Founded in 1981 when no other community choirs existed, Janet VanValey gathered a group of enthusiastic ringers together and founded the Kalamazoo Ringers. The fledgling choir began with just ten ringers playing on four octaves of bells years, and 26 years later the choir membership includes fifteen ringers playing six octaves of Malmark handbells and seven octaves of Choirchimes.

Four of the founding members are still an active part of KR (one took a few years off...but who’s counting?) and a host of other ringers have participated with the choir for at least ten years.

The Kalamazoo Ringers traveled throughout the midwest numerous times on concert tours as well as traveling to Canada, England, and Japan (with a side tour of China) to bring the sounds of bells around the world. They have also played on stage with the Kalamazoo Symphony, for the High School Choral Festival at Western Michigan University under the direction of Weston Noble, as featured artists at numerous AGEHR sponsored events, and in a bi-annual massed ringing event called Bronzefest.

KR performs two free public concerts in Kalamazoo each year, (Christmas/Spring) and participates in numerous contracted concerts throughout southwest Michigan. The group also offers workshops for area ringers and directors in order to promote the art of handbell ringing to participants of all ages and skill levels.

The Kalamazoo Ringers' Annual Christmas Concert

Sunday,December 14th 4:00PM

Westwood Church of God
811 Gorham Lane - Kalamazoo, Michigan
(US 131 to West Main Exit. East on West Main to Gorham. Turn left)

No Admission Charge - Free Will Offering at Intermission

Bring Hat, Mitten, Glove, and Scarf Donations
for
The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission

Why Should I Come to a KR Concert?

• The music is so unique and beautiful!
• The ringers have a passion for handbells and it shows in their ringing.
• You can tell all your friends what handbells look and sound like.
• No tickets are needed for KR's concerts - just come and enjoy!
• You'll hear original compositions as well as old-time favorites.
• Do handbells really sound like the pedals of an organ?
• You will see the Ringers work magic with their hands.
• It's the up-and-coming musical phenomenon of the century!
• YOU'LL HAVE A BLAST!

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