My RingFest and Ohio Handbell Tour Experience

Story by Nolynn Dahlberg (’25)

The bus departed full of Valley Ringers—students eager and prepared to present the best of Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) wherever we traveled. The initial journey to Ohio was filled with stunning scenery, many creative verses of “Sit at the Welcome Table,” and academy students’ favorite hobby: sleeping.

The next day, we were thrilled to perform at both Eastwood Adventist Academy and Worthington Adventist Academy. As the students arrived, we hustled to complete the setup. Every year, I love to see the younger children’s faces light up with excitement as they see the shiny brass bells. A few of us prepared special vocal music that was met with applause and delight.

After the performances, we headed to Easton Mall, a RingFest tour tradition that Daniel Biaggi, our director, organizes. It is a great time to bond and have fun. That evening, we arrived at the Toledo First church for RingFest’s registration, a short worship service and an introduction to hundreds of fellow ringers.

Every day we were ready to go at 7:30 a.m. sharp, fully prepared to ring to our hearts’ content throughout the day and into the evening. The church staff fed us generous, nourishing meals. Sharing music with bell choirs from across the country helped build new connections.

“I’ve met a lot of new people through SVA tours and activities, and saw some of them at RingFest,” says Jordan Rivera (’26).

RingFest clinicians David Harris and Sandra Eithur shared techniques with us, highlighting specific sounds, conveying emotion by moving with the bells, and sharing the importance of engaging with the clinicians for direction. We learned about maintaining rhythm, handling tempo changes and refining the nuances of sound.

After the first full day of mass rehearsal, a select Festival Choir rehearsed a special piece for the final concert. This choir was made up of one member from each school’s bell group. Senior Samantha Trigo was chosen to represent SVA.

She shares, “My senior [year] RingFest has been emotional. Thank you to the clinicians who have made four years of RingFest unforgettable.”

After many hours of practice, the mass bell choir was ready for the 2024 RingFest Sacred Concert. The soaring harmonies blended seamlessly and filled the church. The exquisite melodies and the vibrant energy of the bell ringers captivated the audience. As the clinicians’ gestures grew more animated, the intensity of the music grew. By the grand finale, the atmosphere was electric—the choir infused every note with grace, passion and artistry, leaving the audience spellbound.