Two or more bells per person times a couple dozen people making music with them results in the Potpourri Ringers, a handbell group in Butler.

Each member plays anywhere from four to six bells, depending on the music and the size of the bell, explained Nancy Slezak, the group's director. Susan Moon is the assistant director.

"The larger the bell, the fewer they can ring. The smaller the bell, the more they can handle," Slezak said.

The group is really a five-octave choir and a four-octave choir playing at the same time, she said.

"It brings a much fuller sound to it," Slezak said. "Almost every one of the parts is double."

Some of the ringers also use choir chimes, which look like a tuning fork, she said.

All the bells are brass and belong to area churches, including Hill United Presbyterian, St. Andrews United Presbyterian, Grace at Calvary Lutheran and Meridian United Presbyterian.

"Many people learned to play in childhood at their own churches, however, a lot of these people didn't pick up bells until they were young adults," said Slezak, who also serves as assistant organist and handbell director at Hill U.P.

Formed in 1998 by Slezak, the Potpourri Ringers currently has 27 members who hail from around Butler County, with one member traveling from Mercer County.

"I got together with three other directors in town and sent out fliers to some area churches," Slezak recalled. "Over 30 people came and showed interest at that first meeting. Interest in this group has always remained really consistent."

They've performed with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra in the past.

"One thing about the bells is that they are unique and the symphony always tries to present something different. Bells fit that intent, and they're fun to watch," said symphony spokesman Harry Savisky. "For our December programs, they present sounds with a festive atmosphere that fit into the theme of the program, that of being a holiday concert."

The Potpourri Ringers will perform with Butler High School choirs in the senior high school's spring choral concert on May 18.

The group will also play for the Victory Lodge 694 anniversary dinner on April 23 and for Hill United Presbyterian Church services on June 11 and 12.

They have played for church and community groups, at public functions and in the Butler County Community College summer series.

"We're glad to play for anyone who asks," Slezak said. "We're playing chopsticks right now. We play all kinds of seasonal music, all seasons."

They have full rehearsals the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month and sectional rehearsals the second and fourth Mondays, all from September through June.

For more information, call Slezak at 724-283-8274.