Looking for a few good ringers…

Photo by Sally Bozzuto

Ever wanted to be part of an advanced handbell ensemble? Have you been itching to try those bells that your home choir doesn’t have, or have you been interested in playing different types of repertoire, both secular and sacred? We invite you to audition for Three Rivers Ringers!

Three Rivers Ringers auditions for all positions for the 2017-2019 seasons will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 5:00 PM at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

Audition Structure for June 25

• Technical exercises intended to gauge rhythmic accuracy and technical proficiency
• An informational interview with the directors of the ensemble
• Prepared group piece: Auditionees are asked to prepare in advance for 2 separate positions for Sing We All Noël by Fred Gramann; Choristers Guild CGB466, available here: https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=11547
• Sightreading in a group setting at several different positions

Auditionees are responsible for providing their own sheet music (for the prepared piece), pencil, gloves, and music folder.  All auditionees are expected to have the prepared piece at performance level.

Three Rivers Ringers rehearses at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church and performs on a variety of handbell instruments, including 7 octaves of Schulmerich handbells, 6 octaves of Schulmerich & Malmark handchimes and 2 octaves of Schulmerich Silver Melody Bells. Rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm with other rehearsals scheduled as needed based upon the ensemble’s performance schedule. Three Rivers Ringers repertoire covers a wide range of musical styles and genres, including original compositions written for the ensemble. The budget for the Three Rivers Ringers is primarily supported through financial contributions from the general public, the Board of Directors, and the Ringers themselves. Ringers selected for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons are asked to make a suggested contribution towards the budget for the season. Auditionees must confirm availability for all concert “hold” dates for the coming year. All dates that must be held are listed on page 4 of the Audition Application

To audition for the Three Rivers Ringers, please download and complete the Audition Application and email it to Nancy Lutz, Artistic Director (artisticdirector@threeriversringers.org) or send postal mail to Three Rivers Ringers, P.O. Box 79180, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. The application deadline is Friday, June 9, 2017.

Download the Audition Information Form in one of two formats here:
TRR Audition Application 2017-19 (PDF)
TRR Audition Application 2017-19 (DOCX)

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Lutz, Artistic Director (artisticdirector@threeriversringers.org or 412.334.7987).