Community Choir names

[Valerie Stephenson]

Hi Thomas, et al:  I agree the cutesy names don't sound professional.  I just went thru this with my geriatric group who thankfully didn't suggest dingalings or the like (sorry if this offends anyone as there is surely a place for these names, usually with lots of "newbies", God Bless 'em).

 

    Thomas, there are just a few parameters only you and your group might discuss. 

 

FIRST, it is often good to associate your name in the locale.  "Raleigh Ringers" being a prime example and also alliterative (a sign of schizophrenia btw, but not in this "case").  Or a newer group here in FL, the "Sarasota Ringers"... I might not have that name exactly right.

    You mentioned Los Angeles... yikes, way too big for a focal point unless you like the LA Tar Pit Ringers ;-))

 

    The other choice is to find your own semi-musical name like "Sonos".  There are many groups and small ensembles who go that route.

 

    The ones I best know are somewhat "location oriented" like Martha Avery's "Millstream Ringers" from the area in OH that has "the old millstream" still running thru it.  Or Nancy Lutz's Three River Ringers in PA, where I presume 3 rivers crash together in the Pittsburg area. 

    There are quite a few that relate to nearby "water".  In Jax, our CC of longer standing is known as "The First Coast Ringers", as that defines the NE corner of FL starting at the GA line where "our first coast" begins.  My choir simply decided on "River City Ringers", tho I pushed for "Jax RCR". We are on the St. Johns River that flows all thru FL, but we didn't want to include all that in a title or a LOGO.  Though we are elderly, we are strong, and the first thing I did was let them elect a small BOD... they are smart, good ringers who just want to learn more advanced skills.  so what's a rose by any other name? (and I must stop uttering Shakespeare!)  You are young (I think) and looking for a long lasting future for your group.

 

    During my 30 years in New Orleans, we had the same problem with our church choir name as we were also a performing choir.  We did the ole "put your name suggestion in the pickle jar" as we didn't want to be known only as the Parkway Pres Bell choir (not that there is anything wrong with that.)  The pickle jar is fun but usually yields not much... tho it might have a word or 2 that might be lifted to a final name.

 

    FINALLY, one level headed dearly departed ringer (Norma) suggested "Les Belles Chanson", since NOLA is highly influenced by the French, amongst many other influences I won't mention!  It stuck, it was classy, somewhat nondescript, ...and felt right to everyone.  Besides, this woman was the smartest, most tactful person in our whole crazy group and NO ONE, including my bossypants husband/director or me would challenge her "taste" about anything!  When Norma spoke, it was always in calm, deliberate, well thought out messages.  I digress, but only to say, you can't guess where the name you seek will come, but as one supreme court judge said eons ago (about pornography):  "I don't know how to define it, but I know it when I see it"!

 

    So, dear Thomas, these are my "main name" thoughts.  You just have to brainstorm with your potential ringers and surely you will know when the right name pops up.  Let us know... I'm curious.  LV

 

PS:  Apologies to all for any inappropriate references.  This is called "Val recovering from a week family reunion of about 13 (small family), needing sleep, and if you didn't hear, I received the Honorary Life award from our "Handbell Musicians of America", which unfortunately occured at the same time as this family trip.. but my heart is with you all always, even with sarcasm sneaking between the lines of advice.  My grandchildren don't understand me yet either, but that's another topic, not for this list.  LV

 

Valerie W. Stephenson
904-880-1806
vale...@comcast.net
10379 Bigtree Ln
Jacksonville, FL 32257
A note of music gains significance from the silence on either side. -Anne Morrow Lindbergh, writer (1906-2001)

 

 

[Stephanie Wiltse]

Speaking, of which: CONGRATULATIONS, Valerie, on your wonderful honor.
Your letter of acceptance was terrific, and beautifully delivered by
Martha.

Stephanie Wiltse
Grand Rapids, MI

[Dellinda Ebeling]

I agree with Stephanie, and though I don't know you personally your reputation precedes you, and you are clearly deserving of the lifetime honor. I enjoy reading your posts here.

For whatever it's worth to you I was made aware of your Eternal Father, Strong to Save and thought it was so beautiful. I love all the chord progressions at the beginning and end. So we are making it one of our selections for our first (annual?) festival at our church in October. I can't wait to hear it played by several groups together!

[F Simpson]

Very good Val!

Yes, either location named or musical named. But which?

And of course "LA Bronze" is already taken. And we are in Pasadena - but Pasadena Bronze or Pasadena Ringers just sounds to limited (also, I never really like the name "Bronze" after another name - always sounded like some female impersonators name. "Mrs. Maryland Bronze".)

I think a name needs to pass the Price is Right test. If you can hear it being yelled after "Come On Down!" - its a good name!

Thanks,

Thomas

[Michele Sharik]

And it's called "clanging", interestingly enough. :-)

Sent from my iPhone

[gj berg]

There is also the (common many decades ago) tradition of naming it
after sponsor/founder (e.g., Dorthy Shaw Handbell Choirs).

I can also imagine naming it something with a action verb to noun,
e.g., Challengers, Explorers, Entertainers, Dreamers, etc.

Congrats, Val!

(Pardon any misspellings due to technical difficulty -- kitten on
keys/blocking screen.)

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--
gj berg
Elasmobranchology hopeful