Coming to West Seattle is a highly acclaimed handbell ensemble, TIntabulations. They will perform in concert on Sunday, July 24 in Seattle, joined by Seattle's 'Bells of the Sound'. The concert is scheduled to take place at 7 pm, at Tibbets United Methodist Church, located at 3940 41st Ave SW.

Requested to audition for the International Handbell Symposium in Vancouver B.C. several months ago ‘Tintab’ auditioned and was shortly thereafter invited to not only participate but to perform. They are one of only two handbell ensembles chosen to represent the United States at this worldwide event.

The driving force behind this innovative group is their artistic director, Barb Walsh. A retired music teacher, Barb taught in the Washoe County School District for 33 years. At the culmination of her teaching career she was deservedly and justifiably chosen as the’ Music Educator of the Year’ for the State of Nevada. Having a life long passion for music Barb feels each note with every cell of her body. She has the innate knowledge of how the music is to be expressed and the talent to instill this in her ringers. A handbell ringer herself, Barb has been playing since 1985, and began directing in 1986. She is a ringing member of a local quartet, “Bell Canto” and has played flute and piccolo in various venues over the years, including being a current member of the Reno Pops Orchestra. The Regional Coordinator for Handbell Musicians of America Northern Nevada and Eastern Sierra Region, Barb is a highly sought after clinician, working in both classroom situations and handbell festivals. With Barb at the helm, TIntabulations recently held a successful handbell workshop at the end of April, with the attendance of over 90 handbell ringers.

At times feeling like she’s ‘herding cats’, the enthusiasm and enjoyment of Tintabulations members pours out into every aspect of their participation. A close-knit group, with their love of music, their enjoyment and creativity to make each handbell piece a masterpiece, they delight in bringing their own touch to each and every piece. Introduced at Reno Philarmonic’s ‘Spirit of the Season’ by director Dr. Jason Altieri, he emphasized their ‘west coast ringing style’ – big and enthusiastic. This expressive style, creativity and enthusiasm is gaining more and more attention nationwide and now worldwide, influencing ringing styles everywhere.

A diverse group of talented musicians, Tintabulations has been delighting audiences since its inception in 1996. Seven of Barb’s students professed an interest in continuing to play and grow as an ensemble. Through the years the group has grown in number to include 14 ringers, which is a necessity to cover the over 120 handbells and chimes on which they masterfully perform. Tintabulations is now comprised of college students, music teachers, working professionals from other walks of life and retirees. They come together from a wide geographic area – (Reno, Carson City, Dayton, Fallon, both North and South Lake Tahoe and Bishop) - to work with a great sense of enjoyment and passion for their love of music and handbells.