Started in 1999, the ensemble has grown from 11 members to the current 14 as the number of handbells and handchimes increased. The ensemble plays five octaves of handbells and five and a half octaves of handchimes. Generous grants from the PTA and the classes of 1998, 1999, and 2000 assisted CAJ with the purchase of these instruments.
Would you like the CAJ Handbell Ensemble to play for your church or organization? Interested in auditioning for the Handbell Ensemble? See the information below the pictures.
If you are interested in having the CAJ Handbell Ensemble play for your church or organization, contact Scott Ponzani, the director. We can provide music for a worship service or combine with other student groups to provide a 30-75 minute concert. Our program could consist of folk, classical, jazz, and pop styles of secular and sacred pieces, some serious literature and some lighter fare. We can tailor the program to any age level and include audience participation, if desired. There are no fees for our performances. The ensemble does need a certain amount of space for setup of its equipment. Details can be e-mailed upon request.
If you are interested in auditioning for the Handbell Ensemble and will be a CAJ high school student in the next school year, contact Mr. Ponzani. Auditions are held in May or June for the following year. Previous knowledge of handbell ringing is not required; a basic level of music reading is. The group rehearses from 7:20 to 8:20 Monday and Thursday mornings and a weekend retreat is scheduled for late September. The Handbell Ensemble is a graded class worth one academic credit. Off-campus performances count toward lettering in music.