Hinsdale's Allegro Handbell Ensemble Rings up Sales

Since 1977, Hinsdale's Allegro Handbell Ensemble has toured each summer, performing across the United States and Europe, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. To help fund these years of tours, the Allegro Handbell Ensemble, the concert ensemble of The Union Church of Hinsdale, has raised money through sales of the Market Day grocery program.

“The handbell ensemble (then called handbell choir) was already involved in Market Day when I arrived on the scene in 1979. Market Day funds have been used to help fund the Allegro Handbell Ensemble's annual tours. This summer's European tour will be their 36th tour (and 9th European tour) since 1975,” according to Michael Surratt, Director of the Allegro Handbell Ensemble and Director of Music for the past 31 years.

Currently, there are twelve members ages 15 to 18 who have been ringing one to seven years. In addition to participating in the music program at Union Church, the group performs for a variety of civic, charitable, educational, and professional organizations, on nationally-broadcast television programs, as well as guest appearances at other churches and local area elementary schools. Throughout its history, the Allegro Handbell Ensemble has been a pioneering force in the world of handbells, and has commissioned and premiered several new works for the instrument.

About Market Day

Market Day, the Original Fundraising Food Cooperative®, is the nation's largest food fundraising company. In addition to its flagship monthly food program, Market Day offers a variety of other fundraising options including a gift brochure, restaurant-quality desserts and cookie dough, and a gourmet food catalog. Market Day provides high quality items at a value. Market Day's consultative approach provides custom fundraising solutions for organizations across the country. For information, visit marketday.com.