Westminster Bells in Concert

Another benefit of moving back to Chehalis has been the opportunity to play with the Westminster Bells handbell choir. I started playing handbells with the children’s group in third grade. I continued, eventually joining the adult group, until I moved to Bellingham to attend college, but still joined the group for a festival one summer. The director heard I was back in town and called to see if I could help out with one song for their Christmas concert. I was happy to oblige!

I played a chimes part, along with another children’s choir alum, in one song. It was a nice way to ease back into playing handbells. I had forgotten though, how much time and work went into preparing for the Christmas concert. Whew! Boy was I glad that I only played one song!

In the picture, Sophia is helping out by shaking sleigh bells for one song. She was chosen “at random” by Grandma Shari, who also played bells in the concerts.

We played three concerts in one weekend, the same weekend as the Santa breakfast and Christmas parade. It was a full weekend, for sure. I was glad when it was over and would be able to get some time back in my schedule. I enjoyed playing with the bell choir again, and hope to return soon, but on a very limited basis!