Bell Festival set for Feb. 6 at Epworth UMC

The public is invited to a Bell Festival at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, north of Rehoboth Beach. It will include bell choirs from the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Epworth United Methodist Church. Linda S. Simms, founder and artistic director of the Capital Ringers, will conduct the 36-ringer concert.

The bell choirs will perform selections including "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Alleluia Sing to Jesus!," "I’m Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger," "Carillion," "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" and more. Each choir will perform individually as well as in combination with the others. Some numbers will feature extended techniques; instruments will include handbells, hand chimes, a singing bell and audience vocals.

There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be collected. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Community Resource Center.

Simms earned her master’s degree in music education at West Chester University. She is a former Delaware State chair and a former Area 3 chair of the Handbell Musicians of America. She has served as Area 3’s Delmarva State chair and education liaison. She actively assists handbell directors and ringers by conducting massed ringing events and workshops. She has taught and conducted at Area 1, Area 3 and national events.

Participating bell choirs for the Feb. 6 festival are the Deo Gloria Ringers from Lutheran Church of Our Savior, directed by Meldene Gruber; the Te Deum Bell Choir of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, directed by T. J. Thomas; and the Memorial Bell Choir of Epworth UMC, directed by Doug Yetter.

For further information, contact Epworth United Methodist Church at 302 227 7743, or go to the website at www.eumcrb.com.