The bells are ringing

With the reopening of St. Andrew Church in Tipton, the celebration has included not only Easter, consecration of the new altar, First Communion and Confirmation classes, but music by the Newman Center Bell Choir from Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla.

The choir’s special inclusion with music at the Saturday, April 26 Mass was arranged by student and choir member Sam Bishop, who is also a member of St. Andrew Church and sings in the choir when home on occasional weekends. The choir, numbering about 30 members, includes both bells and vocalists.

Sam said the bell choir, New Man Acoustics, has been in existence for about four years. Our players’ skill levels range from four years of playing, to under six months.

The choir has averaged about six performances a year. Most of those have been Catholic Masses, but it has also played at Rolla’s Christkindl Market.

“Mostly we play service music, but we do play Christmas Music as well,” said Sam.

They have played several times at St. Patrick Church in Rolla, and now at St. Andrew Church in Tipton.

The current director, Elizabeth Rothweiler, is graduating in December of 2025.