On Saturday, March 22nd more than 70 English handbell ringers from across the Cape and beyond will gather to ring together as part of the 10th Cape Cod Spring Ring. The day will culminate in a public performance at 2pm in the gymnasium of the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street in Harwich center. The concert will feature mass ring selections under the direction of New England Ringers artistic director Cheryl Townsend along with pieces rung by each individual participating choir. Special guests The New England Ringers will also perform. A donation will be collected at the conclusion of the concert.
Cheryl Townsend has been a ringer-member of New England Ringers since 2014 and is excited to start her 3rd year as their Music Director. 2025 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the group.
In 2005, she was introduced to handbells at a UCC music conference, which prompted her to start a handbell choir at The Union Congregational Church in Groton, MA. She has served as their handbell director for nearly 20 years.
Cheryl has been actively involved in music since she began piano lessons at 6 years old, played trumpet through high school, and earned a Bachelor of Music at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, NY. She has taught piano since 1985 and especially enjoys accompanying choral groups, soloists, and musical theater. Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and gardening and hopes to someday learn to play the cello.