Gustavus Adolphus College is known for many of its musical groups. But a lesser known ensemble has been gaining recognition: the Gustavus Handbells.

Handbells are commonly used in church music and were introduced at Gustavus in the mid-1990s to help develop the church music program. Previously made up of two different ensembles, this year the group will expand to three ensembles.

Any student, whether they have musical experience or not, is welcome to audition for Handbells. Members meet once a week for rehearsals and perform at Chapel services, Christmas in Christ Chapel, and several concerts throughout the year.

Chad Winterfedlt, Cantor of Christ Chapel and a professor in the Music Department, has been directing the Handbells ensembles since the spring of 2006, although he has worked with various handbell ensembles since 1995.

“Handbells is an interesting ensemble in which every person is essential,” Winderfeldt said. “There is a really clear sense of community. If one of the ringers isn’t present, you can’t really play the piece.”

Seniors Katelyn Graham and Emily Rudquist and have been ringers since their first-year at Gustavus. Both girls viewed Handbells as a good way to fulfill their ensemble requirement and enjoyed the experience so much they have stayed with the group since.

“It’s a really cool group of people,” Rudquist said. “We all have our own quirks and it’s so much fun when we all get together.”

After spending so much time working together, the group becomes very close.

“It’s kind of like a big family,” Graham said. “I’ve met all of my best friends there.”

The Handbells ensemble will be hosting a festival in February 2016 for high school ringers to attend. These students will have the opportunity to play alongside the ringers of the Gustavus Handbells.

The ensemble also has many events planned for the winter, including Christmas caroling and a soup party with their director.

“The best thing about Handbells is the good camaraderie, laughter, and dedication,” Winderfelt said. “The students have really found a way to pursue musical objectives and work toward excellence and perfection and have fun at the same time.”