Bethany Ding-a-Lings To Present Holiday Handbell Concert
The Bethany United Methodist Church hand bell choir, the Ding-A-Lings, will perform a holiday concert this Sunday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church in West Jefferson.
The sounds of Christmas will come alive when the Bethany United Methodist Church Adult Handbell Choir, The Ding-a-Lings, presents a concert of holiday music this Sunday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church. The church is located at 495 Highway 194 South in West Jefferson.
The Ding-a-Lings were formed in 1985 and are under the direction of Jane Lonon. The annual holiday concert has become a favorite for audiences of all ages and features sacred and secular Christmas music.
The program opens with a handbell processional and “Joy to the World.” The concert includes the percussive “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” the beautiful, haunting “In the Bleak Midwinter,” "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer," and other sacred and secular favorites of the holiday season.
Several pieces offer instrumental accompaniments, including Allison Weaver on the piano or organ, John Chapman on harmonica and flugal horn and Ginger Chapman on flute. The concert will open and close with the piano holiday selections by Joyce Kilby.
The handbell choir consists of 16 ringers manipulating four octaves of handbells and three octaves of hand chimes. Members of the choir are Karen Brock, Linda Bruce, Hillary Carson, Ginger Chapman, Alice Collins, Lu Hagel, Pat Hopkins, Kathy Howell, Dana Johnson, Jennifer Judson, Donna Lamm, Grady Lonon, Becky Marsten, Edie Miller, Pat Morrison and Burt Prange.
The Ding-a-Lings are celebrating more than 20 years of handbell ringing at Bethany. Since 1985, 40 individuals have been a part of the choir; several original members are still active in the group. The Ding-a-Lings participate in Massed Ringing Festivals and they regularly attend regional workshops and events.
The concert is free and open to the community. For more information, call Bethany at 336-877-2801 or Jane Lonon at 366-877-5534.













