Federation handbells.
Source: Marcel Ancar
On 30 August the Victorian Minister for the Arts, Mary Delahunty MP, visited Ringwood Secondary College to view a performance of the Federation Handbells.
"The Federation Handbells were a gift to the people of Victoria, marking a great unifying moment in our nation’s history," said Ms Delahunty.
"It's fantastic to see this slice of our history being used by talented young Victorians to produce a very unique and beautiful piece of music."
Now residing at Museum Victoria, the bells are available for Victorian schools and community groups to borrow for festivals, school programs and musical performances.
Produced as a State legacy to celebrate the Centenary of Federation in 2001, the bells were cast in silicon bronze with a unique design and pitch, and range in size from 120 to 180mm with an average weight of 1kg.
Played with a mallet, either singly or in similar fashion to a xylophone, by one person or by individuals sharing the playing, handbell ringing is a rewarding introduction to musical performance for children or adults.
Traditional handbell music is written numerically and is easier to read than staff notation, with a repertoire extending from traditional change-ringing peals to melodies from Bach to The Beach Boys, movie music and even TV themes.
For more information, or to book a set of handbells, please contact Museum Victoria Discovery Program:
T: 1300 130 156
F: (03) 8341 7210
E: discoveryprogram@museum.vic.gov.au