The Bella Norte Bells welcome you!

Eureka First United Methodist Church is home to a bell choir called the Bella Norte Bells. Under the direction of Linda Dionne, the bell choir will celebrate its 10th birthday in October 2021. We began as a group of people willing to experiment with an unfamiliar musical challenge; many of the original members did not read music when we started. But with diligence and laughter, love and patience, we have matured into a cohesive, supportive group of music witnesses.
In addition to musical offerings in our own worship services, we have initiated some outreach programs to try to bring bell music to the greater community. The Bella Norte Bells have played at the Community Thanksgiving Sing whenever that event has been held, and we look forward to participating this year.
Our “Kettle Bells” ensemble has shared music at Salvation Army kettle sites, as well as at convalescent homes in Eureka. We also “caroled” at church member homes.
One highlight of the Kettle Bells was sharing music and gift bags at the Betty Chinn Container Village. We were humbled by the grace of the people who are living there!
Each summer, we offer a Summer Bell Camp. This day camp is open to “campers” aged 10 and up who can read music. In one week of half-day sessions, we learn how to ring bells, laugh, practice rhythm, learn how to work as a team, and laugh some more! The fruits of these labors are then presented in a concert for family and friends on Friday evening. Not bad for a week’s work! Interested in attending? Contact Linda Dionne, Director, or the church office.

Basic Information:
Our bells and chimes: We have 3 ½ octaves of Malmark English handbells and 4 octaves of Malmark choirchimes.
Rehearsals: Mondays at 7:00 pm in Room 10 in Christie Hall.
Performance Schedule: We generally ring once a month in church at the 10:00 worship service.
Group members: we currently have 10 ringers, ranging in age from young adult to, well, older adults. Bell ringing seems to be a “family” activity, as most of our ringers are related to someone in the group!

Would you like more information? Would you like to observe a rehearsal? Thinking of taking up bells? Please contact Linda Dionne, Director.
Phone: 707.497.6554
Email: ldionne@suddenlink.net
Or you can call the church office at 707.442.3015 or email Eureka First UMC at grace520@pacbell.net

Past Performances:
Summer Bell Camp 2018
Community Thanksgiving Sing (2014—2017)
Salvation Army Kettle Bells (2016—2017)
Summer Bell Camp 2017
Redding Bell Festival (2014—2016)
Advent Tea (2015—2016)
Christmas Concert at Redwood Christian Church (2016–2017)
Pine Hill Elementary School (2014)