|
Front row: Elaine Vermiglio, Kay French, Darcie West, Terry Spaw
Second Row: Joseph Daniel, Barbara Erickson, Melanie Notestine
Back Row: Darlene Ebersole, Linda Bauer, Margie Moore, Judi Rachwitz,
Rob Meyer
NOTE: Roll Mouse over faces to click to read bio for each person
pictured.
Classical Bells is noted
for bringing music to life with their unique interpretative style, a
technique they call “ringing in color”™. Each concert features
musical selections in a wide variety of genres – classical, jazz,
inspirational, even ragtime and swing! This eclectic programming,
combined with sensitive musical interpretation, technical skill,
informal choreography, and a dash of humor, gives Classical Bells
the well-deserved reputation of “Michigan’s Premier Handbell
Ensemble”.
This group of seasoned
professionals, led by musical director Darlene Ebersole, has performed
in concerts nationwide and appeared as featured performers with the
Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Opera Theater. In addition,
they have performed in numerous events sponsored by the American Guild
of English Handbell ringers, including the National Director’s Seminar.
Classical Bells rings over
six octaves of Malmark handbells and seven complete octaves of choir
chimes, making their collective instrument one of the most extensive in
the world of handbell ensembles.
Classical Bells is dedicated
to promoting the artistry of handbells through educational programs,
workshops, and concerts in communities, churches and schools.
Linda Bauer, Macomb – Linda is the Director
of Music at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, where she
is the organist and directs the handbell choirs. She is also a district
leader for AGEHR.
Joseph Daniel, Troy –
Joseph is a
Texas native who moved to Michigan to
pursue graduate studies. After earning his Doctor
of Musical Arts degree from U of M,
he accepted a full-time appointment at Christ
Church Cranbrook,
Bloomfield Hills where he oversaw an extensive handbell program ringing
seven octaves of bronze bells: the largest collection in the state of
Michigan. Joseph is a published handbell composer. He's active in a
variety of professional
organizations, and is a busy church music clinician.
He is the Classical Bells business manager.
Darlene Ebersole, Canton - Our fearless
leader is the director of Classical Bells and a four-in-hand ensemble
member. She directs the adult bell choir at St. Matthew’s UMC in
Livonia, teaches piano, and gardens when she’s not ringing.
Barbara Erickson, Livonia – Barb is a
retired music teacher who directs three handbell choirs at Newburgh UMC
in Livonia. She is president of Classical Bells and member of the
four-in-hand ensemble.
Kay French, Sterling Heights – Kay has been
a member of CB for 22 years and works on our stage appearance and visual
presentation. She has also been a district leader for AGEHR in Michigan
and is currently the Michigan state chair for Area V of the AGEHR. Kay
has directed handbell choirs in Ohio and Michigan.
Bethany Henson, Rochester Hills – Flutist
extraordinaire Bethany chairs the CB publicity committee. She is a
flute teacher and an accomplished photographer.
Rob Meyer, Northville – Rob is Director of
Music at Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Ann Arbor. Rob is also active
as a piano teacher and vocalist, and serves as a district leader for
Area V of AGEHR.
Margie Moore, Harrison Township – Margie
rings bells and directs the chime choir at Zion UCC in Mt. Clemens, and
directs handbells at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church and L’Anse Creuse
High School. She is an AGEHR district leader, in charge of CB
costuming, and our resident spoonist.
Nancy Mueller: Nancy directs bells at the First Presbyterian
Church in Brighton and is an accomplished pianist. She spends her spare
time watching her college-aged sons play baseball.
Melanie Notestine, Canton: - Melanie serves
as CB treasurer, a huge job! She also teaches piano and is mom to
Nathan, Sidney, and Emma.
Judi Rachwitz, Novi – Judi teaches piano and
music theory at Madonna University and works in customer service at the
YMCA. She is the CB secretary and part of the four-in-hand ensemble.
Terry Spaw, Livonia – Terry is an engineer
by trade. She rings bells at Newburgh UMC, is a nanny, and plays
baseball as often as possible.
Elaine Vermiglio, Northville – Elaine is a
piano teacher and rings and directs at Ward Presbyterian Church. This is
her first year in Classical Bells.
Darcie West, Mount Clemens – Darcie is in
charge of Classical Bells’ workshops. By day, she is the Vice President
of Business Operations for the YMCA of Metro Detroit. She rings and
plays flute at Mount Clemens FUMC, and is a member of CB four-in-hand
ensemble. |
