The Raleigh Ringers set to perform in Washington

Published 4:40 pm Monday, November 28, 2016

The Raleigh Ringers isn’t your typical handbell choir.

Led by David M. Harris since 1990, and performing across 39 states and internationally, the group of about 20 musicians provides top-notch, professional performances, which include handbells, short skits and lighting effects, set to secular and religious repertoire.

The group has released six albums, along with performance DVDs and television specials.

With thousands of fans and followers, The Raleigh Ringers is scheduled to perform in Washington this weekend, as part of a performance sponsored by the Beaufort County Concert Association.

The handbell group will present a Christmas-themed lineup at 3 p.m. Sunday in Washington High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Alma Friedman, a member of the Beaufort County Concert Association, said fellow member Pat Wheelock had heard of the group before and took charge when it came to setting up a performance in Washington.

“The Raleigh Ringers performs on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world,” a press release stated. “The Raleigh Ringers has made a significant impact on the world’s handbell music repertoire by commissioning more than 130 compositions and arrangements for handbells.”

Friedman said BCCA has received a positive response from the surrounding community and beyond. Interested callers from as far away as Farmville and Snow Hill have cleared their schedules for the performance, saying it is a treat to have this group visit so close to home, according to Friedman.

“We’re doing pretty well with call-ins from the surrounding area,” she said.

Friedman said she hopes The Raleigh Ringers will bring in a large crowd besides the BCCA membership, and is a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

“I’m really, really happy about that — that we’re able to bring them here,” she said.

The Raleigh Ringers will perform Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Washington High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets for non-members are $25 and can be purchased at www.gobcca.org. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.