What You need to know

If you are thinking about  joining us as a singer or ringer this is your next stop after the Homepage Summary.

Qualifications for membership are straightforward. We warmly welcome people with a love of music who will make it a priority to attend practices (recognizing that may not always be possible), who are comfortable performing for audiences of up to 200 people, interacting with a fun loving but dedicated group of fellow musicians and be open, in time, to considering volunteer positions on or off the Board. There are no auditions. However, being able to read music is an advantage. Several of our men do not read music but have added significantly to the quality of our sound. However, ringing handbells requires that you read music. 

Fees are currently $100 per annum payable at the beginning of the calendar year. Other sources of revenue include government grants, casinos (although we have only had one to date) and, of course, the public concerts that we perform, 2 each in Fort Saskatchewan and Sherwood Park at Christmas and in the spring. Periodically, we perform in other paid public events initiated by the County or City. 

Practices are at Trinity Baptist Church, 22550 Twp. Rd 530, Sherwood Park - a few hundred  yards east of Highway  21 on Baseline Rd extension. Men meet on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 and Bells meet on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00ish. 

Our season runs from early September to May (with a 2-week Christmas break), and includes the weekly practices, 2 Christmas concerts, 2 spring concerts and several sing-outs or ring-outs at seniors’ residences or other venues (typically on a practice night). 

Our leadership consists of a Board of Directors elected by the members; and Men and Handbells Directors and a Men’s Accompanist hired by the Board. The Board members are not paid. The Men’s Chorus Director, Bells in Harmony Handbell Choir Director and Men’s Chorus Accompanist are paid. Board meetings and member meetings are called by the President. The frequency depends on the urgency and need for Board or member input/approval. Member meetings are typically monthly (excluding December) on a Monday evening prior to the men’s practice at 6:30 ish and include a potluck dinner. 

Our market includes Fort Saskatchewan, Strathcona County and East Edmonton.

The men’s music is selected by the Men’s Chorus Director with suggestions from the Music Selection Advisory Committee and any general guidance from the members. The Bell’s music is selected by the Handbell Director and the bell ringers. 

The Men and Bells wear performance outfits for all concerts, the cost of which is subsidized by the Society.

See the Events, Our History, Directors and Accompanist and Contact Us sections in this website for more details.