Ringer Bios - Capital City Ringers Handbell Ensemble

Meet the Ringers and Director - Spring 2008
(click on a face to jump to their bio)

Audition for CCR! Maybe you would like to audition to be a Capital City Ringer, or perhaps a sub? We are seeking experienced, committed ringers who are looking for a challenging outlet for advanced handbell opportunities while having fun. We currently have two terms per calendar year; Fall and Winter/Spring. Auditions are generally held in August each year, however, from time to time, we have openings in January. If this sounds like your calling, E-mail us or call director Jane C. Wright for audition information.

About the Director...

Jane C. Wright - a.k.a. Ma Bell, founded the Capital City Community Ringers in 1984 when she discovered a need for advanced ringers and directors to ring more frequently and to ring more challenging and varied music than what their church handbell choirs could offer. Jane is the Director of Worship and Fine Arts at Westwood United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Choral Conducting degree from Michigan State University. Jane has been in the stream of music education and conducting since 1973 and has taught public and private music education, band, choir, and handbells. She served as Director of Music Ministries at Mt. Hope UMC for 19 years. Jane founded the Lansing Area Ministry of Bells (LAMB), which promotes the art of handbell ringing through local festivals and workshops. She is a clinician for early conductors and handbell ringers and serves presently as a guest choral conductor around the Lansing area. Jane has had the privilege of serving 4 years as Secretary on the Area V Board of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, and has been a clinician for various handbell events, all of which have given her the opportunity to get to know a lot of "great people."

Jane says, "Handbell ringing in America today is a very exciting medium in which to perform, and has gone beyond justifying or comparing itself with choral and instrumental ensembles. Handbells can be as musical and as expressive as we make them and the process can be delightful, especially if one enjoys the hard work it takes to strive for musical perfection. The sound is both beautiful and unique and there is great joy in the journey!"

About the Ringers...       Listed alphabetically:

Scott Beck - a.k.a. Little Ringer - Scott has been ringing bells for 10 years, the last five years in Jane's handbell choir at Westwood United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo. This fall he began his freshman year at Michigan State University as a pre-med student. Unable to imagine life without ringing under Jane's direction, he immediately joined CCR this fall. He is also a member of the Men's Glee Club at MSU. Scott plays oboe, alto sax, and piano (no wonder--his late grandmother, Sarah Copp, was a well-loved piano teacher for many years in the Eaton Rapids area). He was a drum major at Kalamazoo Central High School, and, while there, had leading roles in 'Footloose' and 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat'. He also sang in the choir all four years. Scott is excited to join CCR and hopes to be with us for a number of years. (photo coming soon)

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Ros Butler - a.k.a. You Rang? - Bio coming soon. Ros returns to CCR after taking a couple years off..

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Lindsay Finison Daley - a.k.a. Bell Diva. Lindsay, joining CCR fall of 2004, says, "I grew up watching my dad (Kim Finison) ring with the Capital City Ringers. It is a great honor to now be ringing with the group that I grew up with and admired." Lindsay has been ringing bells since she was in the 3rd grade and now rings with the adult handbell choir at Mayflower Congregational Church, where she earned her bell nickname. Along with bells, Lindsay started piano lessons in the 3rd grade. Later, in band, she played baritone, clarinet, French horn, and trombone (jazz band). As you can tell, music is a huge part of her life. Lindsay works full time as a nanny while pursuing a degree in the Interior Design program at Lansing Community College. Lindsay recently married her high-school sweetheart in May 2004 and is enjoying every minute of married life. In her "spare" time she hangs out at home with her husband, Charlie, and their dogs, Romeo and Maya.

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Andrea Palomba (Finison) - a.k.a. Bellerina. Andrea joined CCR in the fall of 2006. She is a 2005 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, where she played the baritone, drums, and her pride and joy clarinet (her baby) in band. She is currently an LCC student. Handbell ringing runs in the family; her older brother Kris is a CCR alumnus, her older sister Lindsay Daley is a current CCR member, and her father Kim and stepmother Lorraine are long-time CCR members. Andrea learned to ring when she was 9 and rang with her family at Mayflower Congregational Church for summer special music. She now rings in the Mayflower Ringers with Kim and Lorraine. Andrea studied ballet for 13 years at Island Dance Center in Eaton Rapids, hence the nickname 'Bellerina'. As you can tell, music is a big part of her life and in addition to playing musical instruments, Andrea has sung in many choirs starting in kindergarten all the way to an auditioned women's chorale at Grand Valley State University. She also is involved in Eaton Rapids WYLdLife, which is the middle school ministry of Young Life. Andrea says, "I am proud and honored to ring with CCR and to follow the 'Finison Family Tradition'".

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* Kim Finison - a.k.a. Dr. Bell, primarily rings bass bells and bass chimes, but often plays a variety of auxiliary percussion instruments as well. Kim joined CCR in 1989. He currently serves as the web master for CCR and in his spare time (what ever that is!) enjoys computers, photography, playing trumpet in the Mason Orchestra, and working on sick handbells and bringing them back to health (hence the nickname). His license plate says: DR BELL, so if you see it on the road, wave as you go by. Kim served as President of the Lansing Area Ministry of Bells in 1994 and has been a clinician (bell maintenance and bass bell techniques) at various handbell events. Kim has just recently retired from General Motors after 30 years of service and plans to focus on his photography business (no pun intended) and play golf as much as possible. He is married to Lorraine Finison, whom he met in CCR, and father to CCR ringers Lindsay Daley and Andrea Finison.   In July 2001 Kim and Lorraine visited the Malmark factory in Plumsteadville, PA and were given a comprehensive tour by former Malmark vice-president, Willard Markey. Before leaving, Kim got to ring the G-0 and A-0 bells - (yes, that's G and A-ZERO) - the largest playable handbells in the world.

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* Lorraine Finison - a.k.a. the Bell Goddess. Lorraine is the Secretary/Treasurer for CCR and is the senior ringer, having just started her 19th year with the ensemble. An accomplished 4IH (and 6IH) ringer, she has been with CCR since 1988. Lorraine serves as District Leader for the AGEHR Area V Michigan District 1 and is on the board of the Lansing Area Ministry of Bells, where she has been Secretary for 15 years. She has also been a clinician at various handbell events. Lorraine works for the State of Michigan, Bureau of Regulatory Services as a Department Specialist (whatever that is!) and has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and Masters degree in Corrections Administration from Michigan State University. Lorraine is married to Kim Finison, and is stepmother to Lindsay Daley and Andrea Finison.

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David Hafey - a.k.a. Sergeant Bellko. Dave began ringing handbells in 1987 at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. In 1995 Dave moved to Laingsburg, Michigan and helped found the First Congregational Church's Covenant Ringers handbell choir, where he still rings. He has been involved in music for 40 years, mostly playing trumpet and singing. Dave has been the director of the Chancel Choir at the First Congregational Church in Laingsburg for 10 years and is a member of the Laingsburg Community Singers choir and Laingsburg Community Band. Dave was in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years as an Air Traffic Control manager and currently working as the network administrator for the Michigan Catholic Conference in Lansing. For relaxation, David enjoys woodworking, golf, and spending time with his grandchildren.

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Tricia Hartman - a.k.a. Rocky Mountain Belle. Tricia has been a member of the Capital City Ringers since fall 2004, coming here from Castle Rock, Colorado. She has been playing bells for eightteen years. She was a member of the Smithtonian Community Handbell Choir for twelve years and directed her church bell choir in Centennial, Colorado for ten years. Currently, Tricia directs the handbell choir at All Saints Episcopal Church in East Lansing. In her time away from bells, Tricia is an Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review of the Social Security Administration. She and her cat, Shirley Temple, are enjoying their current interlude in Michigan, although missing the Rocky Mountain High sunshine, skiing, etc.

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Rick Hobrla - a.k.a. Lord of the Ring, Rick joined CCR in the fall of 2001. He began ringing handbells with the St. Gerard Church handbell choir in 1996 because that's what "the voices told him to do." Rick's day job is as an Environmental Engineer (better known as a bureaucrat) with the Department of Environmental Quality. Rick claims to get his musical talent from his two kids - son, Travis, and daughter, Meredith. When he's not ringing handbells, Rick likes to be swimming, cycling, playing tennis, playing competitive bridge, or playing his keyboard while doing his Bob Seger imitation.

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Nancy Kindraka - a.k.a. Decibelle, grew up in Canton , MI , but now considers East Lansing to be home. The daughter of a professional soprano and a quasi-singing microbiologist, Nancy inherited the “ham” gene and grew up singing and playing the piano for fun and for competition. She learned to play handbells while in high school and fell in love with the instrument and the art. Nancy attended Michigan State University and was a member of the Spartan Handbell Choir for several semesters. She graduated in 2002 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and currently works as a project manager in Lansing . Nancy joined CCR in Fall 2005 after having heard about the choir from her mother. She dropped in on their first rehearsal unannounced thinking only to sign up as a sub. Famous last words! Before she knew it she had bells in her hands and music in her ears. Nancy felt right at home with the challenging music and her zany fellow ringers, and she’s tremendously excited to continue with CCR this season. Nancy ’s many interests include reading, music, horseback riding and “very amateur” photography, and she considers herself a “renaissance personality with highly geekish tendencies."

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* Lois Krieger, a.k.a. Dead Ringer (Jane just works us too hard). Lois has been married over 30 years to husband, Dan, who encouraged her to rejoin CCR after taking off a year. Lois is employed by the State of Michigan with 34+ years of service and is looking forward to retirement, hopefully in a couple more years.   Lois and Dan have two
children, Danielle and Kelly. Kelly is married to Nick, who are the proud parents of 2-year-old Baileigh. Lois is enjoying her granddaughter very much. In her spare time, Lois enjoys watching her granddaughter, reading, doing Sudoku puzzles,
traveling and, of course, ringing handbells. She first joined CCR in 1992 and has taken a few semesters off for varying reasons, but just can't stay away from this delightful group. Welcome back, Lois!

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Gary Masters - a.k.a. Snowbell, loves winter and is a certified ski instructor who has been teaching downhill skiing for over 30 years. Gary enjoys working with kids and has coached soccer, softball and directed the children's chime choir at Grace UMC. Gary currently directs the adult handbell choir at Grace and has convinced his lovely bride of 36 years, Jill, to become a ding-a-ling with the group. Gary and Jill have three kids, Chris, a CPA in the Detroit area, Jeff, pharmaceuticals rep and lives inYpsilanti with his wife Kristy, and Laura, the songbird of the family. Laura is a former member of the Young Americans, and after earning a degree in History at GVSU, is currently serving in the Peace Corps stationed in Macedonia. Gary says, "Any talent I may have comes directly from her." Gary has been a member of CCR since January of 1998.

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Susan Speers - a.k.a. Belly Button, Susan joined CCR in the fall of 2001 and has been ringing handbells for 7 years at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lansing. Before getting hooked on handbells, Susan played flute and piano. Her 2 daughters also enjoy music; Nicole plays clarinet and Emily plays trumpet. With degrees from Central Michigan University (Elementary Education) and Michigan State University (Educational Psychology), Susan spends her days working at the CEI Community Mental Health Board with adults with developmental disabilities in recreational, educational, volunteer, and work placement situations.

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Katie Wharton - a.k.a. Bell Curve. Katie hails from State College, PA, where she began playing handbells way back in the fourth grade. Since then, has rung in the Westminster handbell choir (Our Lady of Victory, State College, PA), the Rooke Chapel Ringers (Bucknell University - the conductor was Dr. William A. Payn of Réunir fame), and of course CCR! After finishing a dual degree in math and animal behavior at Bucknell (yes, she's every bit as much of a nerd as you might expect), Katie decided to move out to Michigan State University for grad school. While googling handbell groups in the Lansing area, she stumbled across CCR's fantastic website, e-mailed Lorraine, and got an enthusiastic and welcoming reply. Little did she know that the group is way more weird and fun than she ever would have expected! Katie is currently stuck at MSU until she finishes grad school in zoology (so we expect her to be around for awhile!), but she is enjoying dividing her time between honeybees, music, and friends.

Jessi Wortley - a.k.a. Tinkerbell. Don’t let her small stature fool you, what she lacks in size she makes up for in energy and determination. Jessi has been playing handbells since age 13 at Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church and joined CCR in January 2007. After the group discovered that she’s also a percussionist, Jessi started splitting her time during performances between ringing and “making stuff up” on accompanying auxiliary instruments. A graduate of Grand Ledge High School and Ferris State University (Go Dawgs!), she now earns her paycheck as communications director for a senator at the state Capitol. When she’s not working or ringing, you can find Jessi volunteering for Relay for Life, or “going Jeepin’” in her bright yellow Wrangler. Also an avid Disney fan, she's appropriately named her cats Tinkerbell and Wendy.

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* Denotes section leaders: Kim - bass, Lorraine - treble, Lois - Battery

Audition for CCR! Maybe you would like to audition to be a Capital City Ringer, or perhaps a sub? If this sounds like your calling, E-mail us or call director Jane C. Wright for audition information.

Alumni of CCR...
Kendra Anspaugh
Wanda Beers
Lisa Biasi
Nancy Bieber
Deidra Brown
Norma Byers
Sue Casler
Karla Chamberlain
Peg Cheney
Elizabeth Clark
Nancy Dawson Clark
Sue Clemence
Gertrude Curtis
Charles Daley
Sheryl Ebaugh
Connie Engle
Kris Finison
Judy Forester
Halen Foster
Chuck Gendrich
Gary Gregory
Sherry Gregory
Jan Heath
Cheryl Hill
Joe Hill
Jan Keen
Benjamin Knapp
Laura Knudson
Rev. Kathy Kursch
Diane Lanning
ChrisAnn Lowe
Barbara Marley
Deb Nickels
Cheryl Niznak
Rebecca Nordhoff
Gina Patton
Bradley Poreda
Adam Reemts
Charlotte Reemts
Christine Reist
Tammi Rockey
JoAnn Russell
Dianne Smith
Laura Sparks
Jean Ann Stacey
Kathryn Stehle
Becky Stoner
Jodi Johns Sullivant
Kay Tanner
Wendy Tate
Nadette Waligora
Paulanne Webb
Adrene Wilford
Carrie Woods
Kathleen Wright
Sharon Yohn
Cricket Young

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CCR home page URL: www.capitalcityringers.com
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This page last updated: Saturday, Monday, February 18, 2008

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