Friday, December 5, 2008

Tinntinnabulation

May I just say that playing handbells with the symphony orchestra -- which I just finished doing earlier this evening -- is a magnificent experience!

It's even nicer when the exacting, no-nonsense maestro introduces your group as "virtuoso performers."

Handbell ringersYes, one of the five women in this photo was me, a couple of years ago. You get to guess, if you don't already know me...

Now, only eight (maybe nine) more handbell performances to go in the next week and a half! Woo hoo!

P.S. JoyDad is such a trooper, keeping the home fires burning and taking care of the girls while I do all this.

P.P.S. Update: the show got good reviews (not to mention standing ovations both nights so far!)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

na-na-na-boo-boo I know which one is you!!! LOL!
I have attended one of your hand bell concerts, a number of years ago. The music is beautiful and it is amazing that it is made with bells. Sometimes, I would forget and think that I was listening to an orchestra. I am glad that you are able to continue with this activity. It is art and music, with talent and skill that you have developed, and I think it is a good outlet for you to have that "adult" time doing something so beautiful and productive. It's good for you, it's good for your family, and it is good for the audiences who see your performances. Although the types of music you and JoyDad make are very different (electric guitar and major amps or shiny golden fragile handbells????), it is wonderful that you each support the other in your pursuit of making music. I do think you are a better marriage partner and parent when you have some outlet, some hobby or interest or club or something, that you do just for yourself. So, ring those bells!!!! Go JoyMama!!In our house, I do voice lessons and musical theater, and UncleS does golf.
-AuntieS

JoyDad said...

JoyMama didn't appreciate my suggestion that they do a handbell version of AC/DC's "Hell's Bells..."

But yes, it is good to have an outlet, as well as another opportunity for adult conversations. If all you do is hang around with the kids, you world can start to revolve around the romantic tension between Handy Manny and Kelly at the hardware store...

jess said...

oh i LOVE handbells. ever since my time in college when there was this incredible verspers service . it was kicked off with the most moving performance of handbells. it still gives me chills to think about it.

i'm dying to know which one is you!!!!

Anonymous said...

Missed the concerts with the symphony due to the daycare holiday party and being sick the rest of the weekend. But hoping to catch one of the concerts this weekend.
I encourage everyone to go! Very enjoyable!
Lynda

Anonymous said...

Okay, JoyDad, since you know that your youngest nephew here is beyond the kids TV show stage, you have to clue me in...Who is Handy Manny and Kelly??? Which show?

And as for the "appropriate" holiday music, I'm sure JoyMama wasn't too shocked with your suggestion. After all, you have played some "interesting" holiday music on your guitar at our place on Christmas Eves! LOL!
-AuntieS

JoyMama said...

LOL Auntie S - yes, it's a new show, named after the title character Handy Manny, Disney's answer to Bob the Builder. Except instead of talking heavy equipment, he has a box full of talking hand tools, plus he's Latino and throws in Spanish phrases here and there. Kelly is his version of Bob the Builder's Wendy -- both blondes, even.

Aren't you glad you know all that now? :-)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful (and cool!) talent. Are you going to tell us which one is you????

JoyMama said...

OK, here's the deal -- I won't post the answer publicly, but if I "know" you from your comments you can drop me an e-mail and I'll send you the answer. Heck, I might even send you our Christmas photo, if you ask real nice! :-)

Anonymous said...

Very interesting about the TV show. I had not heard of this one. Around here, the "favorite" shows of they 12 year old include "Dirtiest Jobs", "Mythbusters", "Deadliest Catch", and "How It's Made." No more Disney, Sesame Street, Teletubbies, or even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Pokemon!! So, does Joy watch this show at all? Or is it Rose? Or both?
-AuntieS

JoyDad said...

"Handy Manny" is on primaily for Rose, but Joy watches it too. I think she likes the music. The music for the theme song was written and performed by Los Lobos, so there's something there for the adults too....

redheadmomma said...

Wow, this is seriously so cool - I LOVE handbell concerts, and I'm so jealous you play handbells! :)