12 minute read

Hand bell Choir

from December 2021

from December 2021, page 50

Sounding Off

The choir uses multiple sets of bells to create the music they perform. This room has sets of small, medium and large bells, as well as hand chimes. (Photograph by Laina Smith)

The Chalice Carillon Handbell Choir of First Christian Church

This holiday season, make sure your family plans include watching a historic handbell choir’s Christmas special.

Story and Photos by Laina Smith/Staff WriterStory and Photos by Laina Smith/Staff Writer

Handbell choirs have been around for many years. Some date back as far as the 5th century. Handbells were initially made to take over the art of change, ringing from tower bells in the 16th century. Tower bells were so loud they became disruptive to villages; thus, handbells were made to lessen the noise. In Europe, there were groups known as Carillons. These groups were typically men and would ring large bells by pulling a rope. “Handbells have been around for a long time,” Former director Marta Sullivan said. “ … They had what they call carillons in churches, and they had choirs. Typically they were men because it was hard to ring the bells. The bells were way up in the belfry, and so they pulled these ropes. Then because it was kind of cold in the tower, they developed smaller bells that were pitched the same, and they could go into the pubs and ring their handbells in the pub where it was kind of warm, and they could enjoy a brew or something.” English handbells, the most common handbells used in America, are suspected of being introduced in the 1830s by the Peake Family Ringers and P.T. Barnum in the 1840s. Not long after this, handbell choirs began to show up all over the U.S., including churches. The Chalice Carillon Handbell Choir of First Christian Church in Ponca City was founded in 1983, one of the first handbell choirs in Ponca City. When the choir first started, it was an all-women’s choir. They rang a set of three octave Schulmerich handbells. As of 2021, the handbell choir has had five directors. The handbell choir is now directed by Andrew Orr, who leads the Ponca City High School band. Before him, it was directed by Marta Sullivan, who was also a ringer at one time. “ … I know I started ringing in 1976,” Sullivan said. When Sullivan joined the choir, they were a four-octave group. Sullivan became the choir director in 1992 and, in May of 2021, handed the reins to Orr. The handbell choir performs in the Church at services once a month. The choir also performs monthly, as well as holding benefit concerts occasionally when asked. They have also partnered with other ensembles to put on shows. “We play seasonally,” Orr said. “Just general church year, but then special programs for Advent and Easter, you know that type of thing.” The choir also travels and performs at festivals for handbell choirs. For example, the Renaissance Ringers, the church’s advanced handbell group, goes to the Tulsa Invitational Festival in the spring to ring with 15 other choirs. The Chalice Carillon Handbell Choir also plays a couple of different styles of music. “ … Just your standard Christian,” said Sullivan. “But we do play secular as well, but we play it all on handbells rather than an organ, piano or other instrument.” Every year the choir performs a show at Christmas for the public to view. This year, the show will be held on Dec. 12 at the First Christian

see BELLS Continued on page 15

Terry Heyer is standing next to a new set of handbells. In 2003, her husband, Reverend Chuck Heyer’s memorial, purchased this set of bells. (Photograph courtesy of First Christian Church)

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Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma, at 7 p.m. The show is free of charge to the public, and all are welcome. The theme for this year’s show is “Stories of Christmas.” As well as the full choir, the Christmas show will feature a solo ringer, Karen Adams, who will also have collaborations with other instrumentalists. In general, people from First Christian Church make up the handbell choir, but anyone can join. “They’re mainly people that are in the congregation,” said Orr. “We do have a few people that will join on special occasions from the community for special events and things like that, but they’re mainly members of First Christian Church.” New members can join at any time. There is no formal tryout process. “They just express an interest,” Orr said. “Some musical background is helpful, but we can take someone who doesn’t have much experience and kind of help them out. We’re always looking for new membership, and they don’t have to be a member here to participate with us. We’d love to see more people get involved.” The Chalice Carillon Handbell Choir of First Christian Church brings something unique to Ponca City not only because of the talent but also because they are one of the only handbell choirs left in the area. “I think it’s the history,” Sullivan said. “We’ve been very consistent in having really good choirs for several years now. It used to be, I would say, maybe 8-10 years ago most churches, the mainline churches, had handbell choirs. Over the last few years, many of them have just lost their membership, and they just don’t have the choirs anymore … We’re one of the few remaining choirs.” Orr agreed. “I think the presentations that they give … as kind of a gift to the community have become long-standing traditions that are important,” he said. Due to COVID-19, details of the Christmas show could change. To stay up to date with information or find more on other concerts, view the choir’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ FCCPCHANDBELLS. If you are interested in joining the handbell choir, you can call the church at 580-762-1667 or email connect@fccponcacity.com.

The Chalice Carillon Handbell Choir of First Christian Church has a banner displayed here. (Photograph by Laina Smith)

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Story by Kayley Spielbusch/Staff Writer | Photos from Festival Of Angels Facebook Page Each year, the Festival of Angels hosts a month-long Christmas light festival across Ponca City. The Festival of Angels is a nonprofit organization that received its tax ID in 1996. Initially located on the grounds of the Marland Mansion, the festival began with approximately 20 displays. Many of those original displays were donated, and those who donated received an honorary plate inscribed with their name. Over the years, with the help of the funds raised during the light festival, the Festival of Angels has grown to be the largest animated Christmas light display in Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas. They now have over 300 light displays in multiple locations across the city. Festival of Angels president Bob Henderson enjoys the work they do. The light displays are free to visit, but donations are accepted. The donations that they receive go toward the maintenance of the light displays, along with the additions of new ones. Each display is either made or purchased by the Festival of Angels, and they have to routinely repair or replace components. “There are thousands of dollars that go into maintaining the displays,” said Elaine McDonald, Festival of Angels treasurer. “The donations help make the cost more manageable.” Volunteers also play a vital role in the maintenance. Dubbed their “little elves,” the Festival of Angels has a group of volunteers that go around performing the routine maintenance on the lights each day, along with opening and closing the Lake Ponca Park, where the largest portion of the displays is located. Festival volunteers also take part in putting up and taking down the displays. Separate groups of volunteers work the hut at Lake Ponca Park. “We are always looking for new volunteers,” states McDonald. “It’s a lot of hard work, but we have a good time while doing it.” Volunteers work throughout the entire month of November to get the displays up before the annual Opening Night Party. The party takes place on the eve of Thanksgiving at Lake Ponca Park and is free to the public. The party features horse-pulled wagon rides, snacks and hot chocolate and charcoal fire pits where attendees can roast marshmallows. Kids even have a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus when they make their appearance at the decorated shelter house. The light festival at Lake Ponca Park will remain open from Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Thursday, Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m. Other light displays are located at Cann Gardens and the grounds of the Pioneer Woman statue. If anyone is interested in volunteering with the Festival of Angels to maintain the displays, they can call 580-362-6744 or 580-763-7857. They can also be contacted through their Facebook page.

Story Contributed by Scott Cloud/Public Information Office, NOC

Dr. Clark Harris officially became the 14th President for Northern Oklahoma College, during an Investiture Ceremony in Tonkawa at FosterPiper Fieldhouse held in October.

In his address to NOC faculty, staff, students, dignitaries and guests, Harris encouraged the audience to be proud of Northern Oklahoma College.

“We need you to be our champions, we need all of you to tell your stories,” he said.

Harris said he wanted NOC to become student-friendly with more campus activities in order to retain current students and recruit new students to NOC.

“We must provide an engaging college experience while students are here at NOC. Everything we do should lead to student success – whether that is in their education, their careers or their lives,” Harris said.

In presenting the symbols to Harris, Dr. Evans reflected on her 10 years at NOC as the 13th president. “I hope that Dr. Harris will find that NOC is a very special place that truly creates lifechanging experiences for everyone who has the opportunity to be part of the campus community.”

“I am truly humbled and honored that you are here sharing this moment with me, with us, thank you,” Harris said.

The investiture was tied to the school’s 120-year anniversary. A short video played before the video recounting the school’s long and storied history.

Harris was officially presented the symbols of the office by President Emeritus Dr. Cheryl Evans and Board of Regent Chairman Michael Martin.

Also speaking were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Pam Stinson and Glenn D. Johnson, Chancellor for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Linda Brown also spoke on behalf of the Northern Oklahoma Foundation Board of Trustees. The NOC College Choir and Concert Band performed the NOC “Alma Mater” and “Oklahoma Rising.”

T. L Walker, Executive Director of the Standing Bear Foundation in Ponca City, also provided a Native American blessing for Dr. Harris. NOC faculty dressed in their Academic Regalia; the Executive Council and Board of Regents sat on the platform with the investiture speakers.

An open reception was held on the college circle lawn after the ceremony.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever changing world.

NOC, a public two-year community college, serves nearly 5,000 students on the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, online and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 60% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. Over 80% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

Call (580) 628-6200 for more information about Northern Oklahoma College or visit www.noc.edu.