Two Verona High School students– sophomore Michael Hardenberg and graduating senior Sean McGinley– will participate this Sunday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. in a concert at the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell. The program, entitled “The Best Medicine,” features humorous and lighthearted music for handbells and voices.
The Chapel Bells (5th-7th grade), the First Church Ringers (8th-12th grade), and the Chancel Handbell Choir (adults)—over 30 ringers in total—will tickle guests’ funny bones with a wide variety of tunes from G.F. Handel to the Chicken Dance. Also featured in the concert will be the Chancel Choir and friends, organist Barbara Piercy, virtuoso handbell soloist Katie Johnson. Audience members will be treated to Hasty Nymphs; PDQ Bells; skits, stories and jokes; yodeling junior high ringers; singing Gypsies with anvils; and Music Never Meant To Be Played On The Organ.
Members of the handbell ensembles will be playing a total of eight octaves of English-style bronze handbells manufactured in Pennsylvania, and three octaves of aluminum chimes. Handbell ensembles have been active at the Caldwell church since 1969, when the first three octaves of bells were purchased. The handbell ensembles are currently directed by Noel Piercy, the church’s associate director of music.
McGinley has participated in children’s, youth and adult musical ensembles and productions at the Caldwell church since age three. Hardenberg is active in several VHS musical ensembles and recently played the lead role in the First Presbyterian Church production of “Godspell.”
The church is located in Caldwell at 326 Bloomfield Ave. Donations accepted at the door– suggested amount is $10. Additional information at 973-228-0310.
