Handbell Choirs
All handbell rehearsals are at Arden Hills Room S109.
Peals of Joy, Beginner (grade 4 & above)
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays
5:45–6:25pm
Arden Hills Room S109
An inter-generational beginning choir for persons who have never played handbells or have limited experience in music.
Contact Carla Helgeson at 651-490-7811 or 
Sounds of Praise, Intermediate
(grade 6 & above)
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays
5–5:40pm
Arden Hills Room S109
An intermediate level choir for persons who have played handbells at least one year or who have a few years of experience on another instrument.
Contact Carla Helgeson at 651-490-7811 or .
Celebrate Handbells
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays
7:10-8:15pm
Arden Hills Room S109
An intermediate level choir for high school students and adults who want to continue their handbell experience. Adults who want to try handbells are welcome.
Contact Joann Kerns at 651-483-8646 or
Ring Praise, Advanced (adult by invitation/audition only)
Rehearsals:
Thursdays
5:30–7pm
Arden Hills Room S109
This is a committed, concert-level choir for post-high-school adults who are experienced at playing handbells. Sight reading capabilities are necessary. If you are an experienced handbell musician, this choir is for you.
Contact Joanne Kerns at 651-483-8646 or .
Directors
Joanne Kerns
Director of the Handbell Program
Joanne Kerns has been the director of the North Heights handbell program since its inception in 1977. She is a charter member of Bells of the Lakes, an auditioned, community handbell choir, teaches treble bell techniques at area conferences, and is the Chairman/Coordinator of Kids Ring, a handbell ringing event for elementary and middle school youth. She attended St. Olaf College, played flute in the St. Olaf band, majored in Chemistry/Biology and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Medical Technology. Joanne always has her suitcase packed as she loves to travel. When she's not ringing or directing, she reads international intrigue/spy thrillers.
Carla Helgeson
Director of Peals of Joy and Sounds of Praise
Carla Helgeson has been ringing bells most of her life including playing with North Heights’ Ring Praise and Twin Cities Bronze, an auditioned community handbell ensemble. She has directed handbell choirs for over 20 years and enjoys leading new and developing ringers to share handbell music with congregations. Carla is also a handbell soloist and has provided special music at local churches, weddings, and women’s groups.