In 1996, seven of Barb Walsh’s former students decided they wanted to continue ringing. They formed a group called “B Sharps” and rang two octaves of bells. Inspired by a group called “Tintinnabulations” at the Twelfth Night Handbell Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, the group decided to choose a new name. A misunderstanding of Latin conjugation occurred, and the name Tintabulations was created.
Under the direction of Barb Walsh, Tintabluations Handbell Ensemble has grown into diverse group of ringers committed to the art of English Handbell ringing. Ringer ages vary from 18 to 65+, with occupations from college student to professional retiree (& grandparent) and everything in between, including several active and retired educators. Tintab members commit to attending weekly rehearsals in the Reno/Sparks area, commuting from all over the region and as far away as Bishop and Chester. The group performs music ranging from classic church hymns to jazz and showtunes, proving that bell ringers from any age or background can turn a simple set of bells into an impressive music making force.
In fall 2014, Tintabulations received official recognition as a non-profit organization within Nevada.
The ensemble currently uses four octaves of Schulmerich handbells and five octaves of handchimes, plus a fifth octave of Schulmerich bells borrowed from First Presbyterian Church of Bishop, CA.
Mission Statement
Tintabulations’ mission is to further the art of handbell ringing and to educate others on the art form.
Vision Statement
Tintabulations aims to educate diverse communities with entertaining performances that go beyond standard handbell conventions. We seek to entertain a broad, multi-generational audience with our interpretations of music from multiple genres and sources. This shall be accomplished by fostering an ensemble whose members are consistently striving to better themselves as musicians.
Purpose
The purpose for which Tintabulations is organized is exclusively educational within the meaning of section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, Tintabulations shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law.