Music has the power to connect people, lift spirits, and create memories that last a lifetime. For the past 15 years, the Martin's Bell Choir has been doing just that, bringing the joy of music to Martin’s Lutheran Church and out into the community.
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It all started with a memorial donation to purchase three octaves of Malmark bells and chimes. The handbells used by the choir are made of high-quality cast bronze and are designed to produce a pure, clear tone. The bells are mounted on handles and played by hand, either individually or in combination with other bells, to create melodies and harmonies. In addition to the bells, the choir also uses chimes that are similar to bells but have a slightly different shape and produce a softer, more mellow sound.
The choir played under different directors for several years, taking a short hiatus before restarting six years ago under the leadership of Karen Kost as the new director.
“I like to choose music from our church library for classics such as, How Great Thou Art or Children of the Heavenly Father,” says Kost. “Recently, she has purchased more contemporary pieces like You Raise Me Up and How Majestic Is Your Name.
Since then, the Martin's Bell Choir has performed at various church services, expanding to include occasional performances in the community. From a Thanksgiving service to a Christian unity service and multiple church services, the choir has shared their music with people of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the unique aspects of the Martin's Bell Choir is its inclusivity. Anyone with an interest in music and a willingness to volunteer their time is welcome to join. The age range of members has been from 8 to 88, demonstrating the universal appeal of music and the power to bring people together.
“There is a core group who ring almost every time, and there is always room for others. We've had ringers ranging in age from 3rd grade to beyond retired. The bell choir is truly an intergenerational group,” says Kristen Hackmann of Casselton, who joined the choir in 2018.
The choir typically practices twice a week for a couple of months before a performance. Although they have focused on sacred music thus far, the group has discussed the possibility of putting together a secular piece for the Casselton Summerfest Variety Show. This would be a chance to showcase their versatility and creativity.
“A cute story,” says Kost “is one of our former members, an octogenarian who has moved away, took her music home to practice. At our next rehearsal, we asked how she practiced without bells. She had used fresh pears as a bell substitute.”
“While playing the bells is fun, my favorite part of the process is getting together for the practices and the camaraderie,” adds Hackmann. “My favorite piece has been "How Majestic Is Your Name" - a piece by Michael W. Smith.”
If you're interested in volunteering your time and musical abilities with the Martin’s Bell Choir, reach out to their director.
