Q. How is a choir’s location on the floor determined?
A. Good question! A choir’s location is primarily
determined by registration date. Generally speaking, the earlier
your group is registered, the closer to the front you will be.
However, there are also many other factors that are considered. Choirs that are
ringing solo numbers will be in the front. Next, depending on the
repertoire they are ringing, choirs are divided into either Group I
or Group II. All choirs from each Group (I or II) are kept together as much as
possible. Then, within those two groupings, consideration is also
taken into account for special needs, such as handicapped ringers,
etc. Some groups prefer, and request, to be in the back. This is not
an easy process!
Q. Why are the Capital City Ringers always in the front row?
A. Since the Capital City Ringers (CCR) were founded by Jane C. Wright the same time as L.A.M.B., the Capital City Ringers is a "sister" organization to L.A.M.B and they support each other in their missions. Also, CCR is obligated to provide a showcase solo piece for the final concert, hence the positioning on the ringing floor. CCR is committed to providing a leadership example for the potential for handbells in the mainstream realm of the music world. Their contribution to the handbell medium is important and displays unique integration of handbells and other instrumentation at the forefront of inovation for the handbell instrument.
Q. Why do I need to register so early?
A. First, to help facilitate the logistics of determining
your location on the ringing floor (see first question above). Secondly,
putting on an event like the Spring Ring requires considerable time
and effort to prepare all of the necessary materials and make al
necessary arrangements. It can't all be done at the last
minute, and we hope a cooperative effort will result in an extrodinary event for your handbells groups and ringers.
Q. Why is the lunch break so long?
A. In its early days, the Spring Ring had a catered lunch
and the lunch time was much shorter. Those who elected to go out for lunch
did not have enough time. The evaluation forms indicated that more
and more people preferred to go out for lunch on their own. And
since catering costs were rising, it was decided to forego the
catered lunches and give more time. The extra time is also needed for solo rehearsals and for individuals who need more of a break
from standing all day. It is also an opportunity for choirs to have
lunch together.
Q. Why aren’t there more classes to attend?
A. When we offered more classes, the attendance in each
class was very low. This made it difficult to conduct the
class effectively. The evaluation forms indicated that 3 – 4
classes were just about right for the number of registrants. It was
also decided that one of the “classes” would offer a handbell-related video
to provide some much-needed "downtime" while still
providing an educational opportunity.
Q. What if I have an idea for a class?
A. Great! We are always looking for new ideas for classes
to offer and people to lead them and we encourage suggestions. If you have an idea for a class, or
can teach a class, please let us know by either contacting a LAMB
board member or indicating it on the evaluation form.
