Lisa Traughber is the new Director of Opus Handbell Ensemble, following in the footsteps of recently retired Artistic Director, Richard Colla. Lisa, who accepted the Opus baton in June, also recently retired from Trinity United Presbyterian Church, where she served for 25 years as Executive Assistant of Publications, Communications and Graphic Arts. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Lisa has loved art and music since childhood. She began ringing in 1975, became a member of the national organization, Handbell Musicians of America, and was hooked for life!  In Ohio Lisa directed high school and adult handbell choirs and obtained an Applied Business in Commercial Art degree from the University of Cincinnati. She came to California with her husband in 1990 and began ringing with Centenary United Methodist Church, and then the newly formed Opus Handbell Ensemble. Under the direction of retired Minister of Music, Richard Colla, Lisa participated in Trinity’s music ministry through choir, women’s ensemble and handbells since the early 90’s.

She has also been director of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Mission Bells in Manteca since 2014. Lisa served as conference coordinator for Handbell Musicians of America Area 12, in 2016 and 2024. She has also sung with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus since 2000.