Grace Chimes Handbell Choir

Grace Chimes events are listed in the calendar of the Music Ministries page.

NPC’s handbell choir, Grace Chimes, is a fellowship of kindred spirits drawn together by their love of making music in the most difficult manner known to mankind -- the art of handbell ringing! This sport requires teamwork, faith, trust, and the ability to forgive, move on, and, above all, continue to grow, learn and strive for perfection. Although attaining that goal is not quite within reach, our journey is wondrous, fruitful, and satisfying.

Moving into its tenth year as an established ensemble, Grace Chimes meets regularly on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. under the baton of Assistant to Music Ministries, Carolann Haley. Grace Chimes rings five-octaves of Schulmerich Handbells, and recently purchased an additional five-octaves of Schulmerich Tone Chimes which greatly enhanced the acoustic possibilities. Although our roster this season exceeded the number of bells available in our own sets, we have been most fortunate to work out a loan arrangement with The National Presbyterian School, which also has a five-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells. We are thrilled to see the program grow and want to assure all who desire to ring that bells will be available when they come to our tables!

Grace Chimes regularly participates in morning worship services, ring for Advent and Lenten Vesper services, have added special music to weddings, and do concert performances. Members of the ensemble have participated in handbell festivals in Norfolk, Va, and Ocean City, Md.

In December of 2006, Grace Chimes premiered a new look. The black matching jackets for the women and black shirts for the men eliminated the problematic sleeves of the red choir robes previously worn.

New members are always welcome! Experience is a plus, but not necessary. Carolann is happy to arrange introductory bell classes to teach basic bell techniques. For information, please call Carolann: 202.537.7553, or email CHaley@NationalPres.org.