It’s time to celebrate the arrival of spring with an evening of music featuring the unique beauty of English Handbells.  Parkland Bells of St. Andrew’s United Church in Spruce Grove invites the Jasper community to ‘Spring Praise’ , a concert evening including the music of English handbells, voice and violin being held at Jasper United Church on Saturday, June 10th.  Parkland Bells Praise Choir will present their full spring repertoire along with welcoming vocalist Roxanne Martin and violinist Lauren Tyrrell to assist with the evening’s presentations.  

The handbell program at St. Andrew’s United Church began almost 20 years ago and has grown to two choirs who play three octaves of Schulmerich handbells along with three octaves of handchimes.  This expanded set of ringing instruments has enabled the choirs to access a broad repertoire of music which is both satisfying for the ringers and audiences alike.  The Rejoice! Choir is comprised of a group of young beginner and intermediate ringers.  The Praise Choir is made up of experienced ringers who enjoy presenting more advanced handbell arrangements.  

Along with providing a music ministry to the St. Andrew’s United Church congregation, Parkland Bells have shared their music in various churches, senior residences, hospital and community settings throughout the county of Parkland.  Parkland Bells have also been privileged to provide handbell presentations to several communities in Northern Alberta.  Parkland Bells Praise Choir is excited to be traveling to Jasper this spring to share their music in this beautiful mountain community.    

Roxanne Martin is a familiar vocalist in the Parkland community.  For the past few years, Roxanne has joined with Parkland Bells Praise Choir to present enhanced voice and handbell selections.  Roxanne will also offer a solo presentation as part of the evening.    Lauren Tyrell is a talented violinist who studies under Anne McDougall and is involved in the Edmonton Youth Orchestra.  In addition to a feature presentation with her sister Robyn on piano, Lauren will also partner with Parkland Bells for a beautiful rendition of ‘It Is Well With My Soul’.  

‘Spring Praise’ will be presented at Jasper United Church, 701 Turret Street (Turret Street & Miette Avenue).  The concert will get underway at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 10th.   All are welcome to attend.  A freewill offering will be received.  For further information please contact the Church Office at 852-4334.   Come ring in your spring!  Parkland Bells looks forward to welcoming you to ‘Spring Praise’. 

— Information for this report provided by Parkland Bells

Quilling workshop postponed

Curious about quilling and the traditions of the Plains people? Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until later in the summer to learn the secrets of this intricate handicraft from Alberta artist Trevor Kiitokii.

Kiitokii was unable to make it Jasper for this weekend’s Artists on the Rails exhibition, which would have seen him entertain VIA Rail passengers on the train trip between Edmonton and Jasper and host a porcupine quill art workshop at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre. Local Artists on Rails organizer Marianne Garrah confirms that Kiitokii will be part of this summer’s series but there is no date set at present.

The next featured artists to grace the Artists on Rails program will be Claude and Eveline Garneau, who will be taking the train on June 22-23. Claude is a stone carver while his wife Eveline paints. On July 6-7 local musician Monika Schaefer will be performing on the train while later in that month (July 27-28) Graham Flatt, a cowboy landscape painter, will take his turn. On August 3-4 Lisa Christensen, the author of ‘Hikers Guide to Art of the Canadian Rockies’ pays a visit and the final scheduled appearance comes on August 17-18 when the fiddle music of Cam Neufeld and Marianne Watchel will accompany passengers on their ride towards the Rockies.