Open Auditions for TRR!

Ever wanted to be part of an advanced handbell ensemble? Have you been itching to try those bells that your home choir doesn’t have, or have you been interested in playing different types of repertoire, both secular and sacred? We invite you to audition for Three Rivers Ringers!

Auditions were canceled last summer during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with case numbers dropping and vaccinations rising, TRR is planning a return to in-person concerts and a regular season of ringing in fall 2021.

Three Rivers Ringers auditions for all positions for the 2021-2023 seasons will be held on Saturday, August 28 at 10:00 AM at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, PA. See below for an application that must be completed by August 1 if you wish to audition.

Audition Structure

• Technical exercises intended to gauge rhythmic accuracy and technical proficiency
• An informational interview with the directors of the ensemble
• Prepared group piece: Auditionees are asked to prepare in advance for 2 separate positions for “Thundersnow” by Elizabeth Peters; From the Top Music, Cat #MFM20642, available here:
  https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=18464.
• Sightreading in a group setting at several different positions

Auditionees are responsible for providing their own sheet music (for the prepared piece), pencil, gloves, and music folder.  All auditionees are expected to have the prepared piece at performance level.

Three Rivers Ringers rehearses at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church and performs on a variety of handbell instruments, including 7 octaves of Schulmerich handbells, 6 octaves of Schulmerich & Malmark handchimes and 2 octaves of Schulmerich Silver Melody Bells. Rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm with other rehearsals scheduled as needed based upon the ensemble’s performance schedule. Three Rivers Ringers repertoire covers a wide range of musical styles and genres, including original compositions written for the ensemble. The budget for the Three Rivers Ringers is primarily supported through financial contributions from the general public, the Board of Directors, and the Ringers themselves. Ringers selected for the ensemble are asked to make a suggested contribution towards the budget for the season. Auditionees must confirm availability for all concert “hold” dates for the coming year. All dates that must be held are listed on page 4 of the Audition Application. Please note that Three Rivers Ringers only accepts musicians age 18 or older.

To audition for the Three Rivers Ringers, please download and complete the Audition Application and email it to Linda Boice, Interim Artistic Director (artisticdirector@threeriversringers.org) or send postal mail to Three Rivers Ringers, P.O. Box 79180, Pittsburgh, PA 15216.

The deadline to submit the audition application is August 1, 2021.

Download the Audition Information Form here:

TRR Audition Application 2021-2023

If you have any questions, please contact Linda Boice, Interim Artistic Director (artisticdirector@threeriversringers.org).