Circle City Ringers chime in at St. John UCC

[September 12, 2011]  A concert by handbell ringers may not sound like your kind of music. But if you could have heard the Circle City Ringers, it might have changed your mind. Apparently, handbells aren't strictly for church services.

St. John United Church of Christ at Seventh and Maple streets has a bell choir. The church also has a small youth bell choir, directed by Darlene Begolka. So, it was a natural connection when the Circle City Ringers came on Saturday for an afternoon workshop and an evening concert. It was the most recent of many visits they have made to St. John over the past several years.

It was unexpected to hear songs by the handbell ensemble sound as if they were coming from a multi-piece orchestra. It was better than ever when the group slipped into "In the Mood," an old Glenn Miller tune. Members demonstrated their agility and precision during the challenging "William Tell Overture," better known to baby boomers as the theme from the "Lone Ranger" television show.

The Circle City Ringers hail from Indianapolis, Ind. They are a nonprofessional ensemble under the direction of Mike Keller. Members have jobs elsewhere and perform with the group on a volunteer basis. The ensemble is a not-for-profit organization, belonging to the Handbell Musicians of America, Area Five.

Keller is actually a funeral director on any given day, but he's a handbell music director every Thursday night for practice, whenever they conduct workshops and when they are on the road. He also plays trombone, but not with these musicians.

The bells cover five octaves, and the only other instruments used are the chimes, which produce complementary tones.

Potential members must try out and pass an audition before being considered. Then they must commit to the group and the schedule of events.

"We have to be serious about playing," said one member, in reference to accepting new members. "We move around to cover the bells during a more difficult piece, and we all know how to play different bells, so there is no monotony. We work together, and learn together."

He said the members are like family -- sometimes arguing about a procedure or detail in the song -- but then talking about where to eat or what is happening tonight.

Several churches in the area have bell choirs. Next time there is a special program by one of the groups, make a point to attend. You can't imagine the ringing in your ears sounding so good.

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Online:

Circle City Ringers:
http://www.circlecityringers.org/

[By MARLA BLAIR]