Handbells / Handchimes

Handbells / Handchimes / Marimba L.E.S.T. 2026 Schedule (not yet available)

Goals for All Music Competitions

  1. To give honor and praise to God for the wonderful gift of music. 
  2. To encourage the study of music among our young people. 
  3. To encourage mastery of performance and musical technique.
  4. To provide a unique forum for the sharing of music with peers. 
  5. To give recognition and praise to God for those who excel in this gift. 

Descriptions/Regulations

Performance groups will be adjudicated in the following categories. 

  1. Accuracy
  2. Rhythm 
  3. Musicianship
  4. Technique
  5. Other Performance Factors 

Awards for Music Competitions

Points             Placement     Award           

22-25              First                Blue              

17-21              Second                                  

10-16              Third                                      

Performance groups are adjudicated on their own performance, not compared to other groups. Awards will be given for blue ribbon winners. The adjudicator’s rating sheets, with valuable comments, will be given to each school at the closing of L.E.S.T. Northwest. 

Additional Details

  1. About the Schedules 
    Due to the many unforeseen events, all scheduled times are subject to change. At L.E.S.T. Northwest, multiple events are usually proceeding simultaneously. Outcomes are often unpredictable. The music adjudicators will do their best in preparing and maintaining a schedule. If a bell/chime choir arrives early and is prepared to play, they may be requested to appear before another who is late or is delayed by another L.E.S.T. Northwest event.  
  2. Instruments must be brought by the school. Schools who fly may choose to contact schools who drive to L.E.S.T. to arrange to borrow their bells for your performance.
  3. There is NO EXIT or ENTRANCE during a performance. This behavior is discourteous and disturbing to the performers. 
  4. Do not bring food or drink into the performing areas. 
  5. There is NO TALKING during a performance. Please keep small children as quiet as possible. We are here to help build everyone up, not provide interference with them doing their best. 
  6. Bands must provide an original piece of their music for the adjudicator. NO PHOTOCOPIES. This is illegal and would violate U.S. Copyright Laws. 
  7. Whenever possible, arrive at least 10 minutes early before your scheduled time. 

Total time for each performance may not exceed 12 minutes. 

How to Participate

All teams must be pre-registered by the deadline. Registration details and deadlines are found on the Registration Page.

Registering schools will be guaranteed a spot for at least one Handbells / Handchimes Choir, but can submit registration for up to three. The additional choirs will be included on the performance schedule if there is enough time for each group.

Adjudication

Individual adjudication forms may be accessed by clicking the button below:

Handbell / Handchimes Adjudication Form