Hannah Greenfield - Biography

Hannah started ringing handbells at the age of 15 under the direction of Sandra Winter, whose enthusiasm for bells was highly infectious! She started out as a solo handbell ringer at the age of 18, and has since enjoyed performing solos for regional handbell events and concerts across Surrey. Hannah gave a debut performance of her Suite for Handbells at the 2007 National Handbell Rally at Hatfield.

Hannah directs the Lammas Handbell Ringers, Godalming and often stands in as a ringer for other teams. Her composition "Celebration!" won the HRGB South East region's 30th Birthday Competition and was performed at events throughout 2005, cumulating in a rousing performance by 300 ringers at Guildford Cathedral. Since then, she has enjoyed composing and arranging other music for handbells (see the "Martellato Music" catalogue here).

In 2004, Hannah was introduced to the technique of travelling four-in-hand by solo artist Michèle Sharik. This enables the musician to play more lyrically, whilst reducing the amount of movement in picking up and putting down bells. She is in the process of incorporating this technique into her repertoire, playing off-table travelling four-in-hand. (If there is anyone else that rings bells using this method please let me know!) Hannah's aim is to raise the musical status of handbells in the UK to be recognised alongside other leading instruments, such as the piano and violin.

Hannah is married to Matthew, who is Director of Music at All Saints' Church, Guildford and also a keen handbell ringer and composer.