George Roper plays “The First Noel” on the bell tree at Othello Christian Church. The bell tree is the only way a musician can be said to be “playing” the bells, Roper explained; when they perform with handbells, they’re ringing, not playing.
January 12, 2026
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January 14, 2026 3 a.m.
Handbell choir keeps up ringing tradition at Othello church
OTHELLO — It’s difficult enough for a director to keep musicians in line when they’re all playing at the same time. But when members take turns with just one or two notes each, well, then it gets complicated.