Concordia handbell choir rings in first virtual handbell composition
Concordia’s Handbell Choir performed as part of the first-ever virtual handbell ensemble in September. A total of 440 bell ringers from 26 states and six countries recorded sound clips of the composition “Misterium” by James Meredith. The clips were then merged into one performance.
The Concordia Handbell Choir submitted its recordings and also made video clips featuring its ringers’ silhouettes in front of the stained glass window in the Weller Hall chapel.
“We decided to give our video recording the unique look provided by the artwork created by the Center for Liturgical Art,” Jessica Kite, handbell director, said. The choir recorded at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning in January to keep outside noise levels as low as possible. “Perfect submissions took careful practice, time and patience,” Kite said.
The completed work can be viewed on YouTube by searching “Virtual Handbell Ensemble Misterium.”
The Concordia Handbell Choir includes 14 ringers and is one of two auditioned handbell choirs at the University. The choirs use more than five octaves of bells and three octaves of handchimes. The choirs perform in campus chapel, local worship services and concerts.
