St. Matthew's United Methodist Church: Handbell Choirs

Handbell Choirs

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! -- Psalm 108:1

With nine handbell choirs, St. Matthew's has one of the most prolific and well-known handbell programs in the greater metro area. The youth handbell choirs tour each summer and hold special concerts throughout the year, as well as ring regularly for Sunday worship services.

From the beginner to the experienced ringer, we invite you to join us in our "joyful noise".

Adult Handbell Choirs

Alleluia Ringers are adults of all ages rehearsing on Sundays, 6:15-7:15 PM. They are a beginner level handbell choir, play four times a year for worship, attend an adult handbell retreat and festival each year, and ring in two special concerts each year.
Mitchell Ringers are adults of all ages and musical abilities and ring on the intermediate/advanced level. They rehearse on Sundays, 7:15-8:45 PM, and ring once a month for worship. They present occasional concerts in the community and attend a handbell festival and retreat.
Peace Ringers are adults with advanced handbell experience. They rehearse Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, and ring for worship once a month. They present occasional concerts in the community, play for weddings, and attend adult handbell festivals.

Youth

Jubilee Ringers are junior high youth, Grades 7-9, with varied musical talents. They rehearse on Mondays, 5:45-7:15 PM, and ring 5-7 times a year in worship. They present concerts in the community.
Celebration Ringers are junior/senior high youth, Grades 8-11, with intermediate level musical ability and experience in handbell ringing. They rehearse on Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 PM, and ring 7 times a year in worship. They present concerts in the community and go on a handbell tour each year.
The Carol Ringers are senior high youth with advanced musical and handbell ability. They rehearse on Mondays, 7:30-9:30 PM, and ring 7 times a year in worship. They present concerts in the community and go on a handbell tour each year.

Children

Rainbow Ringers are children, Grades 3-4, who have very little or no ringing experience. They rehearse before the Altar Choir on Monday, 3:00-3:45 PM. They ring for worship several times a year.
Praise Ringers are children, Grade 4, who have had one year of handbell experience. They rehearse before the Altar Choir on Monday, 3:00-3:45 PM, and this year will work on refining their note reading. They ring in worship regularly and participate in a handbell festival each year.
Joyful Ringers are children, Grade 5, who have ringing experience and can read music. They rehearse following the Altar Choir on Mondays, 4:45-5:30 PM, ring for worship regularly and participate in a handbell festival each year.
Chancel Ringers are children, Grade 6, who have ringing experience and can read music. They rehearse following the Altar Choir on Mondays, 4:45-5:30 PM, ring for worship regularly and participate in a handbell festival each yearr.