(BEAVER FALLS, Pa.) – The Eight Bells, Geneva College’s men’s acapella group, are excited to announce the return of the annual Eight Bells Concert, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the ensemble’s founding. Under the direction of Benjamin Kennedy ’18, the Eight Bells will perform at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, at the Bagpiper Theater.
Over the past two years, discovering performance opportunities has been challenging due to policy compliance in response to COVID-19. Live music has become increasingly rare, and the Eight Bells have been unavailable for their annual concert since 2019. Thankfully, the hiatus is over, and the Eight Bells will present a full, independent concert filled with laughter and fun for all.
“This year has been historic for the development and music of the Eight Bells,” says Director Benjamin Kennedy. “As a former Eight Bell, this ensemble has achieved a level of musicianship I have not heard for over a decade. Their love and hard work have brought them to new heights. Come and experience the beauty, fragility, power, and vulnerability of tight, acapella harmonies like you’ve never heard them before.”
The Eight Bells are currently comprised of the following Geneva College students: Emmanuel Burkovich, Austin Dye, Parker Guice, Joseph Havrilla, Joel McCracken, Jonathan Michael, Joseph Tritt, Lucian Wang, Jackson Wright, and Owen Yoder. Regular attendees will recognize many Eight Bells classics including “Hello Mary Lou,” “Coney Island Baby,” and “Johnny Appleseed,” alongside many new pieces including “Smile,” “When She Loved Me,” and “Swing Down Chariot.”
The concert is free and open to all who love music. Anyone who wishes to offer their support may contact the Eight Bells Director, Benjamin Kennedy. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Eight Bells were founded in 1967 by Geneva College students with a love for barbershop vocal harmony and named after the first piece they ever sang, “Eight Bells.” Over the years, the ensemble has had more than a hundred members join their ranks, as they support the rich musical heritage of Geneva College. Today, the Eight Bells are a subset of The Genevans Choir, the student choir of Geneva College, allowing them to travel across the country and around the world, bringing laughter and joy through their singing.
For more information, please contact Benjamin Kennedy at bhkenned1@geneva.edu. To receive announcements and updates regarding all Eight Bells performances, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eightbells/.
Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor. Offering over 145 traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva’s programs are recognized for their high quality and affordability. Geneva is the #6 ranked Best Value Regional University North, according to U.S. News and World Report. Adhering to the truth of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God’s Word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today’s world. Geneva was founded and is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) and is a founding member of both the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the International Association for Christian Education (IACE).
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