Kimberly Almandmoss, a native North Carolinian, attended The Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Phoenix, AZ in July 2021. She was selected as a ringer for the Masters Handbell Conductor class under the direction of Dr. William Payn and rang under the direction of 13 selected conductors from around the country during that advanced handbell intensive. During the same week, she was selected to the auditioned Nationals All Stars Choir. Kim and 13 fellow musicians had the privilege to perform for the National Handbell Community (both in-person and virtual) under the batons of renowned handbell composers Sondra Tucker and Joel Raney.
Kim picked up her first handbell in Kodiak, Alaska, in 2016 with Alaska’s community handbell choir, Isle Bells. She had the opportunity to ring with visiting guest clinicians from around the country, such as David Harris of the Raleigh Ringers and composer Jason Krug while in Isle Bells. Since moving to Boone in 2019, she has joined auditioned choirs Charlotte Bronze and Queen City Ringers, both in Charlotte. Kim resides in Boone and has been an instrumental member of BUMC’s Handbell Choir. She is currently working to form a Boone Community Handbell Choir for adults. Experience is not necessary, just the ability to read music. Masks are required at this time. For more information contact Dana Davis, Director of Worship and The Arts.
National Seminar All Stars Choir, 2021; Photo Credit: Ella Saltonstall
