With bells and chimes, Capital Ringers usher in the holidays

Get into the holiday spirit with an innovative performance by Capital Ringers on Saturday, Nov. 25,  at 4 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church Hall in Lewes. 

The concert features 134 handbells and 67 hand chimes operated by 14 to 15 musicians called “ringers” who will lead the audience in an arrangement of timeless holiday classics such as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “White Christmas,” and “Sleigh Ride,” to name a few. 

The group has been entertaining all across the Delmarva Peninsula and its neighboring states since 2005. 

Founder and artistic director Linda S. Simms  provides an insight on what “ringing” is all about. 

You are the founder and artistic director of Capital Ringers Inc. What inspired you to establish this organization? 

I have spent my whole life teaching music either in schools, churches, handbell workshops and seminars, or in my private music studio, so this idea seemed like a unique challenge for me and a way to demonstrate the diversity of handbells.  

I had started several different handbell choirs in churches, but always wanted to play handbell music that was more difficult than the average choir rings, and was not sacred. 

I knew that the only way to accomplish that was to start a community handbell ensemble, so I asked some local ringers if they would be interested in the same. The interest was there, so we met several times, borrowed bells until we could purchase our own, and off we went!

Overall, there are 134 handbells and 67 hand chimes. How many musicians are assigned to perform and what type of training do you need to become a ringer?

We normally have 14-15 ringers in the group. We have had as many as 17 when we had a few new ringers who were ringing partial positions as a stepping stone to become a full ringing member.  

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Every ringer is assigned at least 2 bells that represent white keys on the piano. In order to be a ringer with Capital Ringers, you must be able to read music. Beyond that, having some ringing experience is helpful, but not mandatory. 

We work with beginning ringers every year in either small groups or one-on-one tutoring. The recipe for a good ringer is patience and dedication.

Although the concert on  Nov. 25 will feature timeless holiday classics, Capital Ringers Inc. has also entertained with popular hit songs such as “Dancing Queen,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and many more. What type of preparation goes into learning how to differentiate each of these songs?

The musical scores for handbells include various symbols that represent different techniques to be used on the bells, which add to the unique quality of each piece or genre. The same is true for most instrumental ensembles.  

Although the handbells and hand chimes are the main attraction, what else will be added into the mix for this family-friendly concert?

This show includes lots of percussion, synthesizer, an actor, and a stunning visual presentation throughout the show. You can learn more about the group and the upcoming shows in other areas of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania  on our website, www.capitalringers.org.

The concert is free to ages 18 and younger, however, a $15 donation is recommended for adults. How do the proceeds help Capital Ringers Inc.?

We are a nonprofit, so we rely on our ongoing "Friends" of Capital Ringers campaign, and our income from shows to maintain and purchase equipment and music.  

Earlier this year, we unexpectedly had to replace two of our largest handbells for a total of $3,000, and also replace our leaking trailer with a new one. Handbells are expensive, and the maintenance on them is pricey due to the uniqueness of the instrument.

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If someone would like to give ringing a try, do you offer any introductory classes and if so, what are the details?

If anyone is interested in giving it a try, they can contact me at 302-632-3106. Typically, I am the person who assesses what is needed.  

The average ringer in the group is not a professional musician, but they have the interest and motivation to learn. I have taught ringers and directors all over the Delmarva Peninsula, and love sharing my passion for this amazing instrument.

What type of future strides are you aiming for?

We have ongoing expenses, but the next major expenditure will be to refurbish one of our sets of handbells. In addition to that, we are looking for more ringers to expand the group, and more volunteers to assist with our visual presentations and other volunteer jobs.  

There are a lot of possibilities for volunteers to get involved with Capital Ringers, so that is our current focus as we go into 2018.

IF YOU GO

Capital Ringers Holiday Classics

Where: Bethel United Methodist Church Hall, Lewes 

When: Saturday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m.

Cost: Free for ages 18 and under; $15 donation recommended for adults

Info: www.capitalringers.org