Bells of the Lakes Inc

Bells of the Lakes: promoting musical excellence through the medium of handbells for more than 25 years

Thanks for visiting Bells of the Lakes! We are a community handbell ensemble representing the greater Twin Cities area. Handbell ringing often conjures up visions of older women in choir robes poised behind draped tables sweetly sounding out hymns or carols. We seek to dispel that myth and hope that you will help us to do so through your donations!

In the beginning. . . 

In 1996, local ringers and directors seeking more challenging and sophisticated ringing experiences formed this group under the leadership of Bill Mathis. Choosing the name that reflects our beautiful home, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we applied for non-profit status, rolled up our sleeves - or rather incinerated the robes - and started to ring. Bells are not just for Christmas anymore!

In Minnesota, we have performed all over the Twin Cities metro area while enjoying opportunities to partner with other community groups including Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, the St. Olaf College handbell choir, Northern Lights, Strikepoint, Mississippi Valley Orchestra, and The Apollo Club. We have also had the opportunity to tour more widely in Minnesota and the greater Midwest (including Wisconsin, Illinois, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Indiana) and were privileged enough to take a trip across the pond to perform in Birmingham, England! In the fall of 2022, we performed at four senior living facilities in the Twin Cities. What joy it was to see the residents smile, tap their toes, and hum along.

We don’t just perform. . . 

Bells of the Lakes is also more broadly engaged within the musical community. We often record new compositions for national and international publishing houses for use as demonstrations. These are then distributed by the publishers as promotional material. We also really love to record our own repertoire for anyone and everyone to listen to. Unfortunately, that can be expensive. Thanks to your help, in 2016 we recorded our 20th anniversary album.

Bells of the Lakes is committed to education in the handbell medium. “Bellfest!” is a one-day, massed ringing event for more than 30 handbell ensembles hosted each year by Bells of the Lakes. Held in early March, it features nationally known and local guest conductors.

Bells of the Lakes also presents the annual “Seminar for Handbell Ringers and Directors,” a late summer event featuring classes to encourage and educate new and experienced handbell ensemble directors and ringers. 

Thanks for visiting Bells of the Lakes at GiveMN! 

We appreciate your support!