Audition for Bells of the Cascades
We are always looking for capable, Bronze-level ringers for our community handbell ensemble. We are looking for experienced and versatile ringers who perform with confidence, musicality, and precise technique.
We hold periodic regular auditions, and can also sometimes hold special auditions. At this time, we will not be holding auditions until the Fall of 2025, after our cruise to Alaska. But it is never too early to apply and tell us about yourself!
We are also interested in individuals who would be interested in serving as rehearsal substitutes, and being a substitute can often be a way to gain the skills necessary for an audition for those still looking to grow. Please email director@bellsofthecascades.org if you’re interested!
Complete the application below to request an audition. Questions? Contact membership@bellsofthecascades.org
Expectations of ringers
Bells of the Cascades is a nonprofit community group. We expect members to commit to regular performances and community events hosted by the group, which we schedule with respect to members’ schedules.
Prospective members should be able to commit to rehearsals every Tuesday night in the Portland metro area. These are generally two and a half hours with a short break. Performances and community events are usually scheduled on weekends, and annual nonprofit business meetings happen each year for planning purposes.
In the past, Bells of the Cascades has hosted handbell cruises, on which members both perform and host workshops for participants. As of 2022, we are evaluating whether we will be able to continue these in the future, and are unsure of the date of the next cruise. However, we schedule these far in advance so that everyone can plan ahead, and at the beginning of the season leading up to a cruise we would ask you to confirm your participation. To the extent that we make enough in ticket sales, members are reimbursed for their expenses in coming on the cruise.
If you have questions or would like more information about any of these expectations, please complete the audition application and we can elaborate on them as part of that process.
Application procedure
If you’re interested in auditioning with Bells of the Cascades, please complete the form below. You will be contacted by the membership committee chairperson with more information.
In addition to the application below, there are three other components to your audition:
Letters of recommendation from three references listed in your application. The membership commitee chairperson will provide you with information to send to your references.
Group ringing evaluation, which will include a demonstration of a working knowledge of handbell techniques and notation, through performing two or more pre-assigned parts in standard handbell repertoire with the rest of the ensemble. You will receive an advance copy of the music at least three weeks prior to the audition.
It will also include such areas as sight reading, treble (multiple-bell), and/or low bass techniques, musicality, sense of ensemble, ringing style, response to direction, learning curve in rehearsal, confidence, recovery, and more. If you do not feel fully experienced in each of these ways, or are not comfortable ringing in all sections, we still encourage you to audition!
An interview with the membership committee, usually held before the audition begins.