda dropped by our news studio to tell us all about it. Here are three of our takeaways:
'It's not like whack-a-mole'
Each ringer has two bells, which means they're responsible for just two notes. But in a way, that's more pressure, because if they miss something, the whole ensemble is without those notes. "And it's not like whack-a-mole," says Sewell. "You really have to be paying attention to the line that is coming your way. It's like the wave. What's the vibe that's coming toward me?"
You've got to be good
The Week of Handbells does not require an audition to get in, but a high level of skill is expected. "Most handbell ringers are pretty self aware about their skill level, and most of these folks play in other festivals that (do require) audition," Sewell said. "So they are very cognizant of their skill level."
All year long
You might associate the sound with music played at the holidays, but of course, handbell choirs rehearse and perform year-round. "I think it's in the way that a lot of people associate ballet with Christmas, because you always do 'The Nutcracker,'" Sewell said. "But for these folks handbells are an all-year event, and they're doing it in August here in Bay View."
