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Ringing Birthday Party

I know many of you were disappointed not to be ringing in Duluth the last weekend in June. In addition to Beer Choir, train rides, great classes and mass ringing, a few of us were looking forward to celebrating our birthdays ringing with friends.

When my husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I said “I wanted to be ringing in Duluth.” He said, “I will take you to Duluth and you can ring.” To which I replied, “but I don’t want to ring alone.” That set things in motion. I called Darcy Reich (also celebrating a birthday) and Anita Fraundorf and we hatched a plan. In just 3 days we had a ringing birthday party planned.

We set up in Leif Erikson Rose Garden on the north end of The Lakewalk. It was quite windy but a bright and cheery day. I played belltree music for an hour. The rest of the party joined me, and we rang 12 bell music by Jason Krug, Bill Ingram, Sandra Eithun and Tammy Waldorp for over an hour. Anita presented each of us with matching masks, so we looked like an ensemble. We practiced social distancing, but we did not practice the music. We just had fun sight-reading. Several people gathered on the lawn to listen and some strolled by. Barking dogs, highway noise and phones did not bother us as we focused on the music.

It was such a joyous experience; I encourage you to consider a rehearsal or pop-up concert in a local park. I cannot wait to take my bells outside and share music with whoever passes by. You might need something to combat the wind. Look for music that does not require page turns. Do not strive for perfection but set the goal for fun.

Moments that happened:

• A young woman approached while I was playing belltree and said she played when she was younger but had never seen a belltree. Long story short, she lives a mile from me in the Twin Cities and I hope to get her engaged soon.

• When we finished playing, our “audience” unexpectedly sang Happy Birthday to us.

• A Hibbing couple came up to us after and related that they were celebrating his birthday a week late and had been extremely disappointed not to have a gathering due to the virus. They expressed such gratitude that we were there to add to their celebration. They were touched by the beauty of the music mixed with blooming flowers and Lake Superior views.

Sorry we could not be with all of you, but we did our best to represent. Happy Birthday to Bill Alexander, Nancy Eaton and Darcy Reich. Thanks to Libby Gaalaas and Anita Fraundorf for rounding out our ensemble and making this a birthday celebration to remember.

By Karen Van Wert