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After a career in medicine for nearly 30 years, my wife and I retired to Bend in 2001. I have always had a strong interest in music probably starting with my mother who played piano and sang and my father who also sang in the church choir. I started playing trumpet in the 4th grade and have been involved with various singing groups most of my life.
My background with handbells began with our two sons who played handbells in a church youth choir in Kansas about 30 years ago. First they recruited their mother and finally someone suggested our family do a bell quartet one day. The rest is history.
When we came to Bend, both my wife and I started playing handbells with Gail Goshert here at FUMC. When Gail moved back to Pennsylvania, I, for whatever reason, agreed to lead the Bells of Praise handbell choir. Since then, we have expanded to nearly 5 octaves of bells and have recently purchased new tables for the sanctuary.
Our roster has dwindled somewhat over the past couple of years but our ringers are dedicated and committed to adding wonderful music to the services where we perform. We always welcome and encourage new members to our group. You don't even have to read music, just be able to count the beats in the music. We have plenty of seasoned bell ringers that are very willing to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and love for playing handbells. Email me and come join us!
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