Choir ringing in the season
Ten years ago, a group of musicians in Oliver decided the community was lacking a handbell choir. With nothing more than a set of borrowed bells and participants keen on seeing it fly, the Oliver Handbell Ringers team was created. The group set out raising funds. Before long, with an enthusiastic town behind them, the group began purchasing their own equipment.
Having started from the bare roots, the ensemble has been guided by multiple directors learning handbell technique, showmanship and musical theory. Putting in the practice time together and singularly, at home, and poring over the music has resulted in the choir of today.
The group now gives its members a workout on three octaves of handbells, an octave of cymbals, three octaves of hand chimes and various other fun add-ons.
“Sometimes, we ask the ringers to perform tasks that defy both logic and physics. This group seems to happily rise to the challenge and we always find a way to fit it all in, working together,” said director Helen Wollf.
“Of course, being able to sprout an extra arm or two could be helpful in some cases,” she added with a laugh.
Excitement is rushing through the group this Christmas season. Two of its members are off to ring with the Okanagan Handbell Chorus, an ad hoc bell choir developed to accompany the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.
As well, Wollf has been asked to be a clinician at the BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers’ spring conference.
In order to properly celebrate the 10th anniversary, OHR has a full concert for the public’s enjoyment planned.
One Winter’s Night will be presented on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. Both performances will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church, 6044 Spartan St., in Oliver.
Admission is free, with a free-will offering being taken.
Sometimes,we ask the ringers to perform tasks that defy both logic and physics. Oliver Handbell Choir director Helen Wollf