When the January theme for Cub Scouts was Music Makers the boys in Pack 31 did the real thing. Grace Church, sponsor of the Pack, owns almost three octives of English Handbells. These fine bells are cast in the Netherlands and are sensitive musical instruments. The boys learned that they were to be very careful not to touch the metal as the oil in the skin leaves a finger print. If the bell is polished to remove prints, the tone of the bell would be changed and no longer in tune. The handles are leather, leather protects the base of the bell. In short order the boys learned the proper way to ring a bell, then began playing tunes. Each boy was assigned a “note” which he rang in each piece. The Minister of Music, Douglas Breitmayer, suggested that since the boys were really interested and had done well, that it would be good for them to ring “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies” as a part of the prelude on Boy Scout Sunday. They were delighted, and on February 11 rang for both services of worship at Grace Church. The boys who participated are Tom Christopher, Peter Watkins, Andrew Cross, Eric Nelsen, Scott Brun, Larry Christopher, Willie Butler, Richard Andre, Kennett Johnson and Duncan Fallon.
Originally published in The Paper, April 1973.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1973_04.pdf, printed page(s) 7.
