Handbell Choirs

We currently have two handbell choirs.

The “Chapel Ringers” are an adult choir with 8 regular ringers. We meet on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

The youth Choir, (they can not decide on a name), has 5 ringers and meets on Tuesday from 6 to 6:30 p.m...

We have only been ringing for three years but have made tremendous strides in our ringing abilities and sounding really good.

A little history: In October of 2006, due to the generosity of members of our congregation, the church acquired a 2 octave set of Schulmerich handbells. Diane Ennis, director of the Children’s Singing Choir, became the handbell choir director. Having never even picked up a handbell this was quite a challenge for her. The interest in ringing handbells was enough to form the two choirs that we now have.

Now, three years later, we are asked to perform at local events such as Memorial Day Services and the Fourth of July Celebrations held on Berkley Common. Ringing outdoors is quite a challenge. The Chapel Ringers take part in worship on the third Sunday of each month and during special worship services. The Youth Choir also rings during worship and at special services. Both choirs have attended workshops and performed at concerts with others handbell choirs as part of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

In case you are wondering………handbells are percussion instruments and it is not difficult to learn how to make music. You do need to be able to count 1,2,3,4, and having some rhythm is a plus. You do not have to know how to read music. Being part of a handbell choir is not a solo act; we are part of a team so commitment to rehearsals is necessary. New members are always welcome!

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