In preparation for their national concert in Minneapolis, Minn., July 16, at the Handbell Musicians of American National Seminar, the Columbia Handbell Ensemble performed Sunday, July 10, at the California United Church of Christ (UCC). The California UCC "Good Vibrations" Handbell Choir hosted the event and provided refreshments and cookies after the performance. Norman Rohrbach helped organize the event.
"I just happened to be acquainted with a number of the performers," he said. "My wife Joyce and I attended a concert a couple of months ago and they talked about the national concert and mentioned they were looking for a place to perform a dress rehearsal. I said why don't they come to California and we are tickled to death to have such an accomplished group performing here."
The ensemble includes Conductor Edward S. Rollins, Treble Ringers Nancy Dreier, Briana Belding-Peck, Sarah Wells-Morgan, Allison Kay Smith, Middle Ringers Elizabeth Tummons, Tom Brintnall, Jane Piester, Laura Kitchell, Bass Ringers Debbie Taylor, Kelli Embry, Matt Fetterly and Noah Hartsfield.
They performed a number of pieces including: "Allegro Giocoso (from Water Music), "Sicilienne," "A Flight of Angels," "I'm Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger" (accompanied by tenor saxophonist Ed Scavone), "Prelude on 'Herzliebster Jesu," "All Creatures of Our God and King," "Blackberry Winter, Movement III" (accompanied by Pete Zambedo on Marimba), "Bound for the Promised Land" (accompanied by Zambedo), "Hanakage," "A Festival Day in Japan" and "Farandole" (from L'Arlesienne Suite).
For more of this story check out the July 13 issue of the California Democrat.