On Oct. 27, during the Los Angeles Chargers game at SoFi Stadium, an arena of 70,000 fans were met with sounds and instruments that are rarely heard or seen at a pro sports game. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Concordia Handbell’s ensemble took the field during halftime to give a performance in honor of those who have “rung the bell” and won the fight against breast cancer. 

For Concordia students involved with handbells, this performance was not only unique in its setting, but also to the audience that it was able to reach. When asked about the experience of being on the field of SoFi Stadium, sophomore Commercial Music Colby Garvin said, “I felt out of place for sure. I can’t imagine what the spectators thought seeing handbells at a football game… It definitely felt like a moment of asking myself how did we get here? The whole experience felt like a dream.” 

While Concordia provides its students with an abundance of opportunities to play for sizable audiences, this was the largest audience that many of the students had ever played for. “Until the game, the most people I’ve played to was the Segerstrom Concert Hall which holds around 1,700. Showing the football fans our performance was such a big moment,” said senior Psychology major Abigail Prom. 

The art and performance of handbells is one that requires dedication, prolonged focus and coordination. “The biggest challenge that can come with playing handbells is the need to be in sync with your fellow players,” said junior Theology major Ceiveon Watkins. While sometimes overlooked in comparison to other instrumental ensembles, handbells provide a great sense of teamwork for the students. “Unlike any other orchestra or choir, you aren’t playing your own instrument within a larger group, but rather sharing one instrument as a group,” said Watkins. 

While the performance was an effective and exciting way to bring handbells to a large audience of sport goers, this half time was also for a great cause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Concordia handbells were joined on the field with many breast cancer survivors. “It was also such a blessing to be joined on the field by numerous breast cancer survivors. As we played, they were able to ring their own bell, symbolizing their accomplishment. There was so much joy filling the stadium at that moment and it made my heart very happy,” said Prom. Ringing bells took on a greater meaning as the game attendees and musicians remember those who have “rung the bell” against breast cancer. 

For the students involved in handbells and the Music Department, this was an unforgettable achievement and performance. Senior English and Theatre major Meg Rocha found the whole experience meaningful and memorable. “We got to play for Breast Cancer Awareness,” she said, adding, “There were the other cool parts such as watching the Chargers score a touchdown from the sidelines mere moments before we stepped out to play, seeing the inner workings of SoFi Stadium and being on the jumbotron. At the end of the day, we were brought in to support a really important cause, which makes it that much more special.” 

Concordia Handbells will continue to perform throughout the SoCal area this year and will tour throughout Phoenix, Arizona in late Feb. For more information about handbells or to buy tickets for one of their upcoming performances please visit www.cui.edu/arts/music or visit www.simpletix.com. 

Tags: Handbells

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About Rebekah Michel

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