David M. Harris

David M. Harris is in his 31st season as the music director of The Raleigh Ringers, an internationally-recognized touring handbell ensemble based in Raleigh, NC. David was instrumental in the formation of this auditioned choir in 1990. Under his leadership, The Raleigh Ringers have performed in France and England; on International Television on the “Hour of Power” program; as a showcase choir for the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar and Area Festivals; with the North Carolina and Virginia Symphony Orchestras; and as special guest performers at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York.

The Raleigh Ringers have premiered hundreds of handbell compositions by nationally known handbell composers including William Payn, Hart Morris, Arnold Sherman, Karen Buckwalter, Kevin McChesney, Cathy Moklebust, Bill Griffin, and Fred Gramann. The group has worked with Jeffers Publications to produce "The Raleigh Ringers Series", a set of handbell publications intended for advanced choirs.

David is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has studied conducting privately with Dr. William A. Payn (Bucknell University). He has served The Handbell Musicians of America in several capacities: as All-Star Conductor, Ringing Track Conductor and Instructor for the National Seminar; as clinician for numerous Local and Area Festivals and Workshops; as North Carolina State Chairman; and as Area III Treasurer In addition, David has led handbell festivals and workshops in 38 states as well as in England, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Caribbean. He has also been the primary handbell clinician for several denominational music events, including Montreat(NC), Lake Junaluska (NC), Lutheridge (NC), Mo-Ranch (TX) and Massanetta (VA). David is also one of the co-founders of the very successful Capital Area Handbell Festival, held annually in Raleigh. He has written several articles for Overtones, the national publication of The Handbell Musicians of America.