Our Ringers
Several of our ringers have decades of handbell experience, while some have only just discovered the satisfaction that comes from ringing handbells. Our common denominator is the love of making music together and the desire to share the art of ringing with others.
Currently, our ringers hail from eleven different towns in the Midcoast area, some traveling over a half hour to attend our weekly rehearsals. Penobscot Bay Ringers is a dedicated team of musicians!
Contact us if you are interested in ringing with our group. We are always in need to substitute ringers, as well.
Bethany Fontaine
Bells - B6-C7 and B7-C8
Rockland, ME
Bethany is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay tuned for the mini bio of Bethany!
Michelle Terry
Bells - G6-A6 and G7-A7
Lincolnville, ME
Michelle is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay Tuned for the mini bio of Michelle!
BJ Kopishke
Bells - E6-F6 and E7-F7
Liberty, ME
BJ has been ringing with Penobscot Bay Ringers since 2009. She started ringing the BIG bass bells (E4 and F4) and has slowly worked her way up to the top of the table. BJ is a third grade teacher at Prescott Memorial School in Washington, Maine and is also an independent director with Thirty One Gifts. BJ loves to sing, play ukulele, and teaches Music Together classes during school breaks and summer vacations.
Ann Walker
Bells - C6-D6 and D7
Owl's Head, ME
Ann Jillson Walker began playing handbells in 2005 with one of six handbell choirs at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ct. She and her husband Fred grew up in this area and upon returning in 2010 she was pleased to find PBR had an opening. She has played several positions from C4/D4 to G6-C7 four-in-hand and loves their camaraderie, their music and their mission. A retired Ob/Gyn, Ann has also volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Area Interfaith Outreach. Her best volunteer job is providing childcare for her two granddaughters. She and Fred love to ski, hike and travel.
Leigh Smith
Bells - A5-B5
Camden, ME
Leigh is the Vice President and Corresponding Secretary of the Penobscot Bay Ringers. She also rings on the table. You may find Leigh's complete profile on the Our Board page.
Lyn O'Connell
Bells - F5-G5
Rockland, ME
Lyn is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay tuned for the mini bio of Lyn!
Emily Emmott
Bells - E5-D5
Rockland, ME
Emily is the Web and Social Media guru for the Penobscot Bay Ringers. She also rings in the battery on the table. You may find Emily's complete profile on the Our Board page.
Buffy Ludwick
Bells - C5-B4
Searsmont, ME
Buffy is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay tuned for the mini bio of Buffy!
Chris Derby
Bells - A4-G4
Waldoboro, ME
Chris is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay tuned for the mini bio of Chris!
Susan Barnard
Bells - F4-E4
Northport, ME
Susan Barnard is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay tuned for the mini bio of Susan!
Fran Pan
Bells - C4-D4
Belfast, ME
Fran is in the process of writing a wonderful little bio to fill this space. For now, this little blurb will have to do. Stay tuned for the mini bio of Fran!
Susan Jones
Bells - B3-G3
Union, ME
Susan has been playing handbells for a little over 6 years, all with PBR. Currently, she teaches social studies and ASL at Medomak Valley High School. Previously, she was a K - 12 Music teacher for 20 years.
Susan's other hobbies include quilting and knitting, and she plays piano and guitar at Peoples UMC in South Thomaston.
Nathan Hillman
C3-F3
Monroe, ME
Nathan first began playing handbells at the Monroe Church about 10 years ago, and is thrilled to be part of PBR ringing large bells as of 2018. His musical studies began in 1998 on violin, and he switched to viola in 2005 to follow his passion for inner voices in chamber music. Other instruments played include piano and accordion. Nathan has been a composer since he was seven, and continues to write and arrange music for various instrumentations. He currently coaches chamber ensembles at Bay Chamber Music School in Rockport. In his free time, Nathan enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, sailing, and exploring the world.
Amy Rollins
Artistic Director
Lincolnville, ME
Amy is the Artistic Director of Penobscot Bay Ringers. She also holds the Treasurer Role. Amy's full profile can be found on the Our Board page.
Debra Hall
Ensemble Coordinator
Rockport, ME
Debra is the President, Secretary, and the Ensemble Coordinator of the Penobscot Bay Ringers. Her full profile can be found on the Our Board page.
A special thank you to Aidan Kaczynski for the Ringer's Headshots and for much of the beautiful photography through out the website and in Our Gallery
Please check out Aidan's work at:
AKZ Photography