Interested in joining Kalamazoo Ringers? Auditions are held sometime after our spring concert(s), usually in May or June. Mid-season auditions may be held based on current needs.
The ability to read music is required. At least five years handbell experience or equivalent musical training or education is preferred. Please contact us to visit a rehearsal and ring with us, ask any questions you may have, or sign up to audition for the upcoming season.
Joining Kalamazoo Ringers involves the following steps:
Read and understand this page: What to expect as a member of KR
Complete and return the KR Membership Application:
- Get the KR Membership Application Form
- Fill it out and save it on your computer or phone. You can do this by completing the form in your browser, then downloading it; or you can download first and then edit it on your device.
- Send it to us via email (info@kalamazooringers.org).
After receiving your application, we’ll contact you about meeting with the KR board members to discuss your plans/hopes to be part of our team.
Assuming that your application indicates you’d be a good fit, we’ll schedule a ringing audition with you, our director, and our current members. This will include some checks to make sure that you’ll be able to handle the music we play (rhythm, sight-reading, ringing technique, ringing form, etc.).
Once the audition is complete, those there will have a brief discussion about how well they think you’ll fit into our family.
And then, if the membership decides to invite you, the last bit is final approval by our director.
A newly accepted ringer is on probation for one year. Following that year, pending approval, the ringer becomes permanent.
Commitment to Kalamazoo Ringers requires attendance at rehearsals, concerts, fund raisers and other events. For more information, including policies and procedures, please contact Martha Matthews.