Shoreline Ringers Names Andy Wallace New Music Director

  • 07, 2023

Following a year-long search process and transition, Shoreline Ringers have approved the search committee’s recommendation to appoint Andy Wallace as the organization’s new Music Director.  

As a ringer and Assistant Director, Andy is no stranger to Shoreline.  He joined the ensemble over ten years ago and became the Assistant Director in 2021.  Andy has spent twenty-seven years directing the choral and handbell programs as the Director of Worship and Music Arts at the Dunn’s Corners Community Church, Presbyterian, in Westerly, RI.  He has been ringing handbells in choirs and ensembles since 1991, is an active solo ringer and clinician, and a middle school history teacher.  

Upon acceptance of the position, Andy shared that he is most excited about “being a member of a dedicated group of musicians who share a passion for this instrument which holds great value in their lives.  I am thrilled to continue my journey with the amazing individuals of Shoreline Ringers.  It is an incredible privilege and honor for me to step into the role of Music Director, following in the footsteps of my friend and mentor, Jane.” 

Founding Music Director Jane Nolan had this to say, “I am delighted with Shoreline’s choice of Andy Wallace as the new director. He embodies the love of handbell music, is dedicated to the ringers and the culture they have built. I am confident the group will thrive under his direction.”  Jane remains a steadfast supporter of Shoreline Ringers and a strong presence in the handbell community.  Shoreline Ringers’ members are eternally grateful for her leadership and mentorship in founding Shoreline Ringers and for each of us as ringers and people. 

The director search committee was blessed with multiple incredibly competent and qualified candidates to consider, and sought to find a director who would best fit the group, nurture the members, and continue to chart an invigorating path forward aligned with Shoreline’s mission.  The committee was thrilled to offer the position to Andy, who has been a steady and positive part of the Shoreline community and has demonstrated his passion for the group as it exists now and for building our future together.

Shoreline Ringers are eager to begin preparing for their highly anticipated holiday concerts, which are aptly titled “Wonder and Joy,” marking Andy’s exciting directorial debut with the ensemble.  

Please help us welcome Shoreline Ringers’ new Music Director, Andy Wallace!

Shoreline Ringers Receives CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities

  • 01, 2022

Montville, CT (January 2021) — Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded Shoreline Ringers a $6,200 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant (CTCFOSG).

Shoreline Ringers is a nonprofit community handbell ensemble whose goals are to support the continued development of the art of handbell ringing, educate the wider public about the history of handbells and the musicality of the instrument, and foster musical growth within its membership. The organization will use the funds to recoup lost concert revenue due to COVID and to continue to increase its community outreach and engagement. This grant will support Shoreline Ringers operational expenses, allowing the all-volunteer organization to focus on musical excellence and spreading the beauty of handbells.

Ringing Member and Grant Writing Volunteer Emilie Steinnagel stated “with the support of Connecticut Humanities, we will be able to improve the group’s marketing, increase our audience, and grow our reach in the community this year. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to improve our financial sustainability and are looking forward to how it will open up possibilities for us to share our love of handbells with a wider audience.”

Shoreline Ringers was one of 624 organizations in Connecticut that was awarded CT Cultural Fund support totaling $16M from CT Humanities. The CTCFOSG are part of $30.7M of support allocated to arts, humanities, and cultural nonprofits through CTH over the next two years by the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Ned Lamont. The CTCFOSG will assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public.

This grant was administered by CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.

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About Shoreline Ringers

Shoreline Ringers, inc. is a community handbell ensemble formed as a Connecticut non-profit corporation in September 2006. Our goals are to support the continued development of the art of handbell ringing and promote the ringing of handbells as a legitimate musical art form while educating audiences and increasing their knowledge and appreciation of handbell music through our concert performances.

About Connecticut Humanities
CT Humanities (CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.

About Connecticut Office of the Arts

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut’s creative economy. Part of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, the COA is funded by the State of Connecticut as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.