Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What times of the year are the Celebration Ringers available for engagements?

Advent/Christmas concerts are scheduled in December. Spring concerts are scheduled from mid-April to mid-May.  Services to churches are generally scheduled from September to May.

What days of the week are the Celebration Ringers available for concerts?

Since many of our ringers work during normal business hours and have church handbell choir rehearsals in the evenings, we are generally available on Friday evenings, any time Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and evenings.

How long are your handbell concerts?

We prepare programs that run about one hour in length, but we can shorten them down to 45 minutes by eliminating some songs to fit the occasion and audience.

How much equipment can you bring to a performance?

We may bring the following equipment:
Handbells………………5+ Octaves of Malmark Handbells    (C3 to F8)
Handbells………………4   Octaves of Malmark Handbells     (G4 to G7)
Handchimes…………..7  Octaves of Malmark Handchimes (C2 to C8)
Tables, Pads, Covers, Mallets, Risers, assorted Percussion Instruments
Full Electronic Keyboard when needed by the program
Sound System when needed by the venue/audience

How much space do you need in a concert venue?

With such a large handbell choir, we require a large space.  We have approximately 45 feet of tables and equipment that we arrange to fit each concert venue.  We prefer to ring in a U-Shape facing the audience, but we have performed in two rows.  Before we will finalize a concert date in a new venue, we will schedule an advance visit to the site to validate the performance space.

Do you charge a fee or require a free-will offering for your concerts?

Celebration is our primary Christian outreach ministry and we do not charge a fee or ask for a free-will offering.  Any donations received are used to offset the costs of music, programs, and instruments.

May I join the Celebration Ringers?

We are always open to interviewing new ringers.  We do not hold formal scheduled auditions like some community handbell choirs.  We prefer to invite people to attend a rehearsal so that we can get to know each other and you can determine if you have the experience and skill that are required.

How often do you rehearse?

We rehearse 2 plus hours a week on Saturday mornings and/or Monday evenings, 9 months a year, taking a break in the summer time.

What do you require from your ringers?

The very first thing we require is a strong commitment to the group and its rigorous schedule of concerts.  The second thing we require is a smooth adjustment to the “family/team” atmosphere of the group.  Lastly, we ask that you be willing to grow musically with the group in skills, talent, and musicality.

How do you incorporate new ringers into the group?

We understand that it can be intimidating to join a community handbell group.  We are fortunate to have two sets of handbells, so we typically will ask a new ringer to double a position in the choir until we are confident in their ability to integrate with the larger group.

Are you affilated with Handbell Musicians of America?

We are proud to say that we have been loyal members of HMA since 2001, and Rad and Patty Yates served Area 5 as the Ohio State Chairs for a two year term.

If you would like to know more about Malmark Bellcraftsmen, click on the Malmark logo.Malmark Logo
If you would like to know more about Handbell Musicians of America, click on the HMA logo. Handbell Musicians of America Logo

Next Steps…

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