'Tis the Season to Embellish /Embellish
Embellish members post-concert in Chicago, November 27, 2015 /Russell Cooper
Fresh off a day tour to Chicago, where Embellish played for Fourth Presbyterian Church's Noontime Concert Series, the ensemble is gearing up for their busiest concert season of the year. Some of the group's members pondered why the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are always so packed with performances.
The ringers are used to a busy schedule, maintaining several concerts throughout the year, regular recording studio dates for GIA Publications of Chicago, and several outreach opportunities, like the Ringlets Concert Series with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum.
Even though there is no clear historical significance to be found regarding why handbells are so popular at Christmas, they remain a symbol of the holiday season. Almost without exception, Embellish's December performance schedule is the busiest.
"As handbell musicians, there’s no getting around the fact that we play an instrument that’s very much associated with Christmas... Jingle Bells... Silver Bells... Carol of the Bells... Ding Dong Merrily on High... the moment when Ebenezer Scrooge opens his windows to the sound of bell peals on Christmas morning at the end of A Christmas Carol. And I admit I still get a shiver of excitement any time I hear the sound of sleigh bells; they are so firmly associated with my memories of the holiday season." Music Director, Stephanie Wiltse, articulates why Embellish Handbell Ensemble is in such high demand for the holiday season.
Wiltse continued, "Community handbell ensembles have been popping up all over the country over the past 25 years, and we are still working to carve out our niche in the musical community. We continue to send out the message that 'Handbells aren’t just for Christmas!' as we encourage people to come hear us at other times of the year. But, really, what’s the point of fighting it?" Wiltse said. "Handbells are perfect for this time of year! They’re part of what makes it the 'Most Wonderful Time of the Year.' So we gather our energy and take a deep breath, and step into the busiest season for handbell musicians. We have to admit, we love it."
If you're looking for a fun musical treat to help get you into the spirit of the season, you can catch Embellish in a number of performances over the coming weeks:
Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops Series
Thursday, December 3 - Sunday, December 6, various times
DeVos Performance Hall
eightWest
Friday, December 4 at 11:00 a.m.
WOOD TV 8
'Tis the Season to Embellish
Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Central Reformed Church
MAJIC Concert Series
Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Church
For ticket pricing and venue information, please visit Embellish's website.
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