The handbell ministry of Becks Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC has grown under the direction of Deborah S. Rice since 1983. This ministry includes three choir groups: Joybells a multicultural choir for Young Ringers, Richardson Memoral Ringers an intergenerational choir for youth and adults and Rejoice Ringers an advanced choir of handbell musicians.
Joybells of Beck's Baptist Church
These groups utilize more than seven-octaves of Malmark handbells, in addition to three octaves of Petit Fritsen, three octaves of Whitechapel handbells and six and one-half octaves of Malmark handchimes. The outreach for all three groups collectively has included hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, retirement communities, correctional centers, benefit concerts and a diversity of denominations and other groups without handbells.
Richardson Memoral Ringers
Recent commissions have included works from Donald Allured of Pensacola, Florida, Carl Wiltse of Scotland and Susan Nelson of New Jersey. They have also premiered music written for them as a gift from Fred Gramann of Paris, France.
Rejoice Ringers at Beck's Baptist Church
- Ken Keuffel, Journal Arts Reporter wrote about us and his article was printed in the Winston-Salem Journal: Taking Turns.
Director of Handbell Ministry
Debbie Rice, Director of Handbell Ministry
Debbie Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in opera. Her expertise with the handbell instrument is recognized internationally through her frequent work as clinician and conductor for workshops, seminars and festivals with recent engagements in Australia, California, Vermont, Texas, Wisconsin and Great Britain and upcoming events in California, Georgia, New York, South Dakota, and Virginia.
Debbie has also authored numerous articles for Overtones, the national handbell/handchime publication of AGEHR (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers). Through her work with AGEHR she has served on and chaired numerous committees as well as held elected positions as AGEHR Area III Chair (1997-99), National Secretary (1999-2003) National President-Elect (2003-2005). Her term as National President runs from 2005-2008.
Christmas Reflections CD
Enjoyed us in previous concerts or can’t make it to a concert? Our Christmas Reflections CD is available for purchase.
