Schools

Ithan Students Give Handbell Concert

The Radnor Ringers played traditional holiday songs.

The Radnor Ringers, a group of 23 fourth- and fifth-graders from Ithan Elementary School, rang in the holidays with a handbell concert at Rosemont Presbyterian Retirement Village on Monday, Dec. 19. More than 60 retirees and guests enjoyed the performance. 

The club, sponsored by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization and led by music teacher Beth Hacker, began in 2003 with 10 students. The musicians meet once a week before school to practice during the season, which runs from October to the end of December.

“Handbell choirs are quite unusual at the elementary level,” Hacker said. “But popularity has grown over the years and the kids have really embraced it.”

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The Ringers played traditional holiday songs such as “Jolly Old St. Nick,” “Auld Lang Syne” and, of course, “Jingle Bells.” 

“We love having children come into our community during the holidays because they bring such joy to the residents,” said Marilyn Irwin, the Retirement Village’s activity manager.

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One audience member was particularly enthralled by the show. Mimi Barclay Johnson is the grandmother of Edgar Ryan, a fourth-grade Radnor Ringer. As the former director of the handbell choir at Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, she has great appreciation for the instrument. 

“It is great to see a grandchild carrying on the tradition of bells,” Barclay Johnson said.


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