PITTSBURG, Kan. — It just wouldn’t seem like Christmas without the sounds of bells in the air. Handbells, that is.
The Bells of the Balkans will present their 10th annual “Ring in the Season” concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts’ Scott Auditorium.
According to the Bells’ director, Janis Saket, this year’s presentation will feature a Christmas party, hosted by the bell choir and college students Anna Goble and Darrell McLeod. They will be joined by the Girard Reflections and Choralations, under the direction of Meredith Reid.
The party will feature holiday favorites played by the bell choir and sung by the guests. Soloist Terry Cox will present a Yuletide medley and the audience will be invited to sing along on some holiday favorites.
Saket said that when the annual holiday concert began, it featured bell choirs from the Presbyterian, Nazarene and St. John’s Lutheran churches in Pittsburg, with most of the members of those groups also being members of the Bells of the Balkans. After the disruption of the Covid 19 pandemic, the holiday program returned as a showcase for one integrated group.
Saket, who has directed the Bells of the Balkans for 11 years, said the choir traces its history back 30 years and at least one ringer has been with the group since it was established. Former directors include Dr. Carolann Martin and Dr. Gene Vollen, both of whom had long and distinguished careers in the PSU Department of Music.
Sunday’s concert is open to the public. Free-will donations for the support of the group will be accepted.
