How to play the Federation Handbells
What do the bells look like?
The bells are cast in silicon bronze and are conical in shape with a flat top and base. They range in size from 120mm high to 180mm high and have an average weight of 1kg. The base has a handle that fits into the crates or is held in the hand. On the bottom of each handle, as well as the note name, there is a serial number unique to each bell.
What is their tuning?
One set of bells covers 2 chromatic piano octaves from E4 to D#6. They achieve their pitch by size, thickness and internal contours.
How many are there?
There are over 2001 Federation Handbells. Most are arranged in sets of 24 bells contained in four or five travelling crates. Each set covers two octaves and consists of 24 bells
How are they organised?
There are 24 bells in a set. Each set has 4 or 5 timber travelling crates of different sizes. The sets are divided into natural notes and sharp/flat notes.
- Crate 1 has 7 bells
- OR Crate 1A has 4 bells and Crate 1B has 3 bells
- (Crate 2 has 5 bells with an empty hole at the 4th hole. There is no bell meant to be in this hole.)
- Crate 3 has 7 bells.
- (Crate 4 has 5 bells with an empty hole at the 4th hole. There is no bell meant to be in this hole.)
What do the crates look like?
The crates in which the Federation Handbells travel are also used for storage and playing. The four-digit numbers refer to the individual serial number of each bell, not their frequency.
On most sets there are 12 different colours (repeated over two octaves) painted at each bell position. The colours signify the note name of each bell and correspond to the colours used by Boomwhackers® (with their approval). This system assists with music education and note identification and increases the accessibility across a wide range of musical skills. The designated position of the handbells in their crates allows the handbells to be set up much like a piano keyboard
How much do they weigh and how big are the travelling crates?
Each set consists of either four or five different sized crates:
- Crate 1 - 144 cm (length) x 18 cm (width) x 28 cm (depth) (28kg)
- OR Crate 1A - 84cm (length) x 18 cm (width) x 28cm (depth) (15kg) and Crate 1B – 64cm (length) x 18cm (width) x 28cm (depth) (12kg)
- Crate 2 - 120 cm (length) x 18 cm (width) x 28 cm (depth) (21kg)
- Crate 3 - 93 cm (length) x 13 cm (width) x 24 cm (depth) (13kg)
- Crate 4 - 79 cm (length) x 13 cm (width) x 24 cm (depth) (11kg)
It is very important to carefully consider the weight and dimensions of the crates when planning your event. The larger crates are long and awkward to handle. To avoid back injuries, two people are required to lift them. Also, the crates are often too large to fit safely in smaller sedans.
When you are moving the bells remember to:
- LOOK – check for signs of visible damage to crates
- LOCK – ensure that the latches are fully locked before lifting crates
- LIFT – lift and carry the crates carefully with one or two people as safely required
- LOAD – with consideration to movement of the load in transit
How do we identify the bells?
Each crate is labelled on the outside with a number indicating the set. Inside the crate, each bell is engraved with a four-digit number on the end of the handle. These numbers are also marked on the holes within the crates where the individual bells should be matched and placed. The bells are also marked with their note name. A list of the allocated bells is included in the letter of agreement.
How can they be used?
They can be used by people of all ages and groups large or small. They are available for loan by educational institutions, professional groups and community organisations in Victoria and beyond. The bells can be played outdoors or indoors. The main issues to consider are safety and possible damage.
The bells should all be returned to the correct holes and crates. If damage has occurred to any crate or bell, you are required to inform the Program Officer.
