The Oliver Handbell Ringers and their singers are once again hard at work preparing for their annual Christmas concert as their gift to the community.
Entitled “Bells Ringing, Angels Singing,” the haunting sounds of bronze bells and hand chimes are joined by our vocal group and emcee Allan Heal for a wonderful evening of music and entertainment for the whole family.
Along with new director, Helen Wollf, SOSS grad, music teacher, professional bell ringer and new mother, Bells Ringing, Angels Singing offers a time of candles and audience participation, music and fun. A chance to sit back, relax and reflect – a great anodyne for the season’s bustle.
Concerts are on Friday, December 9 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 11 at 3 pm in the Catholic Church in Oliver. Entry is free and a free will offering will be taken to offset costs.
In 2007 a few members met to start a handbell ringing group. We had only enthusiasm to offer. We raised money for our three octaves of handbells, three octaves of chimes and a set of cymbells, music and other equipment (thank you, Oliver!) and put in many thousands of hours of workshops and rehearsals.
Since then we have added to our membership which spans three generations. Our youngest member at one month old may not ring or sing yet, but her presence at our rehearsals, where she sleeps as we make music and fusses when we stop, is a huge encouragement to us. Our ringers are of all ages and this cross-generational group seems to draw energy and gain warmth from the diversity of our ages.
So come and join us Friday, December 9 (7:30 pm) or Sunday, December 11 (at 3 pm) for a taste of Christmas tradition.
