Camden, Maine -- The Friends of Music Concert Series, an outreach program of The First Congregational Church of Camden, invites the public to the first concert of the 2013 season, presented by the Concert Handbell Ringers of the Wheeler School, of Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 pm, in the church sanctuary at 55 Elm Street.

Wheeler’s energetic, auditioned, eleven member high school handbell ensemble performs some of the most challenging music by the most notable handbell composers and arrangers. Their 2013 spring tour program includes an eclectic offering of music, from the classics of J. S. Bach to the contemporary sounds of Coldplay. Often referred to as New England’s premier high school handbell ensemble, the Wheeler Concert Handbell Ringers has brought variety, education, and sheer listening pleasure to their audiences for over thirty years.

The Concert Ringers begin their spring tour in Yarmouth, Maine, before venturing to Bangor, Camden, and New London, New Hampshire. Their Spring Tour is an annual event which has taken the ringers throughout the United States and Canada.  One recent tour included the island of Bermuda.

The March 9 concert will include two selections performed with Penobscot Bay Ringers, a local community handbell group. Founded in 2008, Penobscot Bay Ringers is Maine’s first community handbell choir, performing regularly throughout Midcoast Maine and beyond.

As always, each Friends of Music concert is free and open to the public. Donations in support of the Concert Ringers’ touring expenses will be cheerfully accepted at the door. For more information, please contact The First Congregational Church of Camden at 207-236-4821.