Handbells combines the teamwork of band; the rhythm of a jazz ensemble; the creativity of an orchestra; and the personal individualism of a pianist. Johnston’s handbell program is more than 20 years old.
You can start as a beginner, learning the basics of any music ensemble. You’ll learn to read notes, understand key signatures, beats, and rhythms as well as anyone in any musical group at Johnston. By the time you finish the program, you’ll be playing some of the same music that professional handbell ensembles are playing around the country.
Handbells as an instrument does not require practice at home, like piano, band, or orchestra does. There will be homework involved in learning to read music, just as there will be in any music program. And because it is a group effort, it teaches personal responsibility and teamwork.
