Dei Gloriam is a group of thirteen talented musicians who seek to praise & glorify God through their common musical interest in English Handbell Ringing. The group ranges in age from college through adult and is one of three handbell choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Mesa, Arizona. Performing monthly for worship at First Church, Dei Gloriam has also participated in a wide range of community music events, including concerts for Phoenix ZooLights, Disneyland Magic Music Days, Mesa Community Nativity Display, Mu Phi Epsilon International Music Fraternity, National Day of Prayer, and state and regional handbell festivals. The ensemble performs on over 5 octaves of Schulmerich Handbells and 5 octaves of Malmark Choirchimes. The group has recorded "That Rings a Bell - ORDER FORM COMING SOON!," a collection of Christmas music and showtunes. The group rehearses on Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Bell Room. Visitors are welcome. This group likes an audience!

CHOIR GUIDELINES – DEI GLORIAM

1. Choir members should have a sincere desire to praise God, to learn music, and to attend rehearsals and worship services regularly.
2. We perform level 5-6 music; advanced ringing/music reading skills are a necessity.
3. We rely on each other so that our entire "instrument" is present. In the event of an unavoidable absence, contact the Director as early as possible to plan for a substitute.
4. Be in the Bell Room by 6:25 p.m. on Tuesdays and in the Sanctuary ready to ring by 8:25 a.m. on ringing Sundays, so that we can begin our rehearsals & warm-ups right on time. Since we rehearse music several weeks in advance, you are needed at Tuesday rehearsals even if you will be absent on the ringing Sunday.
5. No gum chewing while ringing bells!
6. As necessary, ask a neighbor ringer for measure numbers (in rehearsal and performance). Wait until AFTER a run-through to discuss problem areas.
7. Dei Gloriam has a shelf in the folder cabinet. Folders should be returned to the cabinet after each rehearsal. You may take your music home to study, but be sure to return it for rehearsals/performances.
8. For off-campus performances, a list of job assignments will be distributed. Groups of 2-3 ringers will be responsible for one set of jobs on the list.
9. On ringing Sundays, be sure your music is in order, so there is no rustling of papers during the service, and be sure that your bells are spaced far enough apart to prevent clanging of bells. Bass bells process through the front row of the choir loft to the bass side, followed by treble bells directly to the treble side.
10. The director will signal when it is time to lift the bells (1-2 measures before ringing).
11. After each rehearsal, each ringer is responsible for cleaning his/her own bells. Please also take time to watch for any problems with the bells and report them to the director.
12. After worship, polish the bells, return them to the bell room, and leave the worship hymns on the "filing" table in the Bell Room.
13. Commitment to Dei Gloriam is a commitment to playing in worship and also to playing for occasional off-campus performances. We typically play in worship (Sundays, 9:30 a.m.) once each month. In addition, we ring for extra performances, including a state festival in the spring, Christmas and other yearly concerts, and occasional regional performances. Events are usually chosen by the group early enough to adjust individual schedules.
14. Please keep your gloves clean.
15. Robe Concerns: one side of the velcro closures is made of tiny hooks. Frequent abrasions by these hooks can cause pilling effects on the robes. To protect your robe and adjacent robes, hang your robe, fully close all exposed velcro, and zip the robe 3/4 of the way up. Do not wear your robe while eating. The fabric absorbs grease, and spots might be difficult to remove. (Robes are cleaned professionally.)

Email one of our ringers here, or email the group here. COMING SOON!

Your participation, commitment, and partnership in ministry through your ringing are deeply appreciated. Soli Deo Gloria!

Click here to view some of our concert archives. COMING SOON!

For Music Information, call (480) 964-8606, Ext. 24, email choirs@cox.net, or use our Online Choir Registration Form!

 

Music Extensions

24	Music Office
38	Choir Room
38	Bell Room
36	Music Library