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A Brief History of Bay Bells

Bay Bells was formed in 1986 by Cheryl Baker, reviving the name after an East Bay ensemble by the same name disbanded. The former Bay Bells Ensemble was directed by Sanford Dole from 1982-1985, and several of those members later became the nucleus of Oakland-based Sonos Handbell Ensemble, which formed in 1989. The new Bay Bells consisted of all new members and rehearsed first in Fremont, then at other locations in the South Bay and Peninsula, and now rehearses at San Jose State, drawing its members from the Bay Area. Bay Bells incorporated as a nonprofit musical ensemble in 2001. In June of 2004, Bay Bells acquired their very own five-octave set of Malmark bells.

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Andrew Ford, Director for Bay Bells

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Music from San Jose State University, where he was a voice student studying choral music. Andrew also grew up as a band and orchestra kid, playing the Flute, Saxophone and Bassoon. He has been ringing handbells since he was in middle school. As an active musician, Andrew currently sings with Peninsula Cantare in Palo Alto, teaches at various clinics throughout the area, and enjoys working on Musical Theater projects.

Join Bay Bells!

Bay Bells invites the participation of musicians who want to ring in an advanced community handbell ensemble committed to quality performance as well as outreach and education to the surrounding community. We are a dynamic, committed group of highly skilled ringers and accept new members as spaces become available. We also have a workshop program for less experienced ringers who want to grow their ringing skills before becoming full members of Bay Bells.

Rehearsals are Sundays from 4:00-6:00 pm at Alum Rock Church in San Jose, California.

Students
Students in grades 9-12 are welcome to ring with Bay Bells, provided they possess the necessary qualifications. Interested students should send an email to the director at Info@BayBells.org detailing their interest and ringing history. They may also include a recommendation from a current or previous handbell director.

Qualified ringers should possess the following skills and traits:

Strong musicianship
- demonstrate learning ability and skill with handbell notation and different techniques such as bass weaving or four-in-hand ringing.
- ability to learn complex rhythms, meters, and handle bell changes
- be able to sight-read music
Possess a sense of commitment to the ensemble
- participate in scheduled concerts
- volunteer for involvement outside the rehearsal that furthers the mission and visibility of the group
- membership relies on a combination of nominal dues and other fundraising opportunities
Share similar values and goals as other members of the ensemble