Handbell Choirs: The Walsh Memorial Bell Choir Program
The Walsh Memorial Bell Choir Program was established in 1968 as a memorial to the Rev. Joseph E. Walsh, Pastor of our church for more than thirty years. As they have for 40 years, the bell choirs today bring the message of Christian love to others through ringing praise with joy.
Greetings from Dunblane Scotland!
6/26: Had breakfast with hosts and traveled back to Edinburgh. Visited National Museum of Scotland, walked a portion of the Royal Mile, and saw St. Giles Cathedral (a Presbyterian Church), and did a little bit of shopping. Traveled back to Dunbar and had a nice dinner with Rev. Gordon Stevenson and his family.
Sunday 6/27: Rang at the morning worship service, and participated in a Bring and Share lunch provided by the Parishioners. Rang a beautiful benefit concert at the Dunbar Cathedral. Traveled to
Dunblane Had a mini tour of Medieval Dunblane Cathedral (Walsh Bells played at this Cathedral 12 years prior).
6/28: Will head to Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument and have a concert at Dunblane Cathedral in the evening. All is well here. Have met wonderful people and look forward to continuing the tour in Scotland and England.
God Bless!
With love,
Walsh memorial Bell Choir
The Walsh Memorial Bell Choir, the concert touring choir with primarily high-school age ringers, is renowned for its excellence. Through the years, they have participated in many AGEHR Area and National Handbell Festivals and have made numerous mission concert tours throughout the United States and in Canada, England, Mexico, France and Germany. In summer 2008, the Choir's tour included concerts in Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Anyone interested in participating, or who has questions about the handbell program, please contact Carl Loutzenheiser, carl.bells@mppresby.org, or call (973) 267-1258.
Walsh Mezza Handbell Choir (3rd through 8th grades and adults)
Directed by Kathy Opsasnick, the Mezza Handbell Choir is for first-time ringers, children and adults, who want to learn how to play handbells. They rehearse once a week on Monday nights, from 6:15pm to 7:15pm, and participate in worship services, Christmas Services, at the annual Appreciation Concert, and for other events. For additional information, please contact Kathy Opsasnick at ringduets@optonline.net.
Walsh Memorial Handbell Choir (Middle and High School)
Currently under the direction of Cari Yingling, the Walsh Memorial Handbell Choir is the concert-touring choir with primarily high-school age ringers. The choir rehearses twice a week: Thursday nights at 7pm and on Sunday afternoons at 1:30pm. Through the years, they have participated in many AGEHR Area and National Handbell Festivals and have made numerous mission concert tours throughout the United States, Canada, England, Mexico, France and Germany. In summer 2008 the Choir?s tour included concerts in Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina. In addition to tours and festivals, the Walsh Choir participates during worship services, concerts, and other events at the Presbyterian Church. For more information about the Walsh Memorial Bell Choir, please contact Carl Loutzenheiser at carl.bells@mppresby.org, or call (973)-267-1258.
Walsh Grazio Handbell Choir (Adult)
The Grazio Bell Choir, directed by Carl Loutzenheiser, is the adult handbell choir. Grazio practices on Monday evenings, from 7:30pm to 9:15pm. The choir praises God through music during Worship each month and also shares music with the community especially during Advent.
If you would like to become a handbell ringer, Carl would love to hear from you. Email Carl at carl.bells@mppresby.org, or call 973-267-1258.