Bell Choir Director Jan Schurter grew up in Ohio and holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Indiana University. After graduation she worked as a public school music instructor in Cincinnati, Chicago and Houston as well as teaching piano privately and serving various groups as accompanist. She also sang with the Cincinnati and Houston Opera Company Choruses.
In addition to her bell choir duties, Jan is currently Director and Accompanist of the Brookside Belles Women's Chorus. Brookside Church has been fortunate in having Jan as Bell Choir Director since 1992. Referring to the Bell Choir, Jan comments, "Handbell ringing is unique. The technique is easily learned and the resulting sound is immediately exhilarating and rewarding. Even I prefer ringing to conducting. In addition, handbells add a special dimension to the worship service. I'm committed to providing interesting, manageable arrangements. (And there is no homework or practice at home!)"