Submitted
On June 8-12, four members of the Hays First United Methodist Church handbell choir, the Spirit Ringers, attended the Area 11 Handbell Summer Camp near Granby, CO. The camp is held every two years at the scenic Snow Mountain YMCA campgrounds. These beautiful mountains provided an inspirational setting for this experience.
Hays attendees were Alyssa Dees, Sarah Schumacher, Marijo Rooney, and Hannah Barrett.
People from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Kansas attended the four-day camp. Focus was on handbell techniques, knowledge, and application as the 26 member choir practiced for their Thursday evening concert.
Guest clinicians were Sandy Eithun, from Wisconsin, and her son, Mitchell Eithun from North Carolina. Their expertise and activities kept the ringers engaged throughout the rehearsals and workshops each morning and evening.
Afternoons provided time for rest, downhill tubing, hiking to a waterfall and a final campfire to wrap up the eventful week.
One of the amazing things we learned was that music transcends barriers and unites us. By making music and enjoying fellowship, we developed a special connection with people we had never met before.
As we shared, ate, and worked together we learned that through music, we can express our love and joy for each other and for the world. We brought home knowledge, but also enthusiasm to inspire our other choir members. We invested time and hard work and we were rewarded with knowledge, new friends and the joy that comes with sharing music and fellowship with others. We are very grateful to our church for helping us attend this camp.
If you are interested in learning more about the handbell choir at Hays Hays First United Methodist Church, call the church at 785-625-3408.