The Beginning: It was 1990 and ARISE was in full swing but without a set of handbells. A dear friend and former bell ringer was dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease. She loved the bells! Susie was celebrating her 50th birthday and probably her last.
Around this time, a pastor of a local church informed Martene Craig that their church had three octaves of bells which were not being used, and because they needed the storage space, if ARISE could use the bells, she should “Come and get them!” Once the bells were cleaned and polished, Martene brought together many of Susie’s handbell friends of twenty years ago to surprise and celebrate the life of their ailing friend by playing a handbell concert for her. Not long after that they also played for her memorial service — and ARISE Joy Ringers was born.
The three-octave handbell set has expanded to a five-octave set as a result of donations by individuals. A five-octave handchime set has also been donated to be used by the group.
The Joy Ringers rehearse regularly at a local church. They are open to others who are interested in joining as substitutes or regular ringers.
Martene Craig is a member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) and the local handbell directors’ group. She is internationally renowned for her leadership and motivational workshops and seminars; and is available as a clinician/consultant in all areas of the arts.
The Repertoire of the Group Includes: spirituals, well-known hymns and gospel songs, praise and worship songs, folk and Broadway show tunes, patriotic, and seasonal music. The unique sound of the bells, special ringing techniques, the use of mallets, percussion, other instruments, and vocals makes for a memorable and variety-filled program — not your average handbell group!
The ARISE Joy Ringers and Singers perform at civic functions, retirement homes, service clubs, hospitals, shopping malls, prisons, churches, military bases, parks, and wherever the Lord opens the door.
The group is available for presentations in the local and surrounding areas. Free-will offerings or honorariums are accepted. Call or email for information.
Purpose: The ARISE Joy Ringers and Singers are made up of individuals interested in ministering through the use of handbell, vocal, and instrumental music. The purpose of the group is to build up and encourage the believers (in-reaching), to reach souls for Jesus Christ (out-reaching), and to praise and worship the Lord (up-reaching).
Audition/Interview Info: ARISE Joy Ringers and Singers welcome individuals who are interested in the opportunity to play handbells.Auditions/interviews can be scheduled by calling or emailing. Reading music is a prerequisite. Previous experience is desired but not necessary.
Booking Info: The group is available for presentations in the local and surrounding areas. Free-will offerings or honorariums are accepted. Call or email for information.
Donations: ARISE is a nonprofit organization. You can have a part in this ministry through your donations, prayer support, or gift toward the expansion of the bells and handchimes. Please contact Martene Craig for more information.
