It’s fun to be be at the point where I have been hanging out in the handbell world long enough to see groups grow and change over time. And no group has changed and grown more since I first saw them than the Forté Handbell Quartet. They continue to push the boundaries of what is possible as a handbell quartet. Many of you have probably seen the versions of “Sabre Dance” and “Hallelujah Chorus” that have gone viral online. This video is a much more stripped down performance. With only 11 bells they show their mastery of the art form and the bond they’ve formed over countless hours of practice.

Arranged by Kevin McChesney, they start with “Pat-a-Pan”, then transition into “Masters In This Hall” perfectly despite the fact that they have to shift from 4/4 to 6/8. To be honest, I have no idea what these two song have to do with Christmas, but they have super catchy tunes that audience love. Maybe one of these days I will have to look up the lyrics.

Only 4 days left in Handbell Advent!