A handbell choir is a wonderful first-time musical experience in playing as a group: Making music together. If a student has had any prior music training, it is usually in keyboarding (piano) or sometimes another musical instrument. In handbells, you put a handbell in each hand, extend the arm, and flick the wrist. You have instant sound and instant music - in tune! Now, take nine-twelve students, place a handbell in each hand, extend the arms, flick the wrists, and all of a sudden there are beautiful chords to produce beautiful music. Of course the idea is to work together in the ringing. Any previous music theory (counting, identifying notes, etc.) all starts to come together and make sense in the handbell experience. There are also a variety of handbell techniques - shaking, damping (shoulder and table), plucking, malleting, and martellato. Each creates its own unique sound.

The handbell choirs also get to go "on the road" to play at nursing homes and other churches during the academic year. Conferences held at the Academy and church often provide additional playing opportunities.