Raleigh Ringers

The Raleigh Ringers is an internationally-acclaimed concert handbell choir based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since its founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including famous rock ‘n’ roll tunes arranged just for handbells.

PERFORMANCES & DISCOGRAPHY

Under the direction of David M. Harris, The Raleigh Ringers has performed in 39 States and the District of Columbia, France, England, and Canada; live on the nationally syndicated “Bob and Tom Show” radio show; and on the “Hour of Power” at the Crystal Cathedral in California. In addition to six albums, The Raleigh Ringers has released two full holiday concert videos available on DVD and Blu-ray. Two one-hour concert specials werecreated 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 airedover 400 times in 38 states in its first year of nationaldistribution.

THE RALEIGH RINGERS PROMOTES THE ART OF HANDBELL RINGING BY:

• Presenting entertaining performances of advanced handbell music to the widest possible audience;
• Commissioning composers to create works for advanced handbell choirs;
• Supporting and encouraging fellow handbell musicians;
• Offering educational opportunities through classes and event sponsorship.The Raleigh Ringers sponsor two annual handbell festivals (one for youth and one for adults), a professional performance event (Virtuoso), workshops, classes, and reading sessions in Raleigh throughout the year. TheRaleigh Ringers has made a significant impact on theworld’s handbell music repertoire by commissioning morethan 125 compositions and arrangements for handbells.AWARDSThe Raleigh Ringers was honored to have been selected as a recipient of the City of Raleigh’s “Medal of Arts” award bestowed to groups or individuals from Raleigh that have made exemplary contributions to the arts community.

EQUIPMENT

The Raleigh Ringers performs on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world. The currentgrand total is 291⁄2 octaves composed of 361 individualpieces of equipment. Each individual handbell set has
its own unique sound. By mixing the sounds of these instruments, members of The Raleigh Ringers are able
to create contrasting moods and highlight melodic lines, bringing richness and depth to the music they perform.

MEMBERS

Members of The Raleigh Ringers are selected by audition. Since every position in The Raleigh Ringers is open
each year, returning members must re-audition annually. This ensures the best possible group of ringers for the upcoming season.

FUNDING

As a self-supporting non-profit organization, The RaleighRingers supports itself through performance fees and merchandise sales. The group’s patrons, The Friends of The Raleigh Ringers, have been instrumental in helpingthe group purchase equipment and two 15-passengervans. Capital campaigns helped The Raleigh Ringerspurchase a 20-foot box truck to haul equipment, stagesets and instruments, and purchase the group’s building for rehearsal, storage, and classes.

To hear a sample of The Raleigh Ringers’ music, to see a concert schedule, or to learn more about the group, visit the website at www.rr.org.

To arrange an interview with David Harris, Music Director of The Raleigh Ringers, please e-mail him at rringer@rr.org or call 919-847-7574.

“Noted for their creative, artistic interpretation, The Raleigh Ringers have established themselves as America’s premiere professional ensemble.”

Dr. William A. Payn, Retired Chair, Department of Music, Bucknell University

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