A dedicated medical professional, David Tan works as a physician assistant at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Illinois. In addition to his career in medicine and work as a physician assistant, David Tan is also active in his community, playing the bass guitar, violin, and occasionally the bells in his local church.
Playing bells in church has been a traditional addition to worship since Medieval times. Through the years, the bells have evolved from bells rung in large towers (called “carillons”) to smaller bells that could be carried and played by hand (known as “handbells”) The practice of English handbell ringing came to the United States in the early 1800s, and the first touring handbell group was organized by P.T. Barnum in the 1840s.
Handbell choirs are now found frequently in churches across the world. They often have bells of all sizes covering pitches of two or more octaves, including all the sharps and flats. Playing together, handbell choirs can create complex musical melodies and harmonies using multiple individual bells. Due to the number of bells needed to create the music, handbell choirs typically stand behind large padded tables that hold all the necessary bells. This prevents damage to the bells as they are picked up and placed back down relatively quickly.
Unlike in other ensembles (like orchestras), handbell players are responsible for only two or three total notes of music, which they must play in rhythm every time they arise in the composition. Ample practice is essential in order to ensure proper continuity across so many individual players.
David Tan 