Handbell choir will chime Nov. 2

UPDATE: The Nov. 2 HHS performance start time has been changed to 2:45 p.m.

    The public is invited to hear the Hastings College Handbell Choir at the Holyoke High School new gym Thursday, Nov. 2, at 2:45 p.m. The choir is going on tour, performing nine times in eight locations over a five-day period.
    The tour begins Wednesday, Nov. 1, in Holdrege, Nebraska, then moves to Imperial, Nebraska, Holyoke, Sterling, Fort Morgan, Boulder, North Platte, Nebraska, and concludes Sunday, Nov. 5, at a performance on campus in Hastings, Nebraska.
    Performing at four high schools and four churches in western Nebraska and Colorado during the tour, the handbell ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Byron Jensen, brings more than 60 bells, 60 chimes and an array of other instruments, including strings and percussion.
    Performances of the 21-member handbell choir will also include Millennial Vibe, a five-voice a capella group making their debut this semester at Hastings College. Members of both groups are primarily from Nebraska and Colorado.
    The Hastings College Handbell Choir was added to Hastings College music curriculum when Jensen began teaching at that institution in August 2003. A year later, five octaves of Schulmerich bells, chimes and other equipment were purchased, with some lower and upper handbells added later.
    The group meets twice weekly and includes students pursuing a variety of undergraduate degrees. Many students have never rung bells before attending Hastings College.
    The intent of the Hastings College Handbell Choir is to be an outstanding musical ensemble dedicated to students’ learning of music and performance technique, while also encouraging them to value community-based musical service. Many alumni are currently playing in or conducting handbell choirs, and a few are providing similar duties in auditioned community or professional ensembles.

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