“History of Modern Handbells”
Bill Waggener and Susan Hitch
Speaker – Bill Waggener; Soloist – Susan Hitch
Although handbells first appeared many centuries ago in England, their current use as a musical instrument is a relatively recent phenomenon. Learn about the history of handbells and hear their wonderful music!
Bill Waggener earned his BA in Music from Pomona College and MA in Music from the Claremont Graduate University. For 47 years until they retired last June, he and his wife Lee were on the music staff of the Claremont United Church of Christ, where, among other groups, they directed the handbell program from its inception in 1974.
Susan Hitch has been a ringer with the CUCC handbell program for many years. She is unique in that she owns her own set of Malmark handbells and is a highly experienced solo ringer who has performed at International Handbell Symposia throughout the world. She holds a baccalaureate degree in home economics from Montana State University and recently retired from driving double-trailer semis for UPS up and down the freeways of California.
Introduction: Mel Boynton
Fellowship: Marty Hartford
Greeters: Bob Knell and Julia Arias
Birthdays: Gail Sparks