As part of its Sunday Serenade program, the Congregational Church of Tryon, United Church of Christ, will sponsor the Carolina Bronze Handbell Ensemble at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in the sanctuary.

Carolina Bronze was started in the fall of 2000 by a group of directors and advanced ringers who were seeking a challenging ringing experience. The group has grown both musically and in talent, performing on five octaves of Malmark handbells and five octaves of Malmark choirchimes, and, occasionally, on borrowed extra bass bells, concert organizers said.

The handbells are cast bronze and the choirchimes are made from aluminum. The group’s ringers come from many upstate communities.  Most are versatile musicians and active in other church, community and professional groups, organizers said.

The purpose of Carolina Bronze is to further the musical art of handbell ringing, to encourage new compositions utilizing handbells, to educate the public about the musical art of handbell ringing and to promote the use of handbells in music education. It is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The concert on Dec. 2 is open to the public and at no charge. Donations are free will.

The Congregational Church is located at 210 Melrose Ave.  in Tryon.  Those interested in learning more may call 828-859-9414 or visit ucctryon.org.

– Submitted by Ellen Harvey Zipf