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Background

Since 1978, the JOYFUL SOUND has conducted a contemporary Christian vocal music ministry for host congregations in the Utah, Idaho, and Colorado area. In September 1997, a dynamic new extension of that ministry was unveiled in the form of the BELLS OF JOYFUL SOUND - a full-blown handbell choir that pledged to "ring out the magnificent glory of God!"

In Utah, the use of English handbells in the worship setting is somewhat unique. Only congregations in churches fortunate enough to have a handbell choir are regularly able to enjoy the beautiful music produced by musicians playing bronze bells. For the rest, these musical moments of inspiration have not been available.

Thus, the new ministry acted to fill a void that existed for many in the worship setting. And when the BELLS OF JOYFUL SOUND began accepting invitations from area churches to present inspirational offerings during the worship hour (preludes, postludes, offertories, and special music), many requests for the services of this music ministry came rolling in.

Now, following in the rich tradition of its predecessor, the new mission has successfully defined its own identity. Today, the exquisite clarity of English handbells, joyously affirming God's infinite love and grace, is being heard with greater frequency by congregations in the churches of Utah, thanks to the efforts of the BELLS OF JOYFUL SOUND.

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Player Profiles

Erin, born in Great Falls, Montana, came to Utah in 2001 and is currently in her second year at Salt Lake Community College. Her favorite movies include "Peter Pan," "Pirates Of The Caribbean," and the "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy, Although she doesn't have time for much TV, she'll occasionally tune in to "Dancing With The Stars" and "Stargate SG-1." She likes all kinds of music except country, and her taste in food runs to pizza and anything chocolate. Erin plays guitar and also sings in her church choir. She has a collection of Jones soda bottles and state quarters, and she also enjoys calligraphy and cross-stitching, together with ballroom dancing.
Lissa, who was born in Utah, attends Salt Lake Community College, where she also works in the Thayne Center for Service and Learning. She's a member of the Service Council and coordinates the Service Buffet, a place where people come to work on service projects. Lissa's favorite movies include "The Shawshank Redemption," "Return to Me," "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Spider Man." Her taste in TV fare runs to the oldies - "Hogan's Heroes," "Green Acres," and "The Andy Griffith Show." Lissa likes classic rock, and her favorite foods are Chicken Cordon Bleu, Italian Sausage Ravioli, and anything Chinese. She enjoys reading, writing, going to the Opera, talking with her friends, and, of course, playing the bells.
Lorna, born in California, moved to Las Vegas at the age of 5. During her school years, she played piano, organ, and sang in the choir. She met her husband Greg at BYU, and they moved to Salt Lake City after his graduation. They have six children and nine grandchildren. Lorna has taught piano for over 35 years and recently went back to college, graduating in 2003. She now teaches children with visual impairments for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. One of Lorna's favorite movies is "Much Ado About Nothing" and her favorite TV show is currently a toss up between "The Closer" and "Bones." She loves all types of music (except rap), with a particular fondness for Irish and trumpet music and opera duets. Although Lorna's favorite food is ice cream. she's cutting back because she's trying to eat healthy. Her hobbies include reading, art, bike riding, beading, swimming, and handwork of all types.
Jim, a business manager and computer specialist up at the "U" living in Salt Lake City, has never married. Originally from Ohio, Jim lived in several states before moving to Utah from Virginia in 1993. He enjoys playing volleyball and bass instruments, singing, developing web sites, entertaining children, and playing computer games (Sims 2 is his current addiction). His favorites in the music realm are the classic oldies, swing, classical, and broadway musicals. Jim's favorite TV shows are "America's Funniest Videos," "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," "Desperate Housewives," "Ugly Betty," "E.R.," "Heroes," and "Samantha Who?". His all-time favorite movie is "Big", and like that character he believes he's a kid in an adult's body. Jim loves to eat prime rib and chargrilled steak, as well as pizza from "The Pie", and his Internet name is Cool Hand Jim.
Jane, who was born in Long Island, New York, moved to Utah in 2005. She and her husband, Robert, have two children. She's employed as a curriculum specialist for Pearson Digital Learning, writing ESL software for kids. Her taste in music ranges from Andalusian folk music to zydeco, and in similar fashion, she enjoys a wide variety of foods, including Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Indian. Jane doesn't watch TV, but she enjoys movie documentaries on occasion. She also plays the French horn, likes to read, hike, cook ethnic food, and work at restoring her 1893 home near the Avenues in Salt Lake City.
Liana, a lifelong Utahn, enjoys life with her husband, Russell, and her two dogs - a pug and a border collie. She's an assistant manager at Riverton Music and a student at Salt Lake Community College. Her favorite movies include "About A Boy," "Love Actually," and "The Shawshank Redemption," and her favorite TV shows are "Heroes," "Scrubs," and "The Office." Liana enjoys Oriental and Indian food, and her tastes in music range from the offerings of Counting Crows and Muse to that of Beethoven and Debussy. She's also teaching herself to play the flute, and when she's not reading a book, she's listening to one on her IPod. Liana loves to snowboard, hike, camp, and flyfish, and recently she and Russell have been having fun playing the World of Warcraft.
Tiffany is a native of Salt Lake City. She married Brian 5 years ago, and they have a 7-month-old son. After ringing bells in high school, Tiffany then resumed ringing when, as a stay-at-home mom, she joined the Bells Of Joyful Sound in the fall of 2007. She enjoys playing the piano also plays the viola whenever she can get the chance. Tiffany loves anything outside, including hiking, biking, walking, camping, fishing, kayaking, snowshoeing - anything that lets her breathe the fresh air. She's an avid reader and also loves baking. hoping someday to open a cheesecake shop with her husband.
Patti, born in Panguitch, Utah, has lived in Salt Lake City for 25 years. She and her husband, Darryl have five sons and one dog who bring all kinds of adventure into their lives. Patti is a registered nurse and works at St. Mark's Hospital. Her favorite movie is "The Sound of Music" and her favorite book is Les Miserables. She loves to travel and has been to Hungary, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Belize, France, Canada, and Ukraine. She also likes to read, hike, camp, bake, quilt and learn new things. Patti enjoys all kinds of music, and has learned to play the piano, flute, violin and guitar. Her favorite foods are fresh raspberries, strawberry shortcake and chocolate chip cookies.
Leslie was born in Idaho and moved to Utah as a child. During and after her college years, she lived in Hawaii and Samoa. She married Greg and, after his 4 year Air Force committment, they returned to Utah. She's the mother of three children and grandmother of five. Leslie is an active member of the Utah Tour Guide Association and regularly conducts guided tours for several companies in the valley. When she's not spending time with her family, she enjoys suspense and romance movies, reading mystery novels, and listening to music of the 60's and jazz. Leslie also plays tennis, likes pasta, and, as an accomplished pianist, is an accompanist at her church.
Mike was born in Salt Lake City, along with his two brothers and two sisters. He works for a payday loan company, but in his sparetime he enjoys listening to music (especially classical), reading books, and playing video games. Mike's all-time favorite movie is "Equilibruim," and his favorite eating delight is coxina. He has an extensive music background, having played flute and bassoon in school, and he also played handbells for 3 years with the Wesley Bell Ringers.
Nicole, who was born in Utah, attended Olympus High School and is an alumnus of the Wesley Bell Ringers. For the past two years, she's worked at Noodles and Company. She spends a lot of time with her family, but in her spare time (when she's not at work), she "hangs" with her friends at the movies or the gym. Nicole loves Mexican and Italian food, and her favorite TV show is Friends (she owns all ten seasons on DVD). Her favorite music is Hip Hop or R&B, but when Christmas rolls around, all she listens to is Christmas music. She also enjoys reading and confesses to owning a bunch of movies, of which she really cannot identify a favorite.
Jeanie, who is a certified nursing assistant, has lived in Salt Lake City her entire life. She has two children and three grandchildren. Jean plays the piano and enjoys hiking. Her favorite food is pizza and her tastes in music favor classical and soft rock. When time permits, she enjoys watching "Friends" on the TV, and her all-time favorite movie is "Fisher King."
Amber, a lifelong resident of Utah, is a licensed Massage Therapist and also a private music teacher. She plays violin, viola, cello, piano, and sings in a community choir. Although Amber enjoys many types of music, she especially likes showtunes. Her favorite movies are "Ever After," "Superman Returns," "Enchanted," and "Stardust," and her favorite TV shows are "Stargate SG-1," "Doctor Who," "Smallville," and "Reba." Amber's hobbies include reading, writing, crocheting, cake-decorating, cooking/baking, and ballroom dance, and she plans to return to school soon to pursue a liberal arts degree.

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Handbell Equipment

The Bells of Joyful Sound use the following equipment:

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Last Update: November 28, 2007