Williams Handbell Choir

The Williams College Department of Music presents the Williams Handbell Ensemble on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3:30 p.m. in Goodrich Hall on the Williams College campus. This free event is open to the public.

Led by Williams College students, the ensemble offers a varied program that highlights the versatility of the handbell choir. Handbells choirs have developed over 300 years, and have developed various specialized techniques and styles suited for the instrument. This group presents a wide range of pieces from Chariots Of Fire to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, as well as compositions by renowned handbells composers Hart Morris and Arnold Sherman.

The Handbell Choir is a student-led group advised by Artist-in-Residence Bradley Wells. The ensemble rehearses weekly on a five-octave set of Schulmerich handbells. Repertoire consists of arrangements and original compositions, mostly of secular or seasonal holiday music. The choir participates in the annual Service of Lessons and Carols along with the Concert and Chamber Choirs, and performs in Studio Recitals and at various off-campus locations.