This article written by Ruth Seiwell, Past-Chair

Conflict seems to be a sign of the times currently. It is a sad statement but one that may strengthen our beliefs and help us to overcome hard times in our own lives. I personally have family members who are in the military, which certainly creates conflict in my life. I manage a business which has not been trouble free of late. I have family members who are ill and who don’t have good relationships with other family members. Then as we read Facebook, watch the news and hear others talk, one must make their own decision as to how to receive what they have read or heard and how to handle the conflict they face. 

Our handbell choir rehearses on Wednesday night and on many Wednesdays there are ringers who come in exhausted from issues with family, work, traffic and a multitude of other things. I see rehearsal as a respite from all of the issues above.  It is a place where at least for an hour or so outside troubles can be left behind and I often ask the ringers to shed their frustrations and come into our rehearsal as more relaxed individuals. Rehearsal itself often causes some frustrations, which are very different than those of the outside world. The ensemble members vary from a new ringer to a teen with dyslexia and reading issues to proficient 4-in-hand ringers with lots of experience. We laugh at our mistakes, encourage one another and enjoy the music. The ringers visit with one another before and after rehearsal begins.  We have a prayer or a short devotional during rehearsal and generally everyone leaves more ready to face outside troubles. 

I love the conflict free atmosphere of our rehearsal time. I have learned (after years of practice!) to accept the ringers as unique individuals.  Each one has traits that I love and appreciate. Please understand that I ask for the very best they have to give – but some have more right notes to give than others. It is a process to get the notes, rhythm, tempo and dynamics just where they should be, but it is a process worth the time spent developing the final product.

I encourage you as both ringers and directors to embrace one another in the spirit of making music and have at least one time during the week when you can leave the outside world behind. Conflict will not go away. Conflict will wait for you. Enjoy your time making music as your sanctuary!