Erik Der – Regional Coordinator
Irvine, Orange County, CAErik Der is a lifelong handbell musician who appreciates the instrument for its emphasis on ensemble, movement, and rich sonic textures. He is an active ringer and has directed a variety of age groups (middle school, high school, college, adult). He is currently the Director of Handbell activities at Concordia University Irvine where he directs the Spirit Bells ensemble, teaches handbell methods, and leads CUI’s annual handbell invitationals and festivals in partnership with his colleague Alex Guebert. Quality event programming, community engagement, and education are all important to expanding handbells in our communities. If you are a director or ringer interested in learning more about handbell opportunities in Orange, Los Angeles, or adjacent counties, please be in touch with Erik! |
UPCOMING EVENTS
- March 7, 2026
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Handbell Young Ringers Festival Concert at Concordia
March 7, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Borland-Manske Center Charlie and Ling Zhang Orchestra Hall 1530 Concordia West Irvine, California 92612Concert Handbells
Spirit Bells
Resound
Regional middle school ensemblesConcordia's Handbell ensembles host a concert joined by talented regional handbell middle school ensembles.
Concordia's handbell ensembles have performed throughout the United States, as well as Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Tickets: This is a free, non-ticketed event
https://www.simpletix.com/e/handbell-young-ringers-festival-concert-tickets-233001
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- March 13, 2026
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- March 14, 2026
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- May 1, 2026
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Handbell Spring Concert with Concordia University handbell ensembles
May 1, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church of Lake Forest - Food Distribution Center, 23262 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630, USAConcert Handbells
Spirit Handbells
ResoundSave the date for a world-class handbell concert from one of the nation's top handbell programs. Concordia's Handbell Spring concert is a showcase of sacred, classical, popular, and new music - using over 140 handbells, handchimes, and other instruments..
Concert Handbells and Spirit Bells are the touring ensembles of Concordia, representing a program that has become highly respected internationally for its performances and for its preparation of handbell musicians and directors. They have performed in 12 nations of Asia, Europe, and Australia as well as 38 states and provinces of North America. Together, they perform some of the highest difficulty of handbell repertoire at a virtuosic level, including original compositions written by faculty and student composers. They are also featured annually across the nation during Concordia’s made-for-TV PBS Special.
Tickets: Tickets are free (Free will offering)
https://www.simpletix.com/e/handbell-spring-concert-tickets-233457
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