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River City Ringers of Omaha Scholarship

$500
1 winner$500
Open
Application Deadline
Sep 13, 2025
Winners Announced
Oct 13, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate student
Background:
Handbell ringer

The River City Ringers of Omaha are dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/hand chime ringing through performance and community involvement.  

In the wake of COVID, many organizations are eliminating their handbell programs, leaving young ringers with limited options to continue their pursuit of this beautiful instrument. In honor of their 35th year of handbell performance the River City Ringers want to help keep the next generation's love of handbell ringing alive.

This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about handbell ringing so they have the encouragement they need to continue pursuing their craft.

Any high school or undergraduate student who is currently ringing with a handbell choir and wishes to pursue handbell ringing with a college handbell choir may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your musical experience, how you want to advance the art of handbell ringing, and the names of any arrangers or composers who have created pieces you’ve loved playing.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published October 16, 2024
Essay Topic

Please tell us about all your musical experience, including handbells, and what your aspirations are to advance the art of handbell ringing. Please include the name and arranger/composer of specific pieces you have enjoyed playing.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Norah Purcell
Central High SchoolOmaha, NE
Many years ago, when I was probably five years old, I played a little yellow handbell in "Happy Birthday". I was the smallest one there, and I felt a little silly, playing just one note. It was a G, perhaps, or F, or A. I don't exactly remember what note, but I remember how much I worried I would play my note at the wrong time. I figured it was a one time thing, that even if I messed up, I could just go back to playing barbies and never bother with a bell again. But I could not have been more wrong, and I never could have imagined how much handbells would come to mean to me. In sixth grade, I started playing violin, and as I entered high school, switched to viola, and joined choir at Central High school, my eagerness to participate in music grew. I have always loved fiddling with whatever instrument I can get my hands on, and I love making music with other people, so when my friend mentioned that I should join bell choir, I quickly decided I would go. From the first time I sightread with the group, I was charmed. The beautiful sound of the bell alone was wonderful, and the unique sort of collaboration necessary for handbells inspired me. I had to not only read the music in front of me, but also listen and respond to the bells around me with a special attention not found anywhere else. Of course, in orchestra, and choir, listening is vital, but to each hold a note, and to weave your note into a melodic line without having any control over when and how the other notes are played takes a focus and musical sense that exceeds anything else I have experienced. Beyond these intricacies, bell choir is such a deeply emotional form of music. In many communities, there is great emotion and importance associated with the sound of the bell. They sing of life and death, herald in bridal parties and funeral processions. With such history even the humble handbell carries the weight of all this. It sings of whatever the piece was intended for, yes, but also of community and coming together in our highest and lowest moments. As you can guess, handbells have come to mean a great deal to me, in the two years that I have been blessed to experience them. As I go on to pursue my undergrad in viola performance, with singing as my secondary instrument, I dearly hope to continue with bells. Thankfully, the school I am committed to, St. Olaf, has a fine handbell choir. And beyond college, I know I will always try to find time in my life for bells, for the sake of their history, their beauty, and the joyful connections they bring.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Sep 13, 2025. Winners will be announced on Oct 13, 2025.