Hearing a handbell choir can be an almost out-of-body experience, as you are encircled by the sublime reverberative tones of melodies and harmonies created by expertly played bells. The handbells are struck or played in coordination with other ringers, producing a soul-stirring visual and aural experience.

Throughout history, bells have played a significant role in many cultures. Their use dates back to biblical times (1400s BCE), when they were attached to the vestment of the high priest Aaron to signal his entry into the Holy of Holies and God’s presence (Exodus 28:33-35).

Bells have been rung to draw attention as a warning (think Paul Revere), a celebration, a call to worship or an announcement of the start or end of the school day or class changes. They also are sounded to lament a passing (the death knell) or mark the passage from death to life eternal, setting the stage for a joyful reflection of a life well-lived that can bring the listener to tears. The joy and celebration associated with these events are beautifully echoed in the ringing of handbells, uplifting the spirits of both the ringers and the listeners.

Lyricists have memorialized bells, whether they jingle-jangle, chime or ding-dong, in holiday favorites — “Sleigh Bells,” “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bells” — and popularized them in tunes of virtually every genre, from the disco classic “Ring My Bell” to popular songs including “Church Bells” by Carrie Underwood and the hip-hop “Rock the Bells” by LL Cool J. And who can forget the most notorious of all bell ringers? Quasimodo, the hunch-backed, deaf bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, who deftly swung from the rafters and bemoaned his unrequited love of beautiful La Esmeralda. This rich cultural and historical significance adds a profound depth to the art of handbell ringing.

And yes, there is a patron saint of bell ringers — Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, canonized in 1029. His feast day is May 19.

The process of bell ringing may seem simple, but it requires fluid, precise movements of the wrist, hand and arm. According to makingmusic. org.uk, “a handbell is rung by grasping it by the handle and moving the wrist, causing the clapper inside (which is on a hinge) to strike the outside of the bell, producing the sound … clappers only move in one plane (side to side), allowing the player greater control as the bell can only sound when it is moved in one of two directions.”

Wendy Willis, a professional flutist and 30year veteran of the specialty music genre, directed the North Naples Church Jubilation Ringers handbell choir for 17 years until her retirement last year. Now, she has stepped in as interim director until a new appointee begins as music minister.

She said the 13-member choir usually rings three-octave musical pieces written for two to six octaves. In addition to a teamwork, keeping time and rhythm, the art form requires dedication to practice.

“The number one criterion is to be interested in trying handbell ringing and to learn to read music; it’s like a language. If someone is interested, they can learn. One must be physically able to handle and ring the bells and learn the techniques of holding and damping the bells,” Willis said.

“There are different-sized bells. The low-sounding or bass bells (C3) can be very big and heavy, and then as you go up to the higher-sounding octave bells (C7-C8), they get smaller. For the heavier bells, some [musicians] use an aid called a Rock-A-Bell. The bell is placed on a small fulcrum, and you press up on the handle, eliminating the need to physically lift the bell.”

Special cotton gloves with ribbed dots improve grip and stability in grasping the bells, protect the ringer from skin irritation with the metal and protect the brass casting from being tarnished by hand oils.

Choirs can consist of different configurations — from a highly experienced soloist, who moves across a table and handles all bell chores, to duos, trios and quartets. Each configuration offers a unique experience and challenges, making handbell ringing a versatile and engaging musical activity. Bass bell ringers are usually positioned in the background or behind the higher-octave bell ringers, adding depth and harmony to the music.

“There’s a series called ‘12 Bells’ with six ringers holding two handbells each. Typically, 20 or 30 different techniques add interest to a musical piece. These include using a mallet or a wooden dowel or dropping the bell into four-inch-thick pads on the table that, when dropped, sounds like ‘hunk,’” said Willis. “The music is selected based on the choir’s ability, which is not overly complex. We perform carols, hymns and tunes such as ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘All Day, All Night’ and ‘Nocturne.’

“The Raleigh Ringers, one of the premier handbell groups in the country, tackles secular tunes such as ‘Flight of the Bumblebee,’ ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and even ‘Linus and Lucy.’ Our choir is always looking for new ringers and welcomes anyone interested in learning,” Willis added.

Isabelle Aubin, music director at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, has directed its bell choir for two years. As a pianist and vocal and diction coach, she has more than 25 years of experience playing for singers, choruses and chamber music in Europe, Canada and the United States. The MCC all-volunteer bell choir comprises five to six members who perform for the largely seasonal congregation primarily during Christmas and Easter.

Aubin arranges the music of hymns and carols, taking into consideration that some members do not read music, which is not a prerequisite to joining the choir. Neither auditions nor previous musical experience are required; just a willingness to try one’s hand at the musical genre. This inclusivity ensures that everyone interested can join the handbell choir, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

“Although the music can be complex, my arrangements are simple and without challenges,” Aubin said. “I teach the choir timing and how long to stay on a note. You need some muscle strength since you ring with both arms. Making music of any type benefits your brain and cognitive functioning; it’s good for morale and positive on many levels. Handbell ringing is not just about creating beautiful music; it’s also about personal growth, mental stimulation and social connection.

“The bell ringers bring something special to the service; it’s a good music ministry tool and an excellent way to involve the congregation. Our bell choir is on the left side, and the musicians are on the right, and they fill the sanctuary with music. The congregants love it, and it makes Christmas special.”

Alice Upshaw has been a handbell ringer at MCC for 15 years and plays bells in the medium range.

“The bell tones cover three or four octaves,” Upshaw said. “The lower-range bells with a deep bass sound are heavy and usually handled by a male ringer. As you get into the higher octaves, they lighten up; medium bells are two to three pounds, and those in the higher octaves that produce the higher tones are light in weight. We support each other; it’s fun and has little pressure.”