At the helm of the River City Ringers of Omaha is Rick Richards, who possesses a passion for handbell choirs that rings loud, clear, and resounding. The director of the choir since 2018, Richards has a story that is one of dedication, growth, and the transformative power of music.
“I jumped in with both feet and loved it right away. A handbell choir director is the coolest thing in the world,” Richards shared while reflecting on his introduction into the world of handbells. For him, the role as handbell choir director is not just a profession, but a calling through which he channels his love for music and community.
“Being the director, you have to choose music repertoire for the semester, know the scores inside and out, and know what all 15 ringers should be doing,” Richards explained, shedding light on the multifaceted responsibilities that come with directing this unique group of musicians. It’s a role that requires not only musical expertise, but also a deep understanding of each ringer’s strengths and abilities.
Richards’ journey to becoming the director of the River City Ringers of Omaha was marked by a desire for growth and understanding. “I felt like I knew what I was doing, but I still hadn’t received much…I kind of need to understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the table,” he recalled. It was this quest for knowledge that led him to reach out to Joyce Miller, the choir’s former director, and embark on the journey of mentorship and learning.
“We were practicing in the basement of a nursing home. We didn’t do concerts that spring of 2020 as well as over the summer because everything was still closed [due to COVID-19]. I asked Pastor Jan Peterson at Augustana Lutheran Church if River City Ringers of Omaha could come in, and they allowed us to. We continue to rehearse there because it’s home to us,” Richards reminisced, highlighting the resilience and adaptability that have come to define the River City Ringers of Omaha.
As the organization’s director, Richards has the privilege of curating the choir’s musical repertoire, one he approaches with precision and passion.
That’s one of the perks of being the director. I get to pick the music. I lean towards classical transcriptions or original pieces composed for a handbell choir,” Richards revealed. Among the choir’s repertoire, one piece stands out as a signature favorite. “There’s an arrangement of ‘The First Noel’ by Handbell Choir Director Kim Bell—the composer is named Cathy Moklebust. That has become our signature piece,” Richards shared proudly.
Richards’ dedication to his craft extends beyond the rehearsal room, encompassing a commitment to lifelong learning. “I’ve gone to national and international handbell conferences to take classes and ring in mass ringing groups. That’s been useful for my professional development,” he said, underscoring the importance of continuing education in the ever-evolving landscape of handbell choirs.
For Richards, the River City Ringers is more than a musical ensemble—it’s a community united by a shared love for handbells. “We are an auditioned choir, and we hold auditions generally sometime in June every year. We want to make sure that people know what they’re getting themselves into and what the expectations are,” he explained. The choir’s doors are always open to newcomers, with Richards and his team actively recruiting new ringers to join their ranks.
As the River City Ringers of Omaha gears up to celebrate its 35th anniversary, Richards reflects on the journey that has brought them to this momentous occasion. “Our upcoming concerts are going to be a celebration of those 35 years,” he said, excitement evident in his voice. In addition to their anniversary celebrations, the choir has been selected as one of the guest groups for the Nebraska Music Educators Conference in November—a testament to their enduring impact on the local music scene.
Looking ahead, Richards and the River City Ringers have no plans of quieting their clarion concerts. With each note and melody they ring, the River City Bell Choir continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences far and wide.
Richards reflects on the group’s legacy—one built on a foundation of passion, dedication, and the transformative power of music. As the choir continues to flourish under his guidance, Richards remains steadfast in his commitment to fostering a community where all are welcome to experience the joy of handbell harmony.
To learn more, visit rivercityringers.com.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.