About tualatin valley academy handbells
It all started when…
In 1996 Jason Wells started a handbell choir at Tualatin Valley Academy in Hillsboro, Oregon. Through his talented leadership, that choir grew into Ring of Fire, an acclaimed handbell choir that was made up of 7th-10th graders.
Ring of Fire traveled extensively, performing at 2 presidential inaugurations, performing with the Boston Pops, and doing numerous other concerts and TV appearances both locally and abroad.
Ring of Fire's final year was in 2005, at which time Jason moved across the country and was unable to continue the choir. Tualatin Valley Academy continued on, but the bells were silent.
In 2015 Michael Blackburn, a member of the original Ring of Fire bell choir, felt nudged by God to restart the handbell choir at TVA. He gained the support of the school administration and staff, and TVA Bells was born.
But why is the choir not Ring of Fire again?
When the students in TVA Bells are able to play with Ring of Fire's level of precision, musicality and performance, all by memory, they will take on the Ring of Fire name.
Stay tuned to see where the kids go on this crazy journey!
#RingOn
Michael Blackburn, Director
As a founding member of the Ring of Fire handbell choir, Michael learned a lot about playing handbells with passion and precision, all from memory. He plans to share that knowledge with the next generation of musicians at Tualatin Valley Academy, but he is asking them to take their skills in a new direction. His vision is for TVA Bells to be innovative and exciting; utilizing new performance platforms and non-traditional music.
How to Become Part of TVA Bells
Tualatin Valley Academy students in grades 3-12 are welcome to audition to be part of our Intermediate and Advanced handbell choirs. Handbell choirs are much like a team sport - everyone must be present in order for the group to succeed. Because of this, students are expected to be at all practices and performances. For more information, reach out to Michael at bells@tualatinvalleyacademy.org.
Performances
Students will be performing at our constituent churches at Christmas and in the spring, and at other sites as opportunities arise. Additionally, we are working toward producing a video of the choir playing at a unique location to post to YouTube for all to enjoy.
If you would like to request a performance, please contact Michael Blackburn at bells@tualatinvalleyacademy.org.
2024-2025 Performance Dates:
Friday, December 6 - Providence Festival of Trees, Oregon Convention Center (two performances)
Saturday, December 7 at 10:30am - TVA Bells play at Forest Grove SDA Church
Saturday, December 14 at 9:30am - TVA Bells play at Beaverton SDA Church
Thursday, December 19 at 6:30pm - TVA Christmas Concert - Tualatin Valley Academy Gym
Sunday, June 1 at 6:30pm - TVA Bells Concert (formerly called Spring Recital) - Tualatin Valley Academy Gym
Thursday, June 5 at 6:30pm - TVA Spring Concert - Tualatin Valley Academy Gym
Help us grow
Ring of Fire's extensive travel and energetic ringing style put a lot of wear and tear on the handbell equipment. Tables, cases, table pad covers, mallets and gloves all need replaced. Several bells need repair. All of that will cost around $10,000. We would also like to someday add more of the big aluminum bells so that more kids can play in each choir. Those bells cost $3500-$5500 each, and it would cost about $55,000 for the whole octave.
Also, because we feel music is important to kids' education, our aim is for finances to never be a barrier for a student being in the bell choir. We would like to raise some funds to help offset the costs of uniforms, travel expenses, etc.
Interested in helping out? Here’s how!
You can make a tax-deductible donation to TVA Bells through the school’s front office by calling 503.649.5518, by emailing tva@tualatinvalleyacademy.org, or by donating at the button below.
Donate your time and expertise - we are hoping to make a video of the kids performing and will need videographers, sound technicians, editors, and lighting.
