The popular Raleigh Ringers gives a free concert in Banner Elk on September 10, 2022, 7 PM in the Hayes Auditorium on the Lees-McRae College campus. The internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir dazzles concert audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including famous rock ‘n’ roll tunes arranged just for them. They will also host a free workshop that afternoon. Both events are presented by Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.
Under the direction of David M. Harris, The Raleigh Ringers has released seven CDs, and two DVDs of holiday concerts. Two one-hour concert specials were created from the first DVD and broadcast on over 250 American Public Television stations in 45 states. A new, one-hour holiday special based on the second DVD aired over 400 times in 38 states in its first year of national distribution.
“I don’t think I knew what to expect when I saw the Raleigh Ringers the first time,” says Event Coordinator Janet Speer. “I had no idea bells could make orchestral sounds, enthralling the audience from beginning to end. Each player handles several bells and the final result is astounding. It was nothing like I had ever seen before, but now I try to catch their concerts any chance I get.”
The Raleigh Ringers has one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments in the world. They have performed in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, England and France during its tours, and plays two dates each year at a major venue in Raleigh. The Raleigh Ringers also sponsors festivals and workshops for both adult ringers and youth ringers. Earlier in the day, more than 50 ringers from area churches from both North Carolina and Tennessee will attend a handbell workshop at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.
The Raleigh Ringers Concert is a gift to the community from Banner Elk Presbyterian Church and sister sponsors Mt. Calvary Baptist, Boone United Methodist, Holy Cross Episcopal, Spruce Pine Baptist, First Baptist West Jefferson and First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton.
The concert will be held in Hayes Auditorium at 191 Main Street West, Banner Elk, NC 28604. No advance tickets or reservations are required. Parking is free, available on campus or at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.
The afternoon handbell workshop will be held at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Many area church handbell choirs in the high country will participate. For more information, contact the church office at 828-898-5406 or office@bannerelkpresbyterian.org.
For more information about the group, go to their website. Watch videos from recent concerts on their YouTube Channel.