By Katie Pfotzer | Contributor
At the mention of handbells, a few things may come to mind. Maybe a concert with an athletic display of bell-ringing prowess. Maybe that one episode of "New Girl" where Winston becomes a handbell savant. Or maybe all you can think of are the funny black gloves your roommate left on their desk that keep their instrument from getting all smudgy.
If some of these categories ring true, consider coming to the Ringers concert.
According to Eva Kwan, assistant director of music and director of the Ringers, the group is a handbell choir of about 15 members ranging from freshman all the way to seniors that has existed on Taylor campus since the 80s.
"I am personally impressed with what composers and arrangers can get into the music for handbells," Kwan said. "That's something that's changed over the years."
The handbell choir performs a variety of sacred music as well as pop and showtunes.
Typical concerts consist of about five hymns and five pop songs.
Besides pop and showtunes, the handbells group will be performing pieces the broader audience may not have heard of such as two pieces with flamenco and Jamaican influences respectively.
Past concert pieces include "How Far I'll Go" from Moana, the theme "The Pirates of the Caribbean," a medley of songs from "Aladdin," as well as a medley from "The Wizard of Oz."
Sneak peeks from the concert include a medley from "Les Miserables" and "Believe" from the Holiday classic "The Polar Express" according to junior Sonya Downing. Unfortunately, the original "Believe" singer, Josh Groban, will be unavailable to accompany them on vocals.
"'Believe' is my favorite song because it kind of sparkles," said freshman Mandi Hall. She noted the addition of chimes adds a layer of Christmas magic to the piece.
The concert is Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.
"Come to the concert," Kwan said. "It will be a good study break for all of the students on campus."
