Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir is comprised of 15 undergraduates and four octaves of English-style Schulmerich handbells. We are a Basilica music ensemble but also enjoy taking our music ministry elsewhere on campus and beyond our campus borders.

Auditions

Auditions for the Handbell Choir will take place on Tuesday, August 25 from 8:30–10:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 1 from 8:30–10:00 p.m. at 328 Coleman-Morse Center. Please contact Karen Kirner 574.631.9326 or karen.kirner@nd.edu to reserve an audition time.

Rehearsals

Tuesday nights, 8:15-10:00 pm, Coleman Morse 328

Performances

Primarily at the Sunday 11:45am Basilica liturgies with the Notre Dame Folk Choir; occasional Sunday Vespers at 7:15pm; Advent Lessons and Carols, Junior Parents Weekend, Spring semester Basilica concert and weekend tour with the ND Celebration Choir.

Recordings

Ring Out Your Joy!
Echoes of Joy!
O God Beyond All Praising (to be released, fall 2007)

Handbell Choir Officers 2007-2008

Sean O’Toole, President
Katie Gallagher, Co-President and Treasurer
Kurt Jung, Secretary

“Sometimes I hear music inside my soul,
and I long to be a part of it.
I yearn to stretch out my arms in clear smooth arcs,
to feel clapper hitting brass,
to control the queer shy sound of a bell.
I crave the tripping tumbling treble runs,
the rich earth-deep support of the bass-
I want to be one small part of a pattern bigger than my own.
The humble beauty of being one note among many
of having no power to create a song alone,
but only alongside friends,
leaning into one another’s music,
dancing with one another’s beats, chords, triplets, rests-
I dream of resting in the comfort of familiar melodies,
and quietly playing my part.”
Sheila Payne, ND Handbell Choir Alumnus

Contact: Karen Schneider Kirner / 574.631.9326 / kschnei1@nd.edu