Bellebration

On April 17th, the final handbell concert, “Bellebration,” was hosted at the College’s very own Royal Oak Forum in the Keeter Center. “Bellebration” is one of the largest handbell productions in the history of College of the Ozarks. Mrs. Marilyn Droke, the director of the handbell concert for 30 years, is retiring after this semester. Past handbell alumni from all around the United States are coming to participate in this special event, ending Mrs. Droke’s career with a resounding “ring” that will echo for the future handbell students of C of O.

With many newspaper articles, competition winnings, special events, and travels, the Handbell Choir of C of O has an impressive record. Highlights include travelling to Austria and the Czech Republic in 2007 along with Ireland and England in 2011. They have played for many C of O events, including major convocations with Mike Krzyzewski and Benjamin Netanyahu. In addition to these astounding accomplishments, they regularly have their own concerts during the semester and even played for Miss America at the Branson Grand Palace in 2000.

Mrs. Droke, in response to how she was feeling prior to the “Bellebration” event, said, “I am very excited about our upcoming concert. The College Handbell Choir is one of the best ever. They are hard workers and have accomplished so much. The returning Alumni handbell ringers are all excited about ringing again and playing their favorites. It should be a wonderful event.” Many of the students are very sad to see Mrs. Droke retiring, however they have many happy memories of her and the time spent playing handbells. One of the current handbell students, Emily Farris, is a senior culinary arts major with a minor in hotel and restaurant management. She has participated in handbells for a total of eight semesters! She stated, “It is my last concert, as well as a few others in the group – so it is exciting and sad at the same time… [I will miss] the laughs that we’ve had as a group… the memories that were made are unforgettable! I love the sense of community that come from playing with handbells. All of us in the choir are extremely different, but with handbells it brings you together almost, and makes it sort of like a family.”