Choir Notes: Bell Ringing - A Dance of the Arms

Tom Waldron, conductor of the Bells on Temple Square, describes ringing the bells as a dance-a dance of the arms and a dance of the faces. The faces of all 28 bell ringers “are animated with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The sound of bells was added to the Choir 10 years ago when a high school group of bell ringers, directed by Waldron, was asked to accompany a performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Soon the Choir had two sets of bells of its own and in 2005 an official bell choir was inaugurated as part of the Choir organization. Waldron, at the time a baritone in the Choir, was named conductor. With a music education degree from Utah State University and a master of music degree in conducting performance from Brigham Young University, with years in the Choir and strong commitment to the work of God, Waldron had both the heart and the hands to make the new organization an instant success.

For the Bells to perform in front of 20,000 people in the Conference Center surrounded by the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square has been a thrill Waldron will long remember. “We perform for the Savior,” he says, “and we hope in doing so the Lord will bless our souls.”

Waldron will retire from his position as conductor following the June 10th concert of the Bells on Temple Square. Leanna Willmore, current assistant conductor, will take the baton as conductor of the Bells on Temple Square following the concert.

The concert, entitled “Ringing Praises,” to be held on Friday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, features the bells, organ, and instrumental music. Tickets have been distributed but standby seating is nearly always available.