Discover the Rich Tradition of Handbells at Asbury UMC
Asbury's handbell program began in 1959 when Mrs. Ruth Moon joined the church, bringing with her three octaves of Whitechapel handbells. Today, the church owns over 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 6 octaves of Malmark Choirchimes. Our handbell choir, Asbury Ringers, rehearses weekly during the academic year and normally plays in worship services once a month from September-June.
Asbury UMC is a member of Handbell Musicians of America, a national organization dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community and communication (source). Asbury Ringers has attended and performed at HMA events locally and around California, often collaborating with other Livermore handbell ensembles.
Asbury UMC is a member of Handbell Musicians of America, a national organization dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community and communication (source). Asbury Ringers has attended and performed at HMA events locally and around California, often collaborating with other Livermore handbell ensembles.
Interested in our handbell program? Click or tap the following drop-downs, or contact music@asburylive.org for more information.
I'm interested in joining Asbury Ringers
Asbury Ringers is made up of 13-14 regular ringers and a list of substitutes. From September-June, we rehearse on Sunday nights for 1.5 hours and play once a month as part of the 10am worship service. Ringers are expected to read music and prior handbell experience is preferred. Due to the nature of the instrument, commitment to weekly rehearsals and monthly performances is necessary for participation in this group.
Please contact music@asburylive.org to inquire about current or future openings in this ensemble. Asbury Ringers primarily caters to adults; however, high school students may join at the discretion of the director.
Please contact music@asburylive.org to inquire about current or future openings in this ensemble. Asbury Ringers primarily caters to adults; however, high school students may join at the discretion of the director.
I'm interested in learning to play handbells
Asbury does not have a weekly beginning ensemble at this time, but short-term and single-day classes and workshops may be offered based on interest. Please contact music@asburylive.org to inquire about opportunities for beginning ringers at Asbury or in the local community.
I play handbells but I can't commit to weekly rehearsals. Can I be a substitute?
Yes! We are always looking for substitute ringers to fill in for rehearsals or performances. Depending on the needs of the ensemble, there are several ways for interested ringers to participate based on their skills and availability. Examples include:
- Filling in for an absent ringer at a single rehearsal.
- Playing in the ensemble for several weeks as a substitute or extra ringer.
- Joining the ensemble for an extended, but fixed, amount of time. This is generally offered when there are open positions or a ringer is on a temporary leave.
Do you participate in conferences and festivals?
Asbury's handbell ringers have a long history of attending handbell conferences, festivals, and other educational events. These are valuable opportunities to meet and learn from others in the handbell community! Participation in these events is completely voluntary and not a requirement to play in Asbury Ringers or any other Asbury ensemble. Our musicians often attend the Bay Area Spring Ring and Area 12 HMA conferences. Our especially ambitious ringers have participated in the Bay Area Intense Ring and Distinctly Bronze West.
In 2024, several members of Asbury Ringers attended and performed at the Area 12 HMA conference in Modesto, CA as part of the Vine & Branches Handbell Ensemble, an ecumenical bell choir made up of ringers from various Livermore churches.
In 2024, several members of Asbury Ringers attended and performed at the Area 12 HMA conference in Modesto, CA as part of the Vine & Branches Handbell Ensemble, an ecumenical bell choir made up of ringers from various Livermore churches.
I'm interested in having a handbell choir perform at my event. Can I book Asbury Ringers?
Thank you for considering our ensemble for your event. We truly appreciate the interest; however, at this time, our schedule is primarily dedicated to preparing for and participating in Asbury worship services and concerts. We hope you understand our focus as a church ensemble.
Individual ringers may be available for performances, but this is at their discretion and is not coordinated though Asbury UMC.
Individual ringers may be available for performances, but this is at their discretion and is not coordinated though Asbury UMC.
Christmas Concert, December 2024
February 2024: Asbury Ringers and members of our most recent beginning handbell class. New ringers met for six weeks and performed their first handbell piece as the prelude to a worship service!
June 2024: The Vine & Branches Handbell Ensemble preparing for the 2024 Area 12 Conference.