RING PITTSBURGH, SOUTHWESTERN PA’S COMMUNITY HANDBELL CHOIR,
BRINGS A UNIQUE ART FORM TO AREA COMMUNITIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
will enable them
to successfully
execute the level
of music and
musicianship we
strive to achieve.
We do not attempt
the most difficult
music available
in the handbell
world, but we strive
for a very high
level of musicality
to entertain and
2017 Ring Pittsburgh Ensemble
educate our
Kneeling (L to R): Jill Campbell, Mary Anne Kilburg, Carol Soohy, Regina
Kettering, Susan Helfrich, Lisa Swift
audiences.”
Standing (L to R): Yumi Fisher, Jim Rossetti, Debbie Belschner, Mary Rita
Ring Pittsburgh
Rossetti, Caleb Onstead, Cindy Potter, Kathy Ennis, Debbie Fabio, Lindsay Ries is currently ringing
Not pictured: New ringers for 2018-2019: Susan Michel, Donis Petnuch
with 10 members
from all over
Ring Pittsburgh is led by officers and
Pittsburgh’s
suburbs
and
communities
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
including
various
areas
of
the North Hills,
While Rossetti is the music and artistic
Economy
Borough,
Cranberry,
West
director, most operational decisions and
View,
Richland
Township
and
more.
are made by the Board of Directors and
The bell choir rehearses on Tuesday
Officers and carried out by the members.
evenings
from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Paul’s. The
All members serve on at least one
group’s season begins in September and
committee, handling things like publicity,
runs through the first week or so of June
funds, equipment, transportation
each year.
for concerts, music library, concert
“Handbell ringing is a unique musical
scheduling, social media management
art
form in that the absence of just one
and more.
member
drastically affects the musical
While there is no age requirement,
outcome,”
notes Rossetti. “In other
to be a member of Ring Pittsburgh one
musical
ensembles,
most people are
must have some handbell experience as
a member of a section—remove one
a ringer. Open auditions take place every
person and the section and ensemble can
other August, and the most recent ones
still successfully perform. That’s not the
were this past August. Candidates receive
case in handbells. Everyone in the group
a copy of the group’s handbook and one
is responsible for two notes: one for each
musical selection to prepare at three bell
hand. If one person is missing then their
positions of their choosing. Auditions are
notes simply don’t get played. There is
done in a group setting with the entire
usually not time to play a missing person’s
group to keep the audition as informal
notes while maintaining musical integrity.
as possible. All candidates will then have
When this is explained to an audience,
a discussion with the board officers to
some will hopefully take this concept to
answer any questions and understand
heart, realizing that everyone is important
expectations.
to the function of a community.”
“In addition to regular auditions, we
As a musical ensemble, Ring Pittsburgh
are currently open to any new individuals
provides
opportunities for unique and
who would like to ring with us,” says
affordable
entertainment. In addition to
Rossetti. “A more lengthy ‘audition
holding its own concerts, the group has
process’ of several rehearsals will give
provided entertainment for several area
new folks a chance to ring with us to
nursing homes and retirement centers;
learn if their ringing style and experience
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
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
ROSS TOWNSHIP
❘
WINTER 2018
15