The Allegro Handbell Ensemble, like most handbell ensembles in the United States, rings with English handbells.  English refers to a specific type of handbells, not to the country of origin.

The two major defining characteristics of English handbells are their clappers and overtones. The clapper on an English handbell is on a hinge and moves back and forth in a single plane, unlike a school bell in which the clapper swings freely in any direction.  The clapper is equipped with a restraining spring which prevents the clapper from resting against the clapper.  This allows the bell to sound freely after it is rung.

When casting their instruments, manufacturers give attention to each bell's overtones, being especially careful to give all the bells in a set a consistent harmonic profile.  All English handbells emphasize the 12th above the fundamental (an octave plus a perfect fifth), however each of the foundries has a unique formula for emphasizing or de-emphasizing certain other harmonic overtones to produce that bellmaker's unique sound.  

The Allegro Handbell Ensemble rings with five octaves — 61 bells — of Schulmerich handbells manufactured in Sellersville, Pennsylvania.  The smallest weighs a few ounces, while the largest tips the scales at 13 pounds, which is similar in weight to a large bowling ball.

Handbell Anatomy

Casting -- The metal part of the bell is cast from bronze, aluminum, or a mix of the two.  When manufactured, the inside surface of bell is carefully shaved down (and polished) to achieve proper tuning.  Once a bell is tuned, it cannot be retuned.  Rough treatment can cause the casting to develop micro-fractures which will put the bell out of tune or cause it to have an audible buzz. Handrest -- Usually made from polypropylene, a strong synthetic material with the best qualities of plastic and rubber.  The handrest provides a surface on which to rest the bell without allowing the hand to dampen the casting. Handle -- Also made from polypropylene, but sometimes from plastic or leather (such as in Whitechapel-brand handbells.  The handle shows the pitch of the bell and has a logo to show which side is right side up.  The entire loop is grasped firmly, similar to the way one would a tennis racquet.  In the correct position, the handrest then rests on top of the thumb and forefinger.

Clapper -- The clapper in handbells is fixed so that it will only swing in a straight line, forwards and backwards.  All handbells have stops at the base of the clapper to keep it from touching the bell while it is at rest.  These stops also prevent the bell from "backringing" or "double-ringing," where the clapper hits the backside of the bell.  Some brands of handbells allow for adjustment of the stops, others do not.  All clappers can be adjusted for hardness, which allows an entire set of bells to sound as if they are being struck all with the same clapper.  Clapperheads are usually made from polypropylene, but also with plastic, leather, and felt, which is wrapped around a carefully weighted bronze clapper.

About Gloves...

Oil from the skin has the potential to tarnish and eventually corrode the bell casting, and therefore many ensembles wear gloves.  However, most gloves do not block sweat, which can carry skin oils to the bell casting.  Instead, the gloves absorb sweat and allow it to be deposited on the bell's casting.  Furthermore, gloves are a hindrance to page-turning and do not allow the ringer to fully "have a feel" for the bell.  Nowadays, many handbell professionals will state that gloves are not a necessity and have no benefit beyond the visual aspect.

Mr. Dwight Menard, an early director of the then-Allegro Handbell Choir, decided that the "risks" far outweighed the benefits.  Therefore, the Allegro Handbell Ensemble has never worn gloves in practice or performance.  Techniques which require touching the casting are usually replaced with similar substitutes.  If techniques are performed, the bells are carefully wiped down with a jeweler's polishing cloth immediately afterwards.

"American" Handbells

In the United Kingdom, a distinction is made between American handbells and English handbells.  English handbells, such as those manufactured in Great Britain by Whitechapel Foundry, are constructed with all-traditional materials using leather clapper heads and handles.  American handbells, such as those by US-manufacturers Schulmerich Carillons and Malmark Handbells, use plastics, rubber, and synthetic materials to produce the same effect.