At Capital Carillon, we take pride in the range and quality of our instruments, which allow us to bring a full spectrum of sound to our performances. Our diverse collection of handbells and chimes gives us the ability to perform a wide range of musical pieces, from delicate, ethereal melodies to powerful, resonant harmonies. Below is an overview of the instruments we use.
Each of these instruments has its own distinctive sound, contributing to the dynamic and varied textures you’ll hear in our performances. The combination of handbells, handchimes, and melody bells allows us to offer an immersive musical experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Malmark Handbells – 6 Octaves
Our primary set of handbells includes 6 octaves of Malmark handbells. Known for their exceptional tonal quality and durability, Malmark handbells produce a rich, resonant sound that enhances both traditional and contemporary compositions. These bells are at the heart of our ensemble, and their clarity and warmth allow us to perform music with precision and emotion.
Malmark Handchimes – 7 Octaves
In addition to our handbells, we ring with a full 7 octaves of Malmark handchimes. Handchimes offer a more mellow and softer tone, perfect for adding depth and contrast to our music. Their versatile sound blends beautifully with handbells and is especially effective in sacred, contemplative, or atmospheric pieces. In all types of music, the low bass chimes provide support for the sound of the bells.
Petit & Fritsen Handbells – 5 Octaves
We are fortunate to also have 5 octaves of Petit & Fritsen handbells, a renowned brand from the Netherlands with a long history of crafting high-quality handbells. These bells add a unique character to our performances, with a slightly different tone that complements our Malmark set and expands our range of musical expression.
Silver Melody Bells – 3 Octaves
Our Silver Melody Bells span 3 octaves and bring a bright, metallic clarity to our performances. These bells are often used to highlight melodies or add a shimmering layer to our music, making them an integral part of our ensemble’s sound.