Experience the uniquely beautiful music
of one of America's finest handbell choirs
MACH in the Community
Play Ball (or Bell)!
On July 13, 6000 fans of the Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) baseball
team were in for a treat as a very unique rendition of our National Anthem "rang"
across the field. As the six members of MACH played The Star-Spangled Banner,
a hush fell over the crowd. When the ringers started, out on the pitcher's mound
with just the one microphone, you could have heard a pin drop as people in the
stands strained to hear. A MACH fan said even the players were all watching the
ringers rather than the flag. About halfway through, the sound was finally turned
up and the crowd could hear it all through the stadium. A fan who is a bell ringer
was later heard to say that she was in awe when she recognized what it was from
behind the stands by the concessions.
How did this happen? A former member of MACH saw on Facebook that
the Mallards were auditioning groups to perform the National Anthem and
thought, "Why not on bells?" Another member arranged the piece for 6
ringers. After a couple of practices, they passed the audition and were given
the July 13th game. And of course, most of the rest of the MACH ringers
were there to cheer them on!
So go on! Think outside that box. Not only can bells be used for the prelude on Sunday morning, but also as the prelude to the big game!
MACH Wins Recognition for its School Project
The Crane Department of Music at SUNY Potsdam, NY, was the nation's first school to train music educators. In honor of its 125th anniversary, graduates of that school were asked to submit their innovative classroom music projects for possible inclusion in a book and presentation at a celebratory symposium at the college.
Dr. Susan Udell, founder and former director of MACH and Crane graduate, submitted a summary of the choir's project, Enriching Music Appreciation Through Handchimes and Handbells. In the five years that grants permitted the choir to present this project, over 3000 4th and 5th grade students in Madison and surrounding communities were taught to play the handchimes, were given a demonstration of handbells, and were treated to a culminating concert by MACH for which the students had been prepared by means of written materials and a CD of pieces to be performed. There was no cost to students, teachers or the schools for participating.
The project allowed students 1) to explore making music with handchimes while responding to musical icons, 2) to gain immediate satisfaction by playing accompaniments that involved focus, teamwork and commitment, and 3) to be exposed to a variety of musical styles in concert that ranged from popular to classical with emphasis on the latter. Students of all abilities were able to participate and their enthusiastic comments showed that they really enjoyed and valued their classroom and concert experiences.
Dr. Caron Collins of the Crane Department's faculty recently announced that MACH's project will not only be included in her upcoming book, Messengers of Music: The Legacy of Julia E. Crane, but is also one of twelve innovative projects that will be featured at the symposium. We are pleased that other music educators have recognized the innovation and impact of our school music project!