Want to join?
If you think joining the ensemble is something that might interest you, we invite you to email, phone, or just chat with our music director, Susan Richardson. You need not have experience as a ringer, but should be a skilled note reader, be willing to commit to regular attendance at Monday evening rehearsals, and be available for performances.

Tuned sets of hand bells originally developed for church bell ringers to practice ringing patterns or "changes" without standing for hours in drafty towers driving the neighbours nuts. Though still used for that purpose, most of today's Bell ensembles exist to perform. Bridge Street's tower only has one bell, and that's electrically operated, so our bell choir - The Bridge Street Ringers - is for show, delighting the community at Church services, concerts, and community events with their presentations of both sacred and secular, serious and light hearted music.

Unique to the Quinte area, Bridge Street Ringers were founded in 1997, the purchase of bells funded by generous donations from the Bridge Street congregation and the community. The current ensemble comprises 11 performers who play 44 Malmark bells as well as 2 octaves of Malmark handchimes. The increasing popularity of bell choirs in both church and community settings is encouraging composers to develop pieces of increasing length and sophistication. The Bridge Street Ringers are at the leading edge of these developments, incorporating many of the most recent innovations in technique and combinations with other instruments. For those of you familiar with handbells, the Bridge Street Ringers are an AGEHR (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) Level III Bell Choir.

“English” Handbells?
Not because they’re necessarily made in England but because the clappers are hinged to move back and forth in a single direction, sprung to keep the clapper away from the casting after the strike, and incorporate certain overtones - "English" handbells having one type; “Dutch” handbells another.

“American” Handbells?
Only in Britain, where "English" refers to bells using leather handles and clapper heads, "American" where plastic and rubber is used to the same effect. In America, however, they're all called "English".

Will I have to audition?
No, you won't. Because the ensemble is by its nature an interdependent team, we integrate new members gradually. We also want you to enjoy the experience and to feel welcome. For a start we'll invite you to join us for a couple of rehearsals just to listen. If you want to go further, we'll have you begin to participate. Don't worry, we'll start you with something you can't muck up. You grow gradually from there.

Bridge Street Church • 60 Bridge Street E • Belleville ON K8N 1L7 • T 613 962 9178 • F 613 962 5303
Copyright 2007 Bridge Street Church