The Raleigh Ringers is an internationally recognized advanced community handbell ensemble consisting of auditioned musicians under the direction of David M. Harris. Dr. William A. Payn of Bucknell University serves as Artistic Consultant. Fred Gramann, noted handbell composer/arranger and retired Director of Music at the American Church in Paris, serves as the group’s Honorary Associate Director. Established as a non-profit organization in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers promotes the art of handbell ringing by:

• Presenting entertaining performances of advanced handbell music to the widest possible audience;

• Commissioning composers to create works for advanced handbell choirs;

• Supporting and encouraging fellow handbell musicians; and

• Offering educational opportunities through classes and event sponsorship.

The Raleigh Ringers performs on seven and one-half octaves of Malmark handbells, five octaves of Whitechapel handbells, three and one-half octaves of Petit & Fritsen handbells, two octaves of Schulmerich Silver Melody Bells, four octaves of Schulmerich MelodyWave instruments, four octaves of Whitechapel cup bells, two octaves of Deagan handbells, two octaves of Deagan shaker chimes, three octaves of Malmark Cymbells, and six octaves of Malmark Choirchimes. Additional handbell needs are supplied by Schulmerich Bells, LLC. The Raleigh Ringers, Inc. is a non-profit organization. For information regarding auditions, performances, tax-deductible donations, or to purchase recordings and other merchandise, contact:

David M. Harris, Director

8516 Sleepy Creek Drive • Raleigh NC 27613

Phone 919-847-7574 • E-Mail: rringer@rr.org

Visit our website at www.rr.org

MEDAL OF ARTS AWARD

The Raleigh Ringers was one of six recipients of the 2006 City of Raleigh’s Medal of Arts award. Established in 1984, the award is bestowed to groups or individuals from Raleigh that have made exemplary contributions to the arts community through performance or in support of the arts. The Raleigh Ringers joined an elite group as one of only 152 recipients of the award during its 34-year history. The Raleigh Ringers performed “Wizards in Winter” as part of the 2007 Medal of Arts ceremony, celebrating the City of Raleigh Arts Commission’s 30th anniversary, on November 14, 2007. The group is grateful to have been awarded such a prestigious honor from its hometown and is proud to represent the City of Raleigh both at home and in our travels throughout the country and beyond.

MIDSOUTH REGIONAL EMMY NOMINATIONS

In November 2014, The Raleigh Ringers’ hour-long PBS Special “Holiday Handbells,” produced with UNC-TV, was nominated for the Midsouth Emmy awards in both the Entertainment and Audio categories. Our nominations and subsequent invitation to the Awards Ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, were huge honors for our group, and for the art of handbell ringing