About
the
Ensemble
The Group
The Austin Handbell Ensemble is an auditioned non-profit community ensemble dedicated to excellence in ringing and to promoting musical education at all levels. The ensemble was founded in 1995 by Austin area directors and ringers and is directed by Bob Avant and Linda Rutherford.
The Instruments and Music
Our fifteen member choir plays on five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and five and a half octaves of Malmark handchimes. Each ringer uses one or both of these instruments to play designated notes wherever they appear throughout a piece. Only through tremendous coordination can these individual slivers of sound be combined into a smooth and pleasing musical experience.
