Bell choir chimes in at Newark church
Group celebrates 10th anniversary with finale of holiday concert series
By IRA PORTER • The News Journal • January 4, 2010 (article & video link)
Put five octaves of handbells, two base bells, two lower base bells and five octaves of chimes
together and you can make harmonious music.
That is just what The Wilmington Handbell Ensemble did Sunday afternoon in Newark. The group
performed the Twelfth Night Concert, the last in their Ring in the Holidays concert series that started
in early December. They played for more than 100 people at the First Presbyterian Church of Newark,
292 W. Main St.
"You can still celebrate the holidays around here," said Kerry W. Dietz, artistic director for the group.
Dietz led more than a dozen ringers as they explained the history of handbells and their origins
throughout Europe. The group played classic songs such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas,"
"Joy to The World," and the black spiritual, "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow."
The most recent concert anniversary was the 10th for the group, which was founded by Michael
Helman in September 2000. Its purpose is to teach audiences about handbells and allow its musicians
to practice their craft. Group members, who introduced themselves during a brief break Sunday,
include educators, those working in financial services, the sciences and other walks of life. Most are
members of church bell choirs in New Castle County.
Anyone interested in hearing the band can learn about their Spring 2010 concerts by going to the
Web site www.wilmingtonhandbells.org.
Article from AGEHR Area III May, 2010 Newsletter
CAPITAL RINGERS AND THE WILMINGTON HANDBELL ENSEMBLE "RING FOR HAITI"
by Lois Torgerson
Delaware's premier handbell musicians are coming together to "Ring for Haiti" at the
close of their spring concert season. On June 6 at 7:00 PM. at the Wyoming United
Methodist Church in Dover (DE), two AGEHR Area III groups will present a concert of
spirit-filled and secular music. Proceeds from a freewill offering at the concert will benefit
Haiti relief efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Featured on the program will be selections from: Farandole by Georges Bizet;
Meditations of the Heart, Dance Before the Lord, Nocturne in C Minor, and When the
Saints go Marching In by Michael Helman; An American Tapestry by Arnold Sherman;
Carnivale by Michael J. Glasgow and Capriccio by Kevin McChesney.
Join us for a fun-filled good cause that promises to rouse the spirit and lift the heart. For
more information prior to the concert, contact the artistic directors (see below for
websites). For information on the venue, visit www.wyomingumc.com.
The Wilmington Handbell Ensemble is the only community-based handbell ensemble in
the Wilmington area. The ensemble consists of 15 ringers who have been ringing for 15 to
almost 40 years. WHE was founded ten years ago by noted musician/composer Michael
Helman to bring the beauty and artistry of English handbells to audiences of all ages. In
addition to their own concerts and volunteer performances, the ensemble has played at
Longwood Gardens, First Night Wilmington, and Caroling in the Square. WHE is
sponsored by St. Paul's United Methodist Church, in Wilmington (DE), which permits the
use of their handbells, equipment and rehearsal space. For more information about WHE,
visit www.wilmingtonhandbells.org.