Cenedra White performs with Concordia University, Nebraska in virtual handbell ensemble

2013 Oct 28

Cenedra White, a Junior at Concordia University, Nebraska from Columbia, Mo., performed with Concordia's Handbell Choir as part of the first-ever virtual handbell ensemble this fall. A total of 440 bell ringers from 26 states and six countries recorded sound clips of the composition "Misterium" by James Meredith. The clips were then merged into one performance.

The Concordia Handbell Choir submitted its recordings and also made video clips featuring its ringers' silhouettes in front of the stained glass window in the Weller Hall chapel.

"We decided to give our video recording the unique look provided by the artwork created by the Center for Liturgical Art," Jessica Kite, handbell director, said. The choir recorded at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning in January to keep outside noise levels as low as possible. "Perfect submissions took careful practice, time and patience," Kite said.

The completed work can be viewed on YouTube by searching "Virtual Handbell Ensemble Misterium."

The Concordia Handbell Choir includes 14 ringers and is one of two auditioned handbell choirs at the University. The choirs use more than five octaves of bells and three octaves of handchimes. The choirs perform in campus chapel, local worship services and concerts.

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Neb. that currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.