Alleluia Ringers Handbell Choir

The Alleluia Ringers have been a much-loved part of worship since 2006, at First United Church and now at Central Okanagan United Church. Originally playing on three octaves of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of Malmark handchimes, we have since expanded to four, and then five octaves of bells, making us one of only a handful of five-octave handbell choirs in British Columbia!

From September through May, we share our music in worship once a month. We also enjoy connecting with the wider handbell community through the BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers and Handbell Musicians of Canada. These connections have taken us to regional, provincial, national and even international handbell events.

Closer to home, we love collaborating with other musicians, both within our congregation and in the wider community. We present a Christmas concert each December, take part in other concert programs at the church, and occasionally accept invitations to perform at other churches and community events.

Handbell ringing is, at its heart, a uniquely collaborative way to make music. Each ringer plays an important part, and it’s by listening to one another, working together and trusting each other that the music comes to life. While handbell choirs perform in many settings beyond the church, there is something especially meaningful about sharing this kind of music in worship. The sense of harmony, community, and collaboration, not to mention its beautiful sound, make handbell ringing a natural way to contribute to the life of the church and enrich our shared worship experience.

Curious about handbells? You’re welcome to give them a try! Director Nikki Attwell periodically offers a half-day Handbell Boot Camp, a fun introduction to the basics of handbell playing or a refresher for those who have rung before.

If you can read music reasonably well and would like to explore something new, Nikki would love to hear from you! Previous handbell experience is not a prerequisite to join the Alleluia Ringers — just a willingness to learn, listen and make music together.

Get in touch with Nikki  to learn more.

Nikki began ringing handbells in 1977 and has been part of six different choirs and small ensembles across three provinces. She is a past president of the BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers and served as co-chair of the planning committee for the 2016 International Handbell Symposium.