TWBR TOUR BLOG

Saturday, June 27, 2020

2020 Summer Tour COVID Canceled

Posted 4/4/20: 2020 Summer Tour Covid-19 Update

Like many of you, we are struggling to adapt to this new reality. With this rapidly changing landscape, I don't feel comfortable making a definitive decision regarding our summer tour. June feels like a lifetime away. It could be that we'll have to cancel entirely, or we could all find ourselves free and clear, and desperately wanting to share in community and fellowship.

This organization has been around since 1963, and we have held 54 consecutive summer tours. I am working on ways to modify our typical tour, or provide alternative activities in order to give my teenagers the well-earned rewards for all their hard work.

I am praying for good health and peace to all of us in these trying times.

Best,
Katie Lay
Director—The Wesley Bell Ringers

Life came to a screeching halt in March 2020 but our bell family managed to navigate a pandemic and quarantine by sticking together. With everything from holding parking lot outdoor gatherings, to birthday drive-by parades, to zoom calls, and drop-by surprises. Eventually, once everyone was masking and we learned we could make things safer by social distancing and hand-washing practices, we were able to meet in-person to rehearse once again and we were able to actually perform a "home concert" - even if there was no live audience - it meant the world to hear the choir ring again.

Posted 5/26/20: During this difficult time, The Wesley Bell Ringers have been the recipients of many acts of kindness from surprise treat bags from Katie & Anna to custom made yard signs made by a bell parent. The choir has not had the opportunity to ring bells since the beginning of March, but are hopeful that this summer they will be able to play together! It may not be a tour, but we are determined to ring bells together again soon!

Posted 5/28/20: Join us (virtually) this Sunday for Wesley Bell Ringer Sunday! The service will be posted on the CUMC webpage. CUMC is also hosting virtual coffee hour via zoom at 11 AM. It's a fun way to connect with your church and bell family!

Wesley Bell Ringer Sunday

(pre recorded due to COVID quarantine)

May 31, 2020

Posted 6/27/20: Hello friends! We have been safely practicing in socially distant rehearsals during the month of June. Tonight at 730pm, we'll be performing and sharing the concert via livestream. Please tune in and be sure to share the link with family and friends! The ringers have enjoyed the opportunity to get back together and make music and they'd love to share it with you. Despite the disappointment of not being able to participate in MANY of The Wesley Bell Ringer traditions & events, this year's choir is determined to end this bell season with a home concert! Another first for The Wesley Bell Ringers - no live audience in attendance; however tonight's concert will be live streamed for everyone to enjoy!

The Wesley Bell Ringers

2020 Home Concert

(recorded live with a virtual audience)

June 27, 2020

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

The Wesley Bell Ringer 2019 summer tour - Day 11 - Madison CT to Philadelphia PA

Today The Wesley Bell Ringers left the peaceful seaside/small town feel of the New England states that they have had such great time visiting for the big cities of Philadelphia, New Jersey, & New York to round out the 2019 summer tour.

From Madison CT to Philadelphia it was traffic, construction, rain, & more traffic, but as it has happened almost everywhere on this tour, there were still opportunities to have fun along the way.

When in Philly, there are many opportunities for an authentic Philly cheese stake sandwich. Katie found the choir a great spot to have this experience & then it was back on the bus for the last of the trip into the city.

John's Roast Pork in Philadelphia was a great chance to experience a taste of Philly

FINALLY, on the third hotel night of the tour, swimming happened! The choir enjoyed a bit of time in the pool before dinner which consisted of smaller groups taking off from the hotel to explore Philadelphia.

Gina & Kenton's group took on Chinatown

Perfect photo opportunity spot in Philly

Coltin & Jasmine enjoying some downtime today

Holden, the burger king

Shake Shack for Molly & Pamela

Jenn's group took on the shopping district.

Swim time is the best time!

Exloring

And more exploring

A good night for some rolled icecream

Tour #52 for Ed. We hope he knows how much his efforts have impacted the almost 500 kids who have experienced being a Wesley Bell Ringer. Theo enjoying some time with Ed.

When your birthday happens on tour, we celebrate!

Happy Birthday Theo & Rachel!

Monday, June 17, 2019

The Wesley Bell Ringer 2019 summer tour - Day 10 - Duxbury MA to Madison CT

The Wesley Bell Ringers had an incredible night in Duxbury MA. It was tough to leave such a welcoming community, but on the road it was again....

Have you ever had a chance to see Plymouth Rock? The 2019 Wesley Bell Ringers did today. Plymouth MA is an impressive beach front community rich in history. Plymouth Rock, well considering it was in 1600 that it was discovered, it isn't surprising that it is smaller in size than one might think.

There has to be at least ONE group photo a day during bell tour.

Learning the history of Plymouth Rock

"It looks so much bigger on TV", says Holden

The choir had a quick lunch in Rhode Island to say that they had indeed spent time in Rhode Island & then it was off to YALE! Thanks to Assistant Director, The Wesley Bell Ringers participated in a private tour & hands on time at the Yale Harkness bell Carillon. A once in a lifetime (or tour time) chance to see some really amazing bells. For you bell enthusiasts, here are the facts:

Harkness Tower: 216 feet, 284 steps to the roof
The Carillon: 54 bells, pitched in B
Total Weight: 43 tons
Age of Bells: 10 bells were cast in 1921, the remainder in 1964
Lowest bell: F♯ concert pitch, 13,400 pounds
Highest bell: B concert pitch, 26 pounds

During the tour, the Wesley's not only got to hear the bells in action, they actually were invited to play the carillon. This experience was incredible, emotional, & exciting for everyone. After the tour, the choir & chaperones had some time to explore a bit of the Yale campus, including the bookstore where we all had the opportunity to feel like a member of the Yale community as we spent our money on Yale merchandise. Back on the bus, the choir was polled to see who was now interested in Yale as a college choice, most of the hands were raised but quickly went down once the yearly tuition & acceptance rates were shared. We all can dream, right?

Walking the quad at Yale

Thinking about college possibilities?!

Getting ready to climb the stairs to see the bells

Lewis & Theo....only 200 more stairs to go!

Don't look down, Molly

Playing the practice carillon at Yale

The Wesley Bell Ringers in the bell room at Yale

Barrett & Jacob thrilled at this opportunity

The view from the top

Learning about how the Yale bells work

An experience of a lifetime

As was this.

The short trip to Madison CT did not provide the opportunity for a "bus nap" of which we have all begun to look forward to; however, it was nice to be able to see so much of these amazing New England states today!

First Congregational Church in Madison CT was constructed in 1707, this incredible church was yet another experience for The Wesley Bell Ringers to share their program so far east from Salt Lake City.

This photo doesn't even come close to reflecting the size of First Congregational Church in Madison CT

Fitting a quick practice in tonight.

The choir & chaperone team are having an extraordinary trip. Homesick, yes. Missing friends, family, & pets back home, absolutely, but are loving every minute! Thanks to everyone who has supported this group so far & throughout the year. We appreciate you all!

The Wesley Bell Ringer 2019 summer tour - Day 9 - Rindge NH to Duxbury MA

The choir has learned that cell service & internet service in the New England area is limited, so in order to get some information out to you - This blog will be short. More photos, less words!

A couple notes:

2nd hotel night was a success! Everyone did amazing.
Boston Freedom trail tour in Boston, in the rain was amazing. Over 5 miles of walking & everyone was full of energy for the concert in Duxbury.
The Wesley Bell Ringers said goodbye to Tif & Carl & picked up a surprise guest - John Lay (Katie's dad) in Boston.
Duxbury was a return concert venue & the choir was visited by former WBR ringer, Lisa Arnold (Mcgill) bell ringer #145 who traveled an hour plus to share her bell ringer stories & give some great advice & encouragement to today's choir. THANKS LISA!