David M. Harris

David M. Harris has been the director of The Raleigh Ringers since January of 1990, when he was instrumental in the formation of the group. Under his leadership, The Raleigh Ringers have performed across much of the United States; 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. 

David is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has studied conducting privately with Dr. William Payn (Bucknell University). David was the director of the handbell program at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, and has served The Handbell Musicians of America in several capacities: as All-Star Conductor, Crescendo Conductor, Ringing Track Conductor, Instructor for the National Seminar, North Carolina State Chairman, and as Area III Treasurer. In addition, David has led well over 200 handbell festivals and workshops in 39 states as well as in England, Singapore, 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), Massanetta (VA) and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (KY). David is also one of the co-founders of the very successful Capital Area Handbell Festival, held annually in Raleigh.  

David has taken on a position as adjunct professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, where he leads the Meredith College Ringers. He also conducts the educational groups sponsored by The Raleigh Ringers, the Millbrook and Atlantic Ringers. He has written several articles for Overtones, the national publication of The Handbell Musicians of America.

After growing up in the Northeast, David moved to Raleigh with his wife, Kristina. Dave and Kris have three grown children and two grandchildren.

David was our clinician in 2021 and we welcome him back to Texas!