Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir
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The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir is the internationally acclaimed community handbell choir from Fort Worth, TX. Founded in 1964 to be a part of the annual Christmas play-pageant The Littlest Wiseman, the choir has evolved into a world-renowned musical organization.
The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir strives to teach and develop in our members self-discipline, self-motivation, consistency of accomplishment, etiquette, and other positive qualities through the art of music and related fields. The essential qualities instilled in our members empower them to be remarkable ambassadors of our city and state throughout the world, demonstrating not only their unique talent but also excellence in decorum and appearance, as a legacy to our founders Mary D. and F. Howard Walsh.
The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir has performed for royalty and diplomats, as well as elderly and underprivileged citizens throughout the world. The choir has made several recordings and recorded with groups including the Gregg Smith Singers and the Texas Boys Choir. It has brought joy to crowds in varied locations such as schools, retirement centers, local festivals, churches, The Bass Performance Hall with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, The Vatican for Pope John Paul II, and Carols by Candlelight in Adelaide, South Australia attended by 30,000 people.
The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir has led the way in introducing truly unique ringing traditions and remains the leader in their style. Performing all of its repertoire completely from memory, without a conductor and without the use of tables or gloves, the choir can ring in procession and fit into a variety of spaces. Due to this uniqueness, performances with other choral groups and orchestras are also more easily arranged.
The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir performs a wide-ranging repertoire--from classical to contemporary. Their music varies from the early 16th century "Change Ringing" to the familiar samba "Brazil". The choir's repertoire is specifically arranged and written for them by their Producing Director Jack Noble White.
The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir performs with approximately thirty members from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. All members are students. They rehearse for two and a half hours six times a month during the regular school year. The Senior Choir is the performing group. They are mirrored by the Junior Choir which undergoes extensive training while waiting for promotion. The Preparatory Choir is the entry level training group.
