Yumi Fisher, Ring Pittsburgh President for 2018-2020.
Ring Pittsburgh is currently ringing with 10 members from
all over Pittsburgh’s suburbs and communities including various
areas of the North Hills, Economy Borough, Cranberry, West
View, Richland Township and more.
The bell choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.
at St. Paul’s. The group’s season begins in September and runs
through the first week or so of June each year.
“Handbell ringing is a unique musical art form in that the
absence of just one member drastically affects the musical
outcome,” notes Rossetti. “In other musical ensembles, most
people are a member of a section—remove one person and the
section and ensemble can still successfully perform. That’s not
the case in handbells. Everyone in the group is responsible for
two notes: one for each hand. If one person is missing then their
notes simply don’t get played. There is usually not time to play a
missing person’s notes while maintaining musical integrity. When
this is explained to an audience, some
will hopefully take this concept to heart,
realizing that everyone is important to the
function of a community.”
As a musical ensemble, Ring Pittsburgh
provides opportunities for unique and
affordable entertainment. In addition to
holding its own concerts, the group has
provided entertainment for several area
nursing homes and retirement centers;
at Heinz Chapel; the St. James Concert
series in Sewickley; and has collaborated
with the Beaver Valley Choral Society for
a concert. Ring Pittsburgh’s performances
at the Benedum Center and Heinz Hall
have introduced the world of handbells to
the most sophisticated musical audiences
in western Pennsylvania.
“Because the vast majority of handbell
groups are closely affiliated with a church
and play almost exclusively for worship services, their repertoire
is restricted to sacred music,” says Rossetti. “As a community
handbell group, we are able to perform both secular and sacred
musical arrangements in a relaxed atmosphere. Our Mission
Statement requires us to musically inspire, educate and entertain
our audiences through the art of handbell ringing. In so doing we
must challenge ourselves to reach a higher standard of musical
excellence and accomplishment.”
For more information about Ring Pittsburgh or to schedule a
concert, visit ringpittsburgh.org. The group can also be contacted
via email at [email protected]. Information about
becoming a member of Ring Pittsburgh is also available on the
website. n
Jim Rossetti, Music and Artistic Director of Ring Pittsburgh.
RING PITTSBURGH’S
UPCOMING CONCERTS
FOR THE HOLIDAY
SEASON
Sunday, Nov. 25, 3 p.m.
Heinz Chapel
Friday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.
St. John’s Lutheran Church on
Cumberland Rd., McCandless
Friday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Frick Art Museum
50
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