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!

Three Rivers Ringers auditions for all positions for the 2023-2025 seasons will be held on Saturday, July 29th at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Individual appointments for new auditionees will be scheduled between 9 AM and 10 AM, and the full group audition will begin at 10 AM. See below for an application that must be completed by July 15th 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: You will be asked to prepare 2 separate positions for Boar’s Head Carol by Jason Krug available here: Boar’s Head Carol by Jason Krug (Handbell World cat. #MSF202077SF)  Auditionees must provide their own copy of the prepared piece. (Jason Krug has two versions of Boar’s Head Carol; please be sure to order this one.)
• Sightreading in a group setting at several different positions. TRR will provide music for sight-reading.

In addition to a copy of the prepared piece, auditionees are responsible for providing their own 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 apply, please complete the Audition Application. There are two application formats; please choose your preferred option below:

Option 1: Google Form – Your responses will be saved and a copy will be sent to your email.

Option 2: Download and complete the application (download button below) and email it to Linda Boice, Interim Artistic Director (artisticdirector@threeriversringers.org) or send via postal mail to Three Rivers Ringers, P.O. Box 79180, Pittsburgh, PA 15216.

The deadline to submit the audition application is July 15th, 2023.

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