The Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble originated in January 2008, when ringers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area felt the need to expand their abilities and help further the art of handbell ringing.

 

The original choirs where called the OKC Ringtones and Bronze Tapestry until October 2011, when the ringers formed the current Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble, Inc. an Oklahoma non-profit corporation with a governing board of directors. In mid-2013, the board of directors began the process of becoming an IRS 501(c)3 organization, and the Ensemble was granted this designation in the summer of 2014. In the summer of 2015, OCHE began creating educational opportunities for ringers and directors in Oklahoma; part of this endeavor included continuing the work of Central Oklahoma Ringers & Directors (CORD) after their disbanding. Over sixteen years of ringing, performances have been held in a variety of venues allowing ringers to explore a wide range of music from sacred, secular, classical, and pop styles. From the very beginning, the Ensemble has been committed to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through concerts, education, and community.

 

We currently rehearse at First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City.  We are thankful for them welcoming us into their space.  

 

Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble is proud to be a member of Handbell Musicians of America and American Society of Composers and Arrangers (ASCAP).