Focus On: Radiant Ringers

By Kenneth Martin

This month our focus is on Radiant Ringers, which is our beginning handbell choir. They are directed by Karen Hammond. Karen is a fine ringer herself and a valuable member of the other handbell choir, Joyful Ringers. She is well qualified to work with the less-experienced ringers of Radiant Ringers! I have watched her in action, and I know that she is not only a fine musician but a caring person who creates a family atmosphere in her group. They rehearse on Monday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

We heard Radiant Ringers on February 10 in worship, and they will play again in early May. You will notice that they do not play quite as often as the more experienced Joyful Ringers. But I should mention that some of the “senior” members of Radiant Ringers occasionally substitute in Joyful Ringers, which gives them even more experience.

Radiant Ringers usually ring up to three octaves of bells. Here are the current members of the group: Mary Ann Campbell, Frances Larsen, Kathleen Meyer, Jeff Hodes, Kristin Larsen, Catherine Potter, Janice Johnson, Tom Larsen and Betty Young.

You do not have to have any previous handbell experience to ring with Radiant Ringers! Several of the current members started as rank beginners, and some of them have been in the group long enough that they are developing into quite competent ringers.

If you are interested in learning to play bells, this is a great way to start! Contact Karen Hammond or Kenneth Martin to learn more about how you can be part of this group. Soon you could be wearing one of the blue Radiant Ringers shirts!