OUR STORY 
Alpha 4 is a four-in-hand handbell group from Gaithersburg, Maryland
that demonstrates the interlocking handbell technique. Interlocking
the bells allows each member to play with two to three bells in
each hand, meaning that each person is holding and playing anywhere
from four to six bells at once.
This energetic group includes Kristy Farrell, Nita Roff, Laura
Staley, Kathy Stauffer and Pam Ion, who is the group’s director
and arranger.
Formed in 2001, Alpha 4 meets weekly year round and is made up
of dedicated and versatile ringers, who are also faithful prayer
warriors and the best of friends.
The purpose of Alpha 4 is to promote the art of handbell ringing (primarily interlocking four-in-hand); to educate others in the community through performances of handbell music, demonstrate that handbells can be used in many different venues as well as draw on many styles of music while encouraging public appreciation and interest in handbells and handbell music. Members provide educational and instructional handbell training for individuals of all ages for the purpose of improving and developing their ringing capabilities as well as the educational instruction of the public.
Alpha 4 enjoys trying new and different techniques. In addition
to playing interlocking handbells, members also play what is referred
to as "on the table" ensemble ringing. This means that
the four ringers share and play several octaves of bells during
one musical selection.
Alpha 4 has performed at weddings, senior-living facilities, nursing homes, programs in area shopping malls and various worship services. Their repertoire includes classical, seasonal, patriotic and folk tunes, hymns, and both sacred and secular music, and they perform on Malmark handbells.
Additionally, the Alpha 4 Duo is a subset of Alpha 4 and consists of two ringers from the group who perform when a smaller group is needed.
Interested in scheduling Alpha 4 for your Church Service, wedding,
reception, birthday, seminar, community event or other special event?
For scheduling, contact Laura Staley, Marketing Director, at 301-926-0790
or by
e-mail at laura@alpha4handbells.org.
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