The Kokken Ringers

The first Klokken choir was formed in March of 1971. Due to the popularity in the church and the desire for more to be able to participate Klokken Ringers II was formed in September of 1972. The initial choirs were composed of junior high and high school students, and then in September of 1972 the Campanola Ringers was formed as the adult choir. The Klokken Ringers continued on with those of high school age. In order to meet the needs of both the youth upcoming wishing to learn and to maintain the caliber of musicianship in Klokken I and II as members graduated high school, Klokken III was formed in September of 1973. Klokken IV began in 1974 and rang until 1989 and then was re-established in 1997. Klokken III and IV perform for their families, and within the church and church school. As age and skill progresses members move to Klokken II by recommendation and audition, and from Klokken II to Klokken I by the same criteria.

Due to the ever increasing numbers of those having graduated out of the program but still return to the church over the Christmas holidays, the Klokken Alumni Choir was formed in 1979. It has become tradition that all those back in the area come together and prepare to ring in the worship service on the Sunday after Christmas. Alumni choirs also form for special occasions such as the anniversary of the bells in the church.

With the advent of the choir chimes by several handbell companies companies, and the acquisition of a set by the church, the Chimechoir was formed in 1996 to introduce fourth-grade children to the experience. The choir chimes are also used by other bell choirs in the church to add special effects to their repertoire. The Chimechoir introduces students to ringing styles, and serves as a starting point for the Klokken Ringers handbell program.

Upon the initial formation of the ringing choirs they were directed by Mr. Loten Springstead, Mrs. Pat Cornell and Mrs. Betty Garee. Mrs. Garee took over sole directorship upon the departure of the others in 1995. The entire five choir program was directed by Mrs. Garee from 1975 through 1985, during which time the reputation of the choirs grew as did Mrs. Garee's reputation as a director, clinician and composer. The choirs were taken over from 1985 to 1986 by Mr. Clifford Schofer, and Mrs. Constance Lacey was given the position of Director of Handbells, serving from 1986 through 1995. In the fall of 1995 Mr. Charles E. Kelley, an alumnus of the Klokken Ringers, was appointed Director of Handbells and of the Celebration Choir (vocal), serving through fall of 2005.