Jim Dahlgran, a long time vocal musician, has steadily grown from an English Handbell choir member to an accomplished soloist. Jim currently directs the Trinity Methodist Church Handbell Choir in Idaho Falls. They provide community concerts every year during December and April. He has steadily increased his talents from the simple solos and duets to the more difficult `show' tunes with audience appeal. His love for handbell music shows in each of his performances and draws the audience into his music.
Jim's latest endeavor has been working on handbell arrangements of his own. Just recently completed (published 2000) is his arrangement for handbells of Scott Joplin's "Paragon Rag", “I Saw Three Ships”, Chip Davis “Faeries” and Manheim Steamroller “Beethoven’s Last Night”. Jim also directs the handbell choir at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Idaho Falls – since 1999.
The majority of Jim's formal music training has been in vocal music. While in Findlay OH, he worked with vocal instructors to improve his tenor voice and choral talents. After moving to Parkersburg WV, he sang with the United Methodist Church Choir under the direction of Dr. Wetzel. Jim later moved to Idaho Falls were he discovered English Handbells. Jim has consistently participated in the Montana Big Sky Handbell Festival to learn ensemble and handbell ringing from other accomplished musicians. He as also attended solo classes while at the Area X Handbell Conference and taught beginning solo ringing and advance 4-in-hand classes for the Montana Big Sky Handbell Conference.
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