VIDEO: Village Ringers are handy with bells

Poland Handbell Choir

Video

The Village Bell Ringers rehearse at Poland Presbyterian Church in Poland.

VIDEO: Village Ringers are handy with bells

POLAND — By the time the Village Ringers perform during worship services Dec. 23 at Poland Presbyterian Church, the group will have practiced many hours and polished its presentation.

What it takes to get to the performance level is dedication and a love of music.

From 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the church at 2 Poland Manor, the 14 members of the hand-bell group rehearse. The musicians stand at their stations, positioned to form an extended U shape, in the room. The hand bells set on cushioned tables, each equipped with a music stand.

Errol Kehrberg, while playing, calls out directions and comments and counts from his spot near the middle of the group.

“One and two and three and four ...”

“Don’t wear the music out.”

“Let’s hear that tone wiggle a bit.”

“The melody is in the bass, so upper bells, quiet down.”

Kehrberg offers encouragement — “that was good” and some chiding — “don’t rush it.”

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.