THE BATTLEFORDS — For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the 12 members of the Jubilation Handbell Choir will make the journey from the 3rd Avenue United Church, and back into the North Battleford Library just in time for Christmas.
The free event is set for Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and features Christmas music performed by bells, all open to the public.
"We are holding it on our regular practice nights. So that works out really, really well. We always meet on Tuesdays to play bells. So when we were asked [by then North Battleford Library], I just said ... 'Sure, we could do that as long as it was on our practice night.' And they accommodated that," Kathleen Link, the choir's director told the News-Optimist.
Although it may have a concert flair to it, Link did note that the event will take on a rehearsal feel.
"And so that might be a different take on a concert, but we just want to share some of our Christmas music ... we've done this before at the library, and it works out very, very well."
Link noted that they play each month at the 3rd Ave United Church, but this will be their first outing to the library in over three years.
"We're always pleased and happy to share this instrument with the rest of the community. It's quite unique. There aren't too many handbell choirs in the province. And so we have this opportunity. We've had these bells for many, many years. And we just like the public to have a listen," she said.
"And it takes a lot of practice to make sure that we get the timing right, and we get the right note at the right time ... it's a learning curve. It takes about six months to become fairly accomplished at it."
She noted that she's looking forward to the event, and noted that the choir is always looking for people willing to learn and join them as they ring their bells.
"If this sparks somebody's interest in that it'd be wonderful."
