Dayton’s talented community handbell choir, the Gem City Ringers, travels to Richmond on Sunday, May 3rd to present a concert at the Reid Center at 3:00 p.m.
The Gem City Ringers is an auditioned, community handbell choir from the Miami Valley area around Dayton, Ohio. The choir was formed in 1989 under the direction of David Finkam and formerly sponsored by Sinclair Community College. The choir was reorganized and renamed after the Covid pandemic which caused program and budget cuts at Sinclair, eliminating the handbell program. Margaret Dill has been the director since 2000 and a member since the choir’s inception. Brent Manley became co-director in 2023 after supporting the choir as a sponsor and collaborator. The choir is comprised of people from many walks of life who enjoy the art of handbells in their spare time.
Gem City Ringers
Many of the members ring in additional choirs. Gem City is utilizing a 5-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells, and a 5-octave set of Malmark Choir Chimes. Gem City’s Bells are augmented by the gracious loan of additional bells and equipment from Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Brent is a director of music. They have also been graciously loaned a 3-octave set of White Chapel Handbells from Troy Presbyterian Church. Gem City’s musical philosophy is to bring a variety of handbell music to you by a family of musicians who love the “art of handbell ringing”.
This concert will also feature guest artist, Christina Darding, classical guitarist.
Christina Darding, classical guitarist
Christina Darding began taking guitar and piano lessons at the age of eleven. During high school, she furthered her classical guitar studies at Wittenberg University with Lawrence Pitzer. Christina completed her undergraduate degree at the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, in classical guitar performance under the direction of Clare Callahan.
Christina currently resides in central Ohio where she regularly performs for country clubs, historical societies, and many other events. Christina is also passionate about teaching classical guitar, piano, and banjo lessons. Christina is the founder of Elements Music Studio in Springfield, OH. Elements is a flourishing music school that offers lessons for over 15 instruments with 9 teachers on staff and over 200 students.
Christina has enjoyed teaching lessons consistently to all ages and levels since 2011. She also enjoys performing because she believes music is a universal language that we all can all understand. She has a passion for sharing her love of music and for helping others find fulfillment on their own musical journey.
Admission to the concert is free.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Activities at The Reid Center are made possible in part by the Community Foundation of Randolph County, the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Also, 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union, Primex, Stamm Kochlein Family Foundation, Earlham College, Choice Realty One, and Beach Automotive Services, Inc.
Inclement weather: In case of inclement weather, check our website (https://www.reidcenter.org/) for up-to-date information. Sidewalks will be cleared and salted in winter weather.
Drop-off: Drop off available at front door on North 11th Street, or by accessible ramp at the entrance to the alley, between North 10th and North 11th Streets off North A Street.
Parking: On-street parking is available along North A, 10th St, and 11th St. There is a lot north of the church accessible from the alley between 10th and 11th Streets. The municipal parking lot on 10th St. between Main and North A is a short walk.
Accessibility: We are honored to be caring for such a special facility, but older buildings come with challenges. It is our intention to be open and accessible to all community members. The south entrance (along North A Street) has an accessible ramp to the door. Once inside, there is a stairway of eight steps to the main level. On the left is a handrail, and on the right is a lift chair. The restroom on the main level is a private, single-person restroom, but is not wheelchair accessible. Until we can make permanent accessibility updates to our facility, we encourage those needing additional accommodations to reach out to our volunteer Events Manager, Lynn Knight at lynn@reidcenter.org or call 765-966-7618. We are eager to welcome you and will do everything we can to meet your accessibility needs.