The Messenger 06.19.08

First United Methodist Church in Trenton will host “Jubilant Bells,” a concert presented by Love Notes Adult Handbell Choir and FUMC Children’s Handchime Choir, Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
The 12-member adult choir and 16-member children’s choir are under the direction of Leah Jean Rollins, organist/handbell director at Trenton FUMC.
Mrs. Rollins is the daughter of Bettye Moss of Union City and is the former organist at Cumberland Presbyterian and First Christian churches in Union City.
The concert will feature hymn arrangements and original compositions for handbells utilizing various techniques such as malleting, shelley ringing, four-in-hand, martellatos, swings, echoes and many others. More than 50 handbells will be rung during the evening, ranging in size from the 8-pound. lowest bass bell to the highest bell, weighing only 7 ounces.
Love Notes Adult Handbell Choir is named in honor and memory of Ann Love, retired first-grade teacher and member of the church whose estate made the initial purchase of the handbells possible.
The Children’s Handchime program at Trenton FUMC is designed to provide children with an educational musical experience, an opportunity to perform in front of others and an introduction to the challenge of ringing in an ensemble. Handchimes, with their sturdy construction and mellow tone quality, provide a durable, “child-friendly” means to offer beginning exposure to the world of handbells.
Through this musical outlet, young ringers can gain the foundation, training and experience needed to become future adult handbell choir members and substitute ringers. In addition to ringing handchimes, the children will be adding special effects to their handchime pieces, such as tambourines, cowbells, rhythm sticks and triangles.
A special feature of the concert will be a jazzy rendition of the old-time favorite “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” performed on clarinet by Leigh Boyce, choir director at Trenton FUMC, accompanied by the handbell choir. Ms. Boyce, an accomplished clarinetist, is also the band director at Trenton Rosenwald Middle School.
The concert will conclude with a festive arrangement of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” by Beethoven, featuring the handbell choir; Ginny Tyner, organist at First Presbyterian Church in Trenton on organ; Eric Waldon of Milan, assistant band director at Gibson County High School on trumpet; and Mrs. Rollins on piano.
Barbara Parker, a member of Trenton FUMC and a retired first-grade teacher, will serve as concert narrator.
The handbell and handchime program at Trenton FUMC is funded solely through the generous donations of its supporters. A love offering will be received following the concert and a reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
The Rev. Tommy Jowers and the congregation invite the public to attend the concert Sunday at 6:30 p.m.