Handbells
There are opportunities for everyone to ring at FUMC! FUMC boasts several active ensembles for a variety of ages and abilities and we encourage beginning and experienced ringers who are new to our congregation to join us!
There are opportunities to ring for everyone from 3rd grade to adults. Ringers in 3rd-12th grades will ring in age-divided ensembles. The ministry hosts two benefit concerts annually, Pops in early May and Ring Noel on the First Saturday in Advent. These concerts benefit local charities, raising thousands of dollars for those goals.
The Handbell Ministry rings on 5 1/2 octaves of Malmark handbells and 6 octaves of handchimes.
Meet Amy Epperson!
Amy is the director for all bell choirs at FUMC Round Rock. She joined the staff on August 1, 2022. She began ringing handbells in high school and fell in love with the whole concept of the handbell “team.” She has worked as a junior high and middle school band director, taught elementary music, spent five years in the Army Nurse Corps, worked as a Certified Nurse Midwife, a Hospice Nurse and has found her calling in music ministry. She is a flutist, a struggling soprano, a bell ringer and loves her new job as “Ring Leader” of these wonderful musicians!
Ring Noel 2022
Jubilation
Jubilation ringers bring a variety of experiences to the table and typically ring music at a medium difficulty level. They ring in our Ring Noel and Pops concerts.. The group meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 in the fall and spring. If you are new to the area and would like information about this group, please contact Amy Epperson, amy@fumc-rr.org.
Ring Noel 2022
Council Oak Bells
Council Oak Bells is made up of ringers with ample ringing experience. They ring in our Ring Noel and Pops concerts. This ensemble typically rings music that is difficult and challenging. They currently meet on Wednesday evenings from 7 -9pm in the fall and spring. If you are new to the area and are an experienced handbell ringer, contact Amy Epperson, amy@fumc-rr.org for more information.
Ring oF Joy
Ring of Joy meets on Mondays from 1:00-2:15 p.m. in the Bell Suite.
Ringing Reckoning(Student Bells)
The Ringing Reckoning is a self-named group of students grades 6-12. They meet weekly during the school year, Sunday evenings from 5-6pm in the bell suite. They participate in Ring Noel and Pops and also ring in worship throughout the year.
Kids of the Kingdom(bells for children)
FUMC begins training ringers in the 3rd grade. Children begin working with handbells and learn music notation, pitch, and rhythm, as well as teamwork. Musical repertoire and activities are based around the abilities and ages of the ringers as they develop the skills to ring in a bell choir together. Currently, the group meets during the school year, Wednesdays from 4-5pm in the East Cry Room of the Family Life Center.
