Ringers-on-the-Green

Ringers-on-the-Green from the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, New Jersey, outside of Ste. Anne's Church Tuesday, July 4, just before their handbell performance. Pictured are (from left) Steve Gaden, Paul Figa, David Henckler, Taylor Fenske, Jen Megargel, Kate Fleischer, Chloe Gilbert, Becky Arndt, Erin Guthrie, Lindsey Pierret, Kate Whitehead, Peter Bye, and Ben Ramseyer.

On the evening of Tuesday, July 4, Ste. Anne's Church was filled with music and sound when the Ringers-on-the-Green from the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, New Jersey, performed.

The group is composed of 13 high school students, all hand-picked by Director of Music James Hicks. Students begin playing the handbells in kindergarten and most play at least two other instruments. The best skill to have, Mr. Hicks said, is to be a varied musician.

Handbell playing, according to Mr. Hicks is a fairly recent activity, which originated in the 1960s. The group played contemporary

American music, both religious and secular, including a medley of the best of John Williams. More than 100 bells were played and players wore white gloves, not as a fashion statement, but to protect the bells from tarnishing.

The Church's Canzonetta Singers also performed.

Ringers-on-the-Green tours every summer, supported by fundraisers throughout the school year. They have been to 40 states, Canada, Bermuda, and various locations in Europe.

This was the group's first time performing in Michigan, although they were here as tourists in 1990, 1995, and 2001.