wRight Ringers Community Handbell Ensemble celebrates 30 years

The wRight Ringers Community Handbell Ensemble, based in Buffalo, is a distinguished musical group dedicated to the art of handbell ringing. For the past thirty years, members have captivated audiences with their harmonious performances and have become an integral part of the local arts scene.    

The Group’s Beginnings

Co-Directors Sherilyn Burgdorf and Jill Starr shared that the wRight Ringers were brought into existence largely due to the efforts of founding director, Lyn Luick, who led the wRight Ringers ensemble until her retirement in 2007. Described by Starr as an “innovator and a doer, a wonderful spirit, so humble, and just downright fun,” Luick began her career in education in 1974, teaching at Tatanka Elementary School. To connect with other bell musicians and learn new techniques, she attended handbell clinics, conferences, and served on area boards. 

Luick, who now lives in Prior Lake, began directing handbells when Buffalo United Methodist Church purchased a two-octave set of Malmark bells in 1981. After 10 years in a church setting, and new handbell music flooding the market, Luick wanted to explore a new path to perform more contemporary and secular music. Members also expressed interest in expanding beyond monthly church-themed performances; the expanse of the wRight Ringers group involves performing music that doesn’t necessarily fit a traditional church service, including playing Broadway and Dixieland-themed music.

Recruiting of ringers began in the fall of 1993, and the group currently has 61 alumni over its 30-year existence. Original members included Mary Augustin, Sherilyn Burgdorf, Al Burke, Peggy Hill, Kristin Hovland, Cheree Johnson, Mary Johnson, Jerry Kind, Karen Mattson, Debi Maurer, John Salveson, Cherie Sanderson, Jill Starr, and Director Lyn Luick. The current wRight Ringers ensemble consists of 18 members and is made up of people who live or work in Wright County, with a combined total of 483 years of bell ringing experience amongst the group. 

In the fall of 1994, an application was made for a non-profit status, which was finalized in 1995. Luick was a key catalyst in this endeavor. “Non-profit status allowed us to apply for grants to get more equipment or buy music and do special things at concerts. Lyn was the one who went beyond what a lot would do,” stated Sherilyn Burgdorf. 

Co-director Jill Starr shared that Luick initially went before the Zion Lutheran Church Board with her proposal of starting a new community bell ensemble and seeking permission to use their bells and equipment until the group could purchase their own. In 1997, five octaves of Schulmerich handbells were up for sale at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, and a small group of ringers went to check them out. They were told to take the bells back to see if the group approved. The decision was unanimous, and the bells were purchased on January 16, 1997, at a cost of $9,000. “This was a steal. Besides the bells, they gave us tables, pads, mallets, music stands, bass console, and music. A loan had been taken out, but between generous individuals, businesses, and grant money, the bells were paid in full in 1999.”

In November 2001, four octaves of Malmark handchimes were purchased. Additional handchimes were purchased in 2008 to complete the five-and-a-half octaves. 

A Musical Collaboration

Handbell ringing is a unique form of music with a strong emphasis on collaboration and timing. Bells vary in weight, size, and tone. Large chimes are struck with a mallet. Ringers stand side-by-side, providing the opportunity to play the bells resting on the pad in front of the person next to them. If the tempo is fast, ringers can work together, picking up the bells of their neighbor to assist with transition and rhythm. “It’s a team effort between those two. A ringer must have a feel for it all.” Burgdorf stated. “The music looks like piano writing. People are playing basically two notes. Every ringer has the same sheet of music. You have to find your notes, but there’s people in between you. You have to keep everything going in the right direction. It’s a team effort. It’s an ensemble.” 

Performing handbells is dear to the hearts of the ringers in the group, providing an opportunity to bring music to the world. Both Burgdorf and Starr shared in this passion. 

“A lot of the people join the group and are in the group for many years. It’s a social event, and they treat it as their little mini musical family, but also, they like the challenge of being a musician and to continue their love of music. If we didn’t have music to do as adults, I think life would be very sparse for those of us who consider music to be a very important part of our life.” 

Performances

The wRight Ringer ensemble performs throughout the year, including collaborations with the Buffalo Community Orchestra, Wright County Chamber Chorus, and Buffalo High School Choir. 

One of their notable collaborations includes the annual holiday concert, “Holiday for Orchestra with Ringers and Singers.” This festive event has grown to be one of the most popular and cherished performances of the concert season, showcasing the ensemble’s commitment to community engagement and musical excellence. 

In addition to their holiday performances, the wRight Ringers have hosted events such as “Hat’s Off to Handchimes,” a workshop for 4th and 5th grade students in Wright County, which began in 2001 and continued for 12 years, demonstrating the group’s dedication to promoting and educating others about handbell music. 

The ensemble has performed for various fundraisers, including Relay for Life, played in the aisles of Target to bring festive cheer to holiday shoppers, and took part in the Guinness world record at the Mall of America in 2016 for the most bell ringers playing together in one place. 

Making Memories

On Sunday, April 13, the wRight Ringers, along with the Wright County Chamber Chorus, will perform a concert titled, “Making Memories,” celebrating musical favorites of the past. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Zion Lutheran Church. 

Through 30 years of performances and community involvement, the wRight Ringers Community Handbell Ensemble continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Wright County and inspire audiences with the resonant beauty of handbell music.