What is a Handbell Ensemble?

A handbell ensemble is a group of people who ring handbells, usually between two to four each, to play melodies and harmonies

In our case, we have a set of 61 bells spanning 5 octaves chromatically from C3 to C8. Each ringer is typically responsible for two diatonic pitches and their surrounding chromatic notes. In addition to simply ringing the bell, we also have fun techniques like playing with mallets and martellato where we hit the bells into the cushion, creating a damped sound.

History

The Yale Handbell Ensemble was established in Spring 2016 as a subgroup of the Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs (the people who play the big bells of Harkness Tower).  We have attracted members from all over the Yale community, from first-years to graduate students, from Electrical Engineers to Philosophers. Our first concert was Spring Ring in May 2016 and we followed with another the following year (see concert videos below!).

This semester marks a new chapter in the Yale Handbell Ensemble. As an officially recognized student organization, we are excited to welcome new members to establish a strong foundation for the exciting future ahead.

Current Members

• Pong Trairatvorakul, President
• Katie Shy, Treasurer
• Milo Brandt
• Robert Carter
• Bradford Case
• Alvin Chung
• Alex Croxford
• Michael Gancz
• Annie Gao
• Emma Goldrick
• Erin Hebert
• Angela Henderson
• Supriya Kohli
• Paul Stelben
• Laurie Wang
• Lisa Zhou

Former Members

• Class of 2016
  • Gwen Antell
  • Bettina Cheung
  • Sei Han
  • Kevin Nguyen
• Class of 2017
  • Sophia Eller
  • Tommy Kilmer
  • Kat Li
  • Emily Goldberg
• Class of 2018
  • Nick Dell Isola
• Class of 2019
  • Joy Chiu
  • Catherine Falls
  • Sarah Luckart
• Class of 2020
  • Nadia Irwanto
  • Maria Saadi