2x 5 week terms: 20 August - 17 September and then 15 October - 12 November
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Ages 12+
ANU School of Music, room 5.20
Details
The CMC Canberra Bells invites players of all ages (12 and up), and all members of the Canberra community, to share in the joy of making music together in a welcoming, inclusive ensemble.
Members will explore handbells, handchimes, and carillon (a keyboard bell instrument), with each person usually ringing two to four bells, sometimes more, while contributing a distinct part to a larger and highly rewarding ensemble sound.
The ensemble is ideal for building early musical skills such as timing, rhythmic accuracy, and confident ensemble playing. While score reading is highly valued, it is not essential; coloured highlighters and other support strategies can be used to assist those with limited or no music reading experience.
In addition to handbells and hand chimes, our ensemble will have access to a practice carillon in our weekly rehearsals. The carillon is a grand instrument, made up of large bronze bells, such as the 57 bells of the National Carillon on Lake Burley Griffin. While final performance opportunities on a tower carillon are not guaranteed, the Musical Director endeavours to arrange such an opportunity later in the year.
Repertoire will span a range of styles and cultures, including music by First Nations composers, and bellringers may also have opportunities to play other kinds of bells as well.
Originally founded in 2012, the Ensemble has previously given public performances at Regatta Point, ANU Open Day, Calvary Haydon residential aged care home in Bruce, the National Carillon, and other venues, with a public performance at Floriade anticipated this year Friday 2 October, 11:30–12:15.
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7:00–8:30pm in Room 5.21, Level 5, School of Music Building, with concert dates likely to be in October or November. Final dates and details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The first few rehearsals will include fundamental handbell technique, initial bell allocations based on prior experience and relevant skills, and repertoire discussion, with suggestions warmly welcomed.
Regular attendance is essential because every ringer plays a defined part in the ensemble, but if your availability is not yet confirmed for the whole semester, you are still encouraged to speak with the Musical Director, Dr Thomas Laue, to discuss your situation.
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