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About Us

Joyful Sound is an advanced, auditioned community handbell choir based in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area that was founded in 1999 by June Hannah and a group of ringers looking for a musical challenge. Our mission is to promote the art of English handbell ringing through performance, education, and community outreach.

Joyful Sound is a member choir in Handbell Musicians of America and regularly participates in Area 5, national and international festivals. Joyful Sound was honored to play the opening concert at the 2023 Area 5 spring festival in South Bend, Ind.

We ring 6 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 6 octaves of Malmark chimes.

In the spirit of joyful song, Joyful Sound strives to:

  • Promote the diverse art of handbell ringing in Central Indiana.

  • Develop educational opportunities for youth and adults to learn the art of handbell ringing.

  • Participate in handbell festivals, workshops, and retreats for the purpose of continuously improving our ringing skills and technique.

  • Ring a wide variety of sacred and secular music.

  • Challenge ourselves to grow musically, spiritually, and professionally in a creative, caring and nurturing atmosphere.

  • Serve our community and choir with professionalism, pride and respect.

Joyful Sound, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You can view our bylaws here.

The 2025-26 board members are:

  • Brian Hrankowsky, president

  • Betsy Smith, vice president

  • Beth Larner, treasurer

  • Erin Gerecke, secretary

  • Lora Lee Curren, at-large member

  • Susan Oxley, at-large member

  • June Hannah, director

Want to learn more? Read member bios, see a photo gallery from the past 25 years, or listen to samples of our music!

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