The Mill Mountain Ringers community handbell ensemble has continued to develop since its inception in 2007; founded by Katherine Shaver and Joe Kennedy, who directed the group until 2020. During his tenure, Joe Kennedy established the group as a respected and well-known performing group in Roanoke. Debra LeBrun was chosen as the new director in 2021. Since its inception, the Mill Mountain Ringers have offered free concerts to the public each year in addition to performing at various private and civic engagements.
The organization’s mission is to attract, organize, cultivate, and rehearse qualified handbell ringers in all aspects of handbell music; to educate others in the community through performances of handbell music; to promote the art of handbell ringing; and to encourage the public appreciation of and interest in handbell music.
As a community handbell ensemble, members of the Mill Mountain Ringers volunteer their time and talent. Membership is comprised of experienced ringers from throughout the Roanoke Valley; some of whom participate in or direct a number of church handbell choirs. The Mill Mountain Ringers play 5 octaves of handbells and 5 octaves of choirchimes, demonstrating a tremendous variety of classical and modern techniques in their performances.
For more information contact Debra LeBrun at millmountainringers@gmail.com
