Handbells - What is that?!

If you still don't know what handbells are today, you ought to read this entry till the end.
Handbells originated from the United States, and is usually played in churches. Handbells are especially popular during Christmas time, where they perform in churches and places where they are invited to perform in, such as at events and ceremonies.
The way handbells are played is that each bell represents a note on the western scale, and they are arranged on the handbell table (a table with a layer of sponge to protect the bells) like the notes on the piano. Each member of the handbell group is in charge of 2 main bells, and usually there will be one or two players in charge of an extra accidental or two. The score for handbell music is always cluttered with notes in chords, chords too big to be played by one person on the piano. This is why handbells is so unique, as it can create really beautiful complimenting chords note after note for the entire melody of a piece.
The way it is played is that the player will hold the two main notes up, dampened against his/her shoulders. To ring, the whole arm is moved, and at the end, only the wrist gives a jerk onto the bell, which creates the sound.
Yes, bells are heavy. Especially those of the bass cleff, and if you are not used to playing handbells, a muscle ache the day after playing bass notes is very common.
This concert of handbells is most probably my last, as I don't intend to commit myself again to the group next semester. Due to time and other commitments, I am forced to sacrifice something, which, unfortunately turned out to by the handbell ensemble. However, my love for handbells is still ever lasting. From high school, performing in bellissimo, bell quartet, and now in the handbell ensemble here at Melbourne University, handbells has became a part of me, and if you ever have the chance to put your hands on one of these things, take that opportunity, because it is an experience you will never regret.