Hillsboro, Ore., January 8, 2001 — Senators' Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore., will congratulate Ring of Fire, a handbell choir from Tualatin Valley Junior Academy, and present them with a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol Building on Monday, January 8, at the Beaverton City Library. The13 performers in Ring of Fire, aged 12-16, have been selected as the only group from the state of Oregon to perform at the upcoming Inauguration of President-elect George W. Bush. The Senators have returned from Washington D.C. to hold a Washington County town hall meeting with voters. The presentation to the performers in Ring of Fire and their director, Jason Wells will take place at the beginning of the meeting. The town hall meeting lasts from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Beaverton City Library is located at 12375 SW Fifth Street.
About the Inaugural Appearance.
Ring of Fire has been selected to perform at the Inauguration of President-elect George W. Bush on January 20, 2001. The group will perform several times during the parade, including a performance for President-elect Bush as he passes with his motorcade. They will also be performing for an hour before and after the Inaugural Parade. They will be performing from the front of the Ronald Reagan Building, just across from the press box located on the parade route. In addition, they will be performers at the Inaugural Ball in the Ronald Reagan Building. Ring of Fire was selected from over 10,000 performers to perform at one of the eight Inaugural Balls. The Presidential Inaugural Ball Committee is still finalizing which states will be assigned to this ball.
Since their invitation by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, they have experienced a blur of interviews, news coverage, and radio spots. The media attention has really energized the kids about their first trip to the East Coast and this historic opportunity.
About Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire is based in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its volcanic activity. In the groups few years in existence, they have earned a reputation for outstanding excellence in handbells. They are widely known for their ability to memorize their music and their unique, spirited style. They continue to meet their goal of bringing their fiery music to many diverse audiences, including schools and churches, corporate functions, charity events, NBA basketball games, and on national and international television. Their performance is an explosive combination of an energetic director, exuberant youth, and the brilliance of 61 bells begging to be rung!