About Us

About Us

Bells of the Sound is a nationally acclaimed handbell ensemble that has been pioneering handbell artistry and excellence since 1989. This talented group of advanced, auditioned musicians is known for their high-caliber, energetic and entertaining performances. The group is a dynamic force in the handbell world, advancing handbells into the mainstream of entertainment and encouraging composers to create new works for this provocative, exhilarating instrument.

Originally established to give handbell directors in the Puget Sound area an opportunity to ring, Bells of the Sound has matured into a community ensemble dedicated to musical excellence and the promotion of handbells through exciting performance. The group performs on over seven octaves of Malmark handbells, six octaves of Malmark Choirchimes, two octaves of Schulmerich Silver Melody Bells, five octaves of Whitechapel English handbells, and four octaves of Petit & Fritsen Dutch handbells.

Bells of the Sound presents two seasons of concerts to audiences throughout the Puget Sound every year and regularly collaborates with local choral, symphonic and handbell groups. Unique performances include working with film and television composer Mateo Messina, benefiting Seattle Children's Hospital, and the Seattle Handbell Orchestra, a collaboration with Emerald City Ringers and Rainier Ringers. Bells of the Sound has been featured multiple times on Seattle's KING 98.1 FM Northwest Focus Live, performing live in the studio with host Sean MacLean. In July 2017, the group was especially proud to represent the Pacific Northwest at the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Anaheim, California, performing an all-jazz concert, complete with drums, string bass, and keyboard.

Photo Credit: David Horiuchi

Meet Our Members

Scott Barker
Scott has been ringing handbells for more than 50 years, starting as a young person on the same set of bells that Bells of the Sound currently uses as a 2nd set. In his work life Scott works for AristaPoint as Finance Director, and occasional sound engineer. Scott lives in lower Queen Anne, overlooking Puget Sound and his longtime home, West Seattle.

Lisa Kim Bartin
Originally from South Korea, Lisa has lived in many parts of the US - Michigan, Mississippi, Texas, Missouri and Washington. While growing up playing the piano and clarinet, Lisa’s introduction to handbells in high school was an instant love for its unique collaborative aspect. Lisa practices Architecture to support travel, cooking and eating with her husband and two kids.

Robin Ethridge
Robin has been ringing with Bells of the Sound since 2010. She is originally from Mississippi and began ringing in elementary school. Robin enjoys participating in advanced ringing events around the country, including Virtuoso, Zenith and Distinctly Bronze. When not playing bells, she works in systems management by day and hikes her way around the PNW.

Margaret Fulton
Margaret fell for handbells at age 11 and still isn't over it. And while she's rung with many groups over the years, she's amused that her first and current choirs are half a mile apart and, 40 years on, she's in West Seattle once again. She also likes books, cooking with friends, city hiking, quilting, gaming, old sci-fi tv, and travel, especially where bells are involved.

Kathy Haase
Kathy’s musical journey began in the 4th grade playing the flute. During HS, she added piano, bassoon and handbells. She continued her musical pursuits at Purdue playing in symphony band and Purdue Bells. Kathy has continued playing the flute and handbells with various community groups and joined Bells of the Sound in 2022. She is married to Scott (group 'roadie') with two adult daughters.

Katie Harris
Katie moved to Seattle in 2010 after spending her early years living around the eastern half of the US. She began ringing at age 10 and has been a member of Bells of the Sound since 2014. When not making music, Katie tries to keep up with two young kids and a job in public health evaluation, and enjoys traveling, snowboarding, hiking, and exploring the Northwest.

Erin Hersey
Erin enjoys hiking, biking and round dancing with her husband, Devin. Besides ringing with Bells of the Sound, Erin directs handbells at Kent United Methodist Church and helps to run a chime program at a Wesley Lea Hill.

Karen Klemetson
Karen has been ringing handbells for over a quarter of a century. Handbells have been life-changing for her, as she met her husband in her first bell choir! Karen is a Seattle native, and in her non-musical life, she works as a psychotherapist. She also enjoys travelling, good food and wine, and honing her baking skills.

Emily Kubischta
Emily is a California native and first started playing handbells at Pilgrim School in Los Angeles. She has since played with Bellissima at St. Louise Catholic Church in Bellevue, WA, as well as with Rocky Mountain Ringers in Denver, CO. Emily joined Bells of the Sound in 2009 and again in 2022, after taking some time off to start a family. She currently lives in Shoreline.

Rebekah Lacy
Born and raised near Louisville, KY, music has always been a large part of Rebekah’s life, including ringing handbells since the age of 12. Before moving to the PNW, Rebekah rang with Music City Bronze in Nashville, TN, and she currently directs handbells at BelPres Church in Bellevue, WA. Rebekah joined Bells of the Sound in 2014, then again in 2022, after taking a break to focus on family. When not ringing, directing, or spending time with her husband and two daughters, Rebekah can be found with a well-brewed cup of tea and a good book.

David Lindberg
David was born and raised in Seattle and began ringing with the Tibbetts United Methodist kids' choir at the young age of 5. He later rang with the adult choir at the same church at the age of 13 and finally joined Bells of the Sound as a substitute at the age of 17. In his free time, David enjoys cooking and the outdoors, along with traveling to 16 countries and counting.

Shirley Lindberg, Musical Director
Shirley has been involved with music all of her life, starting the piano at a young age. Besides Bells of the Sound, she directs four bell choirs at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and Tibbetts UMC. She and her husband also spend much of their free time traveling and immersing themselves in cultures across the globe.

Alex Shepard
Alex is originally from Rochester, MN and recently moved to Seattle. A newer handbell player, he loves making music with the group. Outside of ringing, he works as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at UW and enjoys playing video and board games plus watching the occasional reality TV show with his friends and husband.

Lyn Tober
Lyn was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and currently works for the Northwest Clean Air Agency in Mount Vernon. Lyn is fond of international travel (she’s visited 17 countries) and enjoys playing with kittens while volunteering at the local humane society. She’s also a great baker, spoiling the group with many delicious treats.