The City of Launceston Handbell Choir

About

As possibly the only municipal Handbell Choir in the country, the City of Launceston Handbell Choir began during 2003 after the Launceston City Council purchased a set of Handbells from the Schulmerich Bell Foundry in Pennsylvania, USA.  The 37 bell set has a range of 3 octaves and is played in the method known as ‘in hand’ ringing, where each ringer is responsible for ringing up to 4 separate bells.

The bells are named the ‘John Lees Memorial Handbells’ to pay tribute to the great support that the former Mayor offered to the arts in Launceston. Mr Lees was also instrumental in the initial stages when the idea of a City Handbell choir was proposed.

The group is directed by Craig Stenton LTCL, AMusTCL, DipTeach, MACE, HonSCSM