History
Jubilate Bells
Jubilate Bells
The handbell program at Metropolitan United Church was made possible by a donation from Millard (Mac) MacBain. The Jubilate Bells was the first group formed, beginning their inaugural season in 1991, first under the direction of Barb Plante and then Jim Hill. Barb Plante is a key figure in the development of handbells in the London area and is now a lifetime member of the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers for her work in developing a number of handbell programs in London, notably at First St Andrews United Church. Jim Hill was the Director of Music at Metropolitan from 1990 to 1993. ("Churches 5" on Jim's website.) Jim was interim Music Director in the gap between Alex Clark’s retirement and Brent Hylton’s arrival at Metropolitan.
Brent Hylton became Minister of Music in January 1992, and in September of 1992 Marilyn Hylton became Assistant Organist and director of the handbell program. Under her guidance, Handbells at Metropolitan grew to into a vibrant program of adults, youth and children, comprising two adult handbell choirs and three children’s handbell choirs. Even the youngest children were involved ringing chimes. Many of those children were also in the vocal music program, performing regularly in church services, and on tour. Five musicals were mounted, and were performed not only at Metropolitan but also toured along with the handbell choirs to Michigan and around Ontario. Several of the children involved in the Hylton’s music program have continued their musical involvement at Metropolitan, both in the Senior Choir and in Jubilate Bells. The photos on this page show that vibrant program. In 2001 Brent and Marilyn moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to begin a new musical adventure at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.
