The North Port Handbell Choir
The North Port Chorale is proud to have the Handbell Choir affiliated with them. Directed by Mary Thoroman, the four-octave handbell choir was added in the 2003-2004 season, consists of 12 ringers plus the director, and is composed of members of the Chorale, Orchestra, Concert Band and community, and rehearses year around.
For the 2007-2008 season, a four-octave set of choir chimes was added to bring a new dimension to their music.  The Handbell choir performs with the Band, Chorale, and Orchestra and is available to perform programs throughout the community.

The bells rehearse on Mondays from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM in the Music Suite from September until April and then every other Monday though out the summer.
The bells ring a variety of music Classical, Broadway, Spirituals and fun songs, and are always looking for people who want to be a part of this choir.  Reading music is a must but the art of ringing can be learned very quickly.  Please contact Mary Thoroman 941-423-0726 for more information.   

About the Handbell Director
Originally from Collinsville, Illinois, Mary Thoroman formed and directed the children’s handbell choirs at St. John’s Evangelical United Church of Christ in Collinsville, and played and directed the adult handbells.  She has attended director’s workshops and participated in national festivals in Missouri, Kansas and Florida, and has organized workshops for children wanting to learn the art of ringing.