RINGING CHOIRS:

Our Handbell Choirs are an important part of MUMC's Music Ministry. Ringing is fun; it encourages teamwork, self control, dependability and self confidence. It develops social interaction, creative problem solving, self-esteem and artistic expression. Ringing also acts as a trainer of coordination and motion skills.

There are ringing choirs for children, youth and adults. The choirs participate in worship monthly and serve as outreach to the community. For more information, feel free to contact Handbell Program Director Sherry Boland at 636-200-4733.

Rehearsals are in the Handbell Room (Room 103).

Manchester Bell Choir
Director: Sherry Boland, 636-200-4733

Mondays, 7:00pm-8:30pm (Meets in Room 103)
A handbell choir for beginning & intermediate ringers, 7th graders to adults.

Celebration Ringers
Director: Sherry Boland, 636-200-4733

Tuesdays, 5:30pm-6:30pm (Meets in Room 103)
A handbell/handchime choir for 3rd through 6th graders.

Vesper Bell Choir
Director: Sherry Boland, 636-200-4733

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:45pm (Meets in Room 103)
An advanced handbell choir for youth and adults.

About the Bells of MUMC
 
Handbell ringing began at MUMC in June of 1969.  Currently, one ensemble, a youth choir and 2 adult choirs serve our congregation leading in worship, at weddings and for special programs and festivities.  The choirs ring with 5 octaves, and 4 octaves of Schulmerich Handbells, and 6 octaves, 3 octaves and 2 octaves of Malmark Choirchimes.  MUMC ringing choirs have been honored to be instructed and to present concerts under the direction of excellent guest musicians.  The list includes: Kevin McBeth, MUMC’s Director of Music, David Harris, Director of the Raleigh Ringers, Alex Mysliwiec, Dream Team Soloist, and these composers/directors; Cynthia Dobrinski, Arnold Sherman, and Dr. William Payn of Bucknell University in 2007.  Last summer’s concert given by Kay Cook’s Arizona Desert Bells was a special treat.  Reaching out to the community, MUMC enjoys sharing these outstanding events with area churches and community choirs.  The Raleigh Ringers first joined us in concert in 2004 and we are very excited to host them again on June 26, 2008 at 7 p.m.  
 
Handbell Program Director: Sherry Boland
Sherry Boland has directed handbell choirs at MUMC since 1985, with the inception of the Vesper Bell Choir.  Before coming to MUMC, Sherry directed handbell choirs in, Oklahoma, and Texas and choral choirs in, Georgia, and New York.  A native of Englewood/Dayton, Ohio, and a University of Cincinnati Business graduate, Sherry has studied music at Western Oklahoma State University and attended many courses of instruction through the AGEHR.  An active member of the AGEHR, she has served as  director, adjudicator, clinician,  Missouri State Chairperson and Treasurer in Area VIII.  Sherry resides in Manchester with her architect, musician husband, Bill.