Several members of First Lutheran’s handbell choir, Spirit Ringers, attended the Handbell Musicians of America Area 8 Conference held June 17–20 at the La Vista Conference Center.
Ann Bouma, Sandy Latshaw, Brian Niebuhr, Erin Niebuhr, Boyd Bacon and Masako Bacon joined ringers from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska for several days of rehearsals, classes and shared music-making.
Four Spirit Ringers also participated in the Bronze Festival, an intensive “handbell boot camp” that included 12 hours of rehearsal over two days and prepared music for the conference’s opening concert.
First Lutheran’s 6+-octave handbell set, handchime set and other equipment were also used during the conference. It was a physically demanding but inspiring experience, and our Spirit Ringers look forward to sharing what they learned with the full choir this fall.
We give thanks for their music, dedication and the many ways they help lead us in worship!
