The Bells at Temple Square: The Tabernacle Choir’s World-Class Handbell Ensemble

The Bells at Temple Square is a premier handbell ensemble in Salt Lake City that performs intricate music with hundreds of handbells and handchimes as part of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Since its founding in 2005, the ensemble has inspired audiences through its musical skill and spiritual purpose, performing in semiannual concerts, at national events, and in broadcasts such as Music and the Spoken Word. In this interview, Conductor Geoff Anderson explains what the group is, recounts how he got involved, and discusses the evolving legacy of the Bells at Temple Square.

Watch the Bells at Temple Square’s 2025 Holiday Concert: Livestream on November 22, 2025.

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Overview of the Bells at Temple Square

What is the Bells at Temple Square?

The Bells at Temple Square is a handbell ensemble located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

It comprises two handbell choirs that perform in tandem. One half of the ensemble uses 7 full octaves of handbells and 6 ½ octaves of handchimes, while the other half of the ensemble performs with 6 ½ octaves of handbells and 7 octaves of handchimes. 

Where do the Bells at Temple Square perform?

The Bells at Temple Square offer concerts throughout the year in a variety of locations:

• Semi-Annual Concerts. The Bells perform in the Tabernacle on Temple Square each year in June and November.
• Television and radio. Music and the Spoken Word features our concerts roughly six times per year.
• Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts. The Bells perform during the annual Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert.
• Utah “Spring Ring”. Our ensembles take part each March in Utah’s Spring Ring—an all-day festival and competition that includes a free public performance
• Other appearances. Additional venues include the National Seminars of the Handbell Musicians of America and a variety of tours and featured performances.

How is it related to the Tabernacle Choir?

The Bells at Temple Square is one of four ensembles associated with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square:

1. Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
2. Orchestra at Temple Square
3. Bells at Temple Square
4. Chorale at Temple Square (a training vocal ensemble for new Tabernacle Choir members)

We are under the Choir umbrella, hold to the same mission and values, and receive financial and ecclesiastical support as the other ensembles. 

The Bells are somewhat unique within the organization in that we function as an autonomous group within the Choir. Additionally, our ensemble has regularly scheduled concerts, and we are often featured with the Tabernacle Choir.

How many musicians are in the two ensembles?

The Bells at Temple Square typically has between 28 and 35 musicians.

What are the requirements to join?

There are several requirements for Bells at Temple Square musicians, including:

• Musical skill. Each musician demonstrates unique handbell-ringing expertise through a formal audition process.
• Weekly rehearsals. Ensemble members rehearse each Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (except for the last two weeks in June and December). 
• Geographic location. They must live no more than 100 miles from Temple Square (located in Salt Lake City).
• Age. Members are between 20 and 50 years old.
• Religious affiliation. Applicants must be members in good standing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What kinds of bells and chimes does it use?

The Bells at Temple Square performs with two seven-octave sets of English handbells as well as traditional handchimes.

English handbells

English handbells are bells that are tuned to specific musical notes. They are small enough to lift and hold, and outfitted with hinged clappers that move in only one plane. They also have springs that prevent the clappers from resting on the bell and dampening the tone.

Each bell is like a note on the piano, so many bells are required to create a full music scale.

Handchimes

We also perform with handchimes, which are used by many bell choirs. These are tuned square tubes with an external clapper mechanism (a bit like a large tuning fork) that provide a contrasting timbre in handbell music.

What is its purpose?

The mission of the Bells at Temple Square aligns with the Tabernacle Choir organization as a whole:

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs music that inspires people throughout the world to draw closer to the divine and feel God’s love for His children.

“Our Mission” (Tabernacle Choir)

Additionally, we serve as an appendage of the Tabernacle Choir, uniquely supporting its mission to help people feel the love of God. 

In what ways are the members of the Bells at Temple Square missionaries?

In every way. We represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as representatives of Jesus Christ. We celebrate His mission, atonement, and love through our performances and interactions with those who see and hear us perform.

We show the Savior’s love in our performance.

Our music touches the hearts of audience members. They often leave our performances with a greater desire to learn more about the Church, and baptisms have been traced back to our influence.

My favorite comment from those who belong to other faiths is about the way our musicians look during performances: “They are joyful when they play. There is something special about how they look.”

That is our effort to show the Savior’s love in our performance. 

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From Novice to Conductor: Geoff Anderson’s Journey to the Bells at Temple Square

When did you first become familiar with English handbells?

My introduction to English handbells happened when I was in college at Southern Utah University. While on my two-year mission, the choir sang “The Bells of Rhymney,” which included handbells. My sister, who was also in the choir, sent me a recording.

I was completely enthralled with the sound of the bells. Fast forward about five years, and I began teaching at the then-new Fremont High School in Plain City, Utah.

One day, I found my band teacher talking about handbells with the Schulmerich Bells representative, who was in town to work on the carillon at Weber State University. My teacher had used handbells in her Music Therapy practice, and she was interested in bringing them to our school for classroom use.

I was fascinated by their sound.

At the same time, Weber High School had been ringing three octaves of handbells for many years and used them at Christmas time to enhance their performances. 

Again, I was fascinated by their sound and the advantages they have in the music classroom.

Four years later, my principal approached me and mentioned that he had been setting aside some money for music technology. He was anxious to spend the money and hoped we could use it. 

Realizing our space was limited and recognizing the dream of our previous band teacher, I asked if we could redirect that funding to purchase handbells. I felt it would influence many more students than a music-specific computer lab. 

With a little bit of work, we were able to secure additional funds to purchase three octaves of handbells.

I still love it!

From the moment we received those bells at the school, I tried to learn to ring them and make sure I was prepared for my students. I asked for help and had many mentors who gave me a good foundation in handbell ringing.

We expanded our handbell inventory to include a five-octave set of bells, five octaves of handchimes, and an additional two octaves of bells for doubles in the classroom. 

And yes, we performed “The Bells of Rhymney” several times! I still love it! 

How did you become involved with the Bells at Temple Square?

You could say it is LeAnna Willmore’s fault! 

I have been friends with the previous conductors of the Bells at Temple Square—LeAnna Willmore and Tom Waldron—for years before I became involved with the Bells. LeAnna and Becky Jarman were my greatest mentors when beginning a handbell choir at Fremont High School.

My first interaction with the Bells at Temple Square was at Spring Ring when they would attend. Later, LeAnna and Tom reached out to have our school participate in the 2008 Choir Christmas concert with Brian Stokes Mitchell. 

That was my first time on stage with the Bells.

How did serving as a bishop delay your call to the Bells?

When LeAnna Willmore took the reins in 2011, I kept track of what was happening because she needed to retire. We had worked together at the Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA), and I succeeded her as chair of the All-State events. 

She later told me she wanted me to be her associate when she was made conductor of the Bells at Temple Square, but I had been made bishop of my ward just a year prior. So, she waited.

During this time, I was only an admirer as I watched the group perform at Utah’s “Spring Ring” or Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts.

I was still needed as my ward’s bishop.

I did not know then, but LeAnna would periodically check on my service and tenure as a bishop.

Finally, in the fall of 2016, she had President Ron Jarrett call my stake president to see if it was time to release me. However, he indicated that I was still needed as my ward’s bishop. 

Another call to check on my availability was made in January 2017. This time, President Jarrett was told that I would be released at the end of the month. He asked my stake president to please hold off on extending me to other callings so that I could serve with the Bells at Temple Square.

When were you called to serve as Associate Conductor of the Bells at Temple Square?

Privately called in order to make future travel arrangements (Feb. 2017)

In February 2017, President Jarrett called and asked if I could bring my wife to the Tabernacle in Salt Lake for a small “get-to-know-you” chat. By the end of the interview, I was called to serve as the Associate Conductor of the Bells. 

It was to be a “soft” start because they had not yet released Larry Smith as the Associate Conductor of the Bells. 

The call was made in advance so that I could arrange to travel with the Bells to Anaheim, California, to perform in the National Handbell Musicians of America Seminar.

We stayed very quiet about the appointment, but it was difficult, considering that Spring Ring was only a couple of weeks away, my high school group was placed right in front of them, and I had to say not a word about the new calling.

Formally set apart (May 2017)

In May 2017, Larry Smith was released, and I was set apart to serve as the Associate Conductor of the Bells at Temple Square. We had a couple of ringers out on maternity leave, so I was also asked to play on a few pieces in Anaheim. 

Later, on August 13, I performed on my first “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast as a ringer, where we premiered Mack Wilberg’s Tree of Life.

It was a special experience! 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s ‘Tree of Life’ is an unforgettable musical experience

See more

Why did the Bells transition from a volunteer to a paid conductor?

There was a real sense that the Bells at Temple Square needed to move from a volunteer conductor to a paid conductor—even if it was part-time. If we kept waiting for our conductors to retire, we would not get fresh perspectives.

How early were you considered for a leadership role?

Early on, LeAnna and her husband, Ken Willmore (who served as the assistant to the conductors), began laying the groundwork for me to take over as Conductor of the Bells at Temple Square. 

They worked on things, and I was called in to interview with President Mike Leavitt in the spring of 2023. There was much discussion, but the overall feeling was that LeAnna should maintain her position for at least another year while I prepared to retire from teaching. 

I think we actually knew much earlier.

At that point, LeAnna and I were told that I would be the next conductor. However, I think we all actually knew much earlier (it’s fun how the Spirit works). 

I spent the next year putting my finances in order and working with my school district to retire after 30 years of teaching.

Finally, in March 2024, LeAnna announced her retirement from the Bells at Temple Square. We moved quickly. Over the next two years, she filled me with as much information as I could take in as we prepared for the transition.

To this day, I still call LeAnna Willmore to make sure I understand things completely. 

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History of the Bells at Temple Square

When were the Bells at Temple Square first organized?

It was slow to begin. Initially, our handbells were used by members of the Tabernacle Choir. The “Bells on Temple Square” (as it was originally known) was organized in early 2005, with Tom Waldron as Conductor and LeAnna Willmore as Associate Conductor.

Charter members were selected during our inaugural auditions held in March 2005. More than 200 musicians applied for 28 available spots, undergoing both music theory and handbell-playing tests.

The first concert was held in September 2005 at the Conference Center Theater, with a second concert scheduled for December of the same year.

What role did Craig Jessop play in creating the Bells at Temple Square?

Craig Jessop introduced handbells to the Tabernacle Choir and later facilitated the purchase of our bells and chimes.

He first fell in love with the sound of handbells during his mission to England.

When he returned home, Jessop studied and eventually became highly respected in the music community for his work with the Singing Sergeants. While with the Sergeants, the group purchased bells and performed with them. 

Later, when he was named Tabernacle Choir Director, Jessop wanted to incorporate handbells. Initially, he tried to secure the bells himself. For example, he invited church and school groups that had handbells to perform with the Tabernacle Choir. He also borrowed instruments from other groups.

Thanks to a sizeable donation, two sets of bells and chimes were then purchased.

Eventually, with the approval of the First Presidency, Jessop asked Tom Waldron to help the Tabernacle Choir purchase handbells and organize a new ensemble organization (Waldron was a Tabernacle Choir member who also taught high school choir and handbells).

Thanks to a sizeable donation, two sets of bells and chimes were then purchased and used in the loft by individual members of the Tabernacle Choir.

The need—and desire—for a standalone bell choir led to the founding of our organization in 2005.

Why was the Bells at Temple Square organized as a double bell choir?

Bells at Temple Square was organized as a double choir due to the size of the Tabernacle Choir and the venues. There was concern that, with a standard-sized choir, the bells would not be heard.

Having the double choir allows for performances with 360 voices in an auditorium seating 21,000 people.

What are the challenges of being a double bell choir?

The biggest challenge is making sure that both sides (choirs) are playing at the same time. Often, when we are out of sync, you can hear bells playing a fraction of a second off of each other. It requires more care as you play. 

As a ringer, you have to be more accurate in your counting and playing. Errors are more prominent when you have another group playing with you. Notes don’t sound good together if the counting is off. Extra rehearsal and attention are necessary to ensure that everything stays in sync.

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Final Reflections

How has the Bells at Temple Square evolved in its first 20 years?

The skill of our musicians has increased

The goal of the organizers of the Bells at Temple Square was to have a group with the talent and skill to rival the best handbell choirs in the world. Learning techniques and setting performance standards have been ongoing processes.

Many of the pieces in our first-year concerts were selected based on the group’s musical abilities. As the skill and performance level have increased, so has the difficulty of the pieces played. 

Our semi-annual performances are now held in the Tabernacle

The first concert was played in the Conference Center Theater, which seats about 900. The second Christmas concert was performed in the Conference Center Auditorium, which seats about 21,000.

It was realized that the Conference Center Auditorium was too large a venue, so the Tabernacle—which seats about 3,500 people—became home to the Bells at Temple Square. This allows approximately 10,500 people to view the Bells live in concert each year.

The Bells at Temple Square is active on social media

Early in the group’s history, it was decided that the best way to showcase the bells and their prowess was to feature them on social media platforms like YouTube.

LeAnna Willmore played a significant role in shaping the Bells at Temple Square into what it is today, foreseeing the need to increase the group’s group’s visibility and improve its musical skills. 

During her tenure as Conductor, she led the group to two appearances at the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) National Seminars and two showings at the HMA Area 11.

Many videos were posted to YouTube, and the group’s notoriety increased.

Pieces are no longer limited by musical ability

The group’s evolution has allowed me, as the conductor, to stop worrying about how difficult the music is and to choose pieces that show us in the best light—both locally and within the global handbell community. 

There is a true sense of excitement when you don’t have to worry about how hard something is! You can choose a musical number based on how it fits into your programming and how it will be received by the digital audience later. 

We continue to showcase our talent and support the Tabernacle Choir

We are continually working to improve visibility and ensure the message of the Bells at Temple Square remains current and relevant. 

This is our greatest challenge. We want to be tools for our Heavenly Father in this sphere of influence. We also want to ensure we continue our role as a support for the Tabernacle Choir.

We have developed a world-class reputation

I love discussing the Bells at Temple Square with people in the handbell community. We have become an ensemble where people look to see good technique and great programming. We are known as an advanced ensemble that showcases strong musicianship. 

It is also fun that we are a bit overwhelming when we show up as a double choir with about 180 handbells on stage with an additional 160 handchimes (and a semi-truck to haul them). 

Our recent Holiday Concert in November of 2025 will feature over 330 handbells on stage to accommodate the needs of the music, creating bell trees and varying the number of ringers on stage. Over 200 handchimes will also be used.

What do you most appreciate about the Bells at Temple Square as its conductor?

One of the things I enjoy the most about my association with the Bells is watching the members consecrate their time and talents to building up the Kingdom of God!

It never gets old to me. I am overwhelmed by it often.

I don’t think I realized how much it would affect my work with the Bells until I was made the Conductor. I am in awe of the sacrifice it takes to be a member. And I am humbled by the service given by the members of the Bells, not to be in Geoff’s handbell choir—but to be in the Lord’s handbell choir.

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About the Bells at Temple Square Conductor

Geoff Anderson is the Conductor of the Bells at Temple Square, an advanced handbell ensemble affiliated with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. He specializes in music education, choral directing, and handbell performance, with extensive experience leading both high school and professional ensembles. Anderson’s career includes 30 years as director of choirs at Fremont High School and numerous performances and recordings with handbell choirs, highlighting his expertise in ensemble technique and repertoire. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, is an active member of the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and has been recognized for his contributions to music education and performance.

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Further Reading

Explore more From the Desk articles about music and hymns:

• What Happened to the Nauvoo Bell?
• How Did Tracy Y. Cannon Shape Latter-day Saint Hymnbooks?
• What Did Brigham Young Say About Music?
• Emma Smith’s Role in Shaping the ‘Elect Lady’ Revelation (D&C 25)
• Who Was Andrés Carlos González?

Bells at Temple Square Resources

Read what top scholars and publishers say about the Bells at Temple Square and the Tabernacle Choir:

• The Bells at Temple Square (Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square)
• The Retiring Conductor of the Bells at Temple Square on the Importance of Music in Worship, Daily Life (Church News)
• The Sound of Mormonism: A Media History of Latter-Day Saints (Utah State University)
• Bell Wars (NPR, Transcript)
• The History of English Handbell Ringing (Chad L. Nielsen)