A ringing endorsement for handbell choirs.

 There are many visual symbols of the Christmas season: twinkling lights, festooned greenery, Nativity scenes.

There are many sounds, too, that we hear this time of year. Perhaps one of the most unmistakable sounds of the season is the ringing of bells. We hear the gentle tinkling of the Salvation Army’s bells during their Red Kettle campaign. If we’re lucky enough to take a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride during the season, we might hear the bells jingling from the horses’ sides as they trot along.

By far the most beautiful sounds from bells come from handbell choirs. Besides being a treat for the ears, it is most entertaining to watch the musicians in their white gloves deftly handling the sparkling golden instruments. And the sound that emits from these chambers is pure joy. It seems ash though they simply cannot produce an unpleasant sound.

This weekend, the Lake Country Ringers will present its 2010 holiday handbell concert, Christmas Bells are Ringing. The program will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Atonement Lutheran Church, S70 W16244 Martin Drive in Muskego and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 at Southminster Presbyterian Church 200 Richard St. in Waukesha. 

Each concert includes seasonal, holiday and humorous music that is sure to delight even the most cynical Scrooges at this most wonderful time of the year. 

Donations are accepted at the door. For information call Jean Miller at (262) 691-1463.