The hand bell and chimes choirs were started not only to teach students music theory and how to play musical instrument, but also to love and serve their God. They are used as a ministry to others, especially to the unsaved. Also, God loves musical instruments played for Him and to bring glory to Him, and bells and chimes give students at FBS that opportunity.
Around 1994, Mr. Jochum, a former FBS administrator and secondary science and French teacher, borrowed a set of bells from a nearby church and started Faith Baptist School's first hand bell choir. Soon after a family attending Faith Baptist Church made a generous donation of four hand bell octaves and three chimes octaves. Two years later a fifth octave was added to the hand bells.
The hand bell and chime choirs have been played in several various places like nursing homes, small churches, parks, and even other countries. The chimes choir has been to several different countries including France, Mexico, and Canada on different mission trips. The hand bell choir has taken several mission trips to the New England states and Canada. The bell choir has also gone to the AACS National Competition several times.
One fond memory of the choirs is from Mexico. When they would start to play their chimes barefooted children would come running to the source of music. This reminded the choir of the tale of the Pied Piper.
One of the many rewards for playing in the hand bells and chimes choirs is the knowledge that they are spreading joy and most importantly the Gospel to others. Probably the most rewarding place for the two choirs to play is at nursing homes. The elderly people's faces always light up when they hear the beautiful music produced by the bells and chimes, and the elderly people will also sing along to amazing grace when it is played.
Playing in the hand bells or chimes choir is an awesome opportunity for students attending Faith Baptist School. They allow students to develop their musical abilities while blessing people with their music. Also, the choirs are an excellent witnessing tool.
In the near future, the Handbell Choir will be one of the featured performers in FBS' "An Evening of the Arts" taking place at the school on Friday, April 26th at 7:00pm! This will be a benefit concert for the FBS Fine Arts Program!
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| "An Evening of the Arts" by Luke Zockoll |
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