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Handbell Choir
The Whitechapel Handbell Choir
The ensemble has been together as a choir for twenty years with two current members participating from the beginning. The choir rings the third Sunday of each month, as well as at special services and concerts. A choir member is not expected to participate at every service but commits to certain months. Rehearsal is every Wednesday night at 7:15 p.m. More ringers are welcome and may contact Handbell Choir Director, Sara Enger at the church - 233-9605 for more information.
Charlie works the big bells.
The Joyful Ringers
This ensemble provides an opportunity for youth and adults to learn the technique of handbell ringing. Music reading is not required since the basic music reading requirements are taught for the piece being rehearsed. The basics of handbell ringing are taught and reinforced. Rehearsals are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and performances are the second Sunday of the month.
Jim Boratko,
Music DirectorJim Boratko brings many years of experience and love of Christian music to our First Church community. Jim is one of a dwindling number of pipe organists in the country and has had extensive training under Claude Means to fine-tune his amazing skills. Along with directing our choirs each week, he has been instrumental (pun intended) in bringing guest artists such as Paul Halley; Chorus Angelicus; George Sovak; and the African Children's Choir.
The handbells used by the choir were made by London's Whitechapel Foundry, the same company which cast our country's Liberty Bell more than 200 years ago. The collection consists of 4 octaves of English handbells, 3 octaves of Malmark handchimes and handbell mallets.
