After twelve years with no bell choir and before that playing
for just 4 years - I attended bell choir practice. When I arrived someone was playing Amazing
Grace solo! The intimidation factor soared. Other bell choir members began arriving and I
was assigned G and A above the treble staff and the necessary flats and
sharps…and it was apparent that the soloist was the conductor. Next was terminology. Did I ever know all these terms and symbols?
Thumb damp, LV, diamond-shape noteheads for chimes, shake, martellato lift and
on and on. Everyone was introduced….more
to learn, performance dates announced and we read through 3 pieces. I wonder if I even rang 50% of the time.
