Bells of the Sound is a nationally acclaimed handbell ensemble that has been pioneering handbell artistry and excellence since 1989. This group of auditioned musicians is known for their high-caliber, energetic and entertaining performances. The group is a dynamic force in the handbell world, advancing handbells into the mainstream of entertainment and encouraging composers to create new works for this provocative, exhilarating instrument.
Originally established to give handbell directors in the Puget Sound area an opportunity to ring, Bells of the Sound has matured into a community ensemble dedicated to musical excellence and the promotion of handbells through exciting performance. The group performs on over seven octaves of Malmark handbells, six octaves of Malmark Choirchimes, two octaves of Silver Melody Bells, and four octaves of Petit & Fritsen handbells.
BOTS presents two seasons of concerts to audiences throughout the Puget Sound every year and regularly collaborates with local choral, symphonic and handbell groups. Unique performances include working with film and television composer Mateo Messina on two of his symphony projects written to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital: "Symphony of the Superhero in 2009" and "The Pageant" in 2016. Another was the Seattle Handbell Orchestra, a collaboration with Emerald City Ringers and Rainier Ringers, where the three groups simultaneously rang their own parts like separate instruments. In December 2017, BOTS was featured on KING 98.1's Northwest Focus Live, performing live in the studio and giving interviews with host Sean MacLean. And in July 2017, Bells of the Sound was especially proud to represent the Pacific Northwest at Handbell Musicians of America's National Seminar in Anaheim, California, performing an all jazz concert, complete with drums, string bass, and keyboard.
Originally established to give handbell directors in the Puget Sound area an opportunity to ring, Bells of the Sound has matured into a community ensemble dedicated to musical excellence and the promotion of handbells through exciting performance. The group performs on over seven octaves of Malmark handbells, six octaves of Malmark Choirchimes, two octaves of Silver Melody Bells, and four octaves of Petit & Fritsen handbells.
BOTS presents two seasons of concerts to audiences throughout the Puget Sound every year and regularly collaborates with local choral, symphonic and handbell groups. Unique performances include working with film and television composer Mateo Messina on two of his symphony projects written to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital: "Symphony of the Superhero in 2009" and "The Pageant" in 2016. Another was the Seattle Handbell Orchestra, a collaboration with Emerald City Ringers and Rainier Ringers, where the three groups simultaneously rang their own parts like separate instruments. In December 2017, BOTS was featured on KING 98.1's Northwest Focus Live, performing live in the studio and giving interviews with host Sean MacLean. And in July 2017, Bells of the Sound was especially proud to represent the Pacific Northwest at Handbell Musicians of America's National Seminar in Anaheim, California, performing an all jazz concert, complete with drums, string bass, and keyboard.
