2026 Ringers

John has always had a passion for music but decided to go in a different direction in his professional life.  He spent most of his life in the Sports Medicine industry.  Even with that busy schedule, music has always been a driving force in his life through playing Piano and Trumpet, along with Singing.  He was exposed to Handbells in Junior High at his church and it began a long journey to today.  Over the years he has rung in a variety of different ensembles.

John had the opportunity to ring with the Charlotte community group Queen City Ringers, his first experience in more challenging ringing.  It was there that he started thinking about wishing there was that type of group in the Lake Norman area.  It was just how to do that.  Through connections with mutual friends, he was able to connect with Dawn Linebarrier.  They began planning and ultimately forming the group that would become Bells of Lake Norman in the Fall of 2014.

Outside of Handbells, John enjoys time with his wife, Samantha, and their 2 Weimaraners, Dixie and Gomez.  He also helps direct a Brass Quintet and heads up his church’s A-V Team.

Dawn Linebarrier, in partnership with John Johnston, helped to found Bells of Lake Norman in 2014. She serves as a ringer, director, and Treasurer for the group. She first had the opportunity to ring bells when she was in college and has enjoyed ringing and directing handbells ever since.

Music has always been a large part of Dawn’s life from childhood to present. She holds a BM in Music Education from Appalachian State University and a MAR in Worship from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. She has held many music leadership positions throughout the years in schools, churches, and in the community; leading band, orchestra, handbell, choral, and children’s theatrical groups. She teaches private music lessons and is the worship pastor for a local church.

Dawn is married and has three children. When she isn’t doing something musical, Dawn can be found homeschooling, playing games with her family, or making crafts. She loves to travel when the opportunity arises and hopes to visit her favorite spot – the Grand Canyon – again.

Allison has been part of Bells of Lake Norman in a way since the very beginning—first as a behind-the-scenes supporter at concerts, rehearsals, lugging the equipment around, and officially as a ringer starting in the fall of 2016. Her connection to handbells runs much deeper, though: she has been immersed in the world of ringing since she was three years old, when her father placed a chime in her hands for the very first time. From those early years in children’s handbell choir to today, handbells have remained a constant thread in her life.

In addition to handbells, Allison’s musical background includes piano, trumpet, musical theatre, and chorus, where she was active in high school honors chorus and vocal competitions.

Outside of music, Allison embraces all things spooky—every season is spooky season for her! She and her spouse love to travel, and when she’s at home, she can usually be found making art or spending time on her small farm with her many beloved animals, including nine dogs.

Camille Gulla joined Bells of Lake Norman in late 2022, where she rang her very first handbell during her first rehearsal. While new to handbells, music has always been a part of her life. With a background in piano and a family rooted in music, she had a strong foundation to build on as a ringer.

Outside of rehearsal, Camille enjoys reading, creating art, and traveling, which has become a growing passion. She also loves relaxing with her cat, Gigi — especially during their favorite part of the day: watching TV together.

Carol Moser began ringing with Bells of Lake Norman during the semester when the group paused for COVID. She has been ringing handbells for about 30 years and also played piano and clarinet growing up.

When she’s not at rehearsal, Carol loves spending time with her three grandchildren, going horseback riding, and exploring new places through travel.

Bio coming soon

Jennifer Palmer joined Bells of Lake Norman in the fall of 2022. She lives in Statesville with her husband and six children. Jennifer holds a BM in piano performance from Salem College and has spent much of her career teaching, serving in church music, accompanying, and performing for weddings—all while balancing her most important role, motherhood.

While piano is her primary instrument, Jennifer also plays flute weekly with her church orchestra and enjoys ringing handbells with the ensemble. Inspired by her youngest child’s interest in cello, she began learning the instrument alongside her and now plays with the Winston-Salem Civic Orchestra. Outside of music, Jennifer loves spending time outdoors, especially fishing with her incredible husband.

Ringing in harmony since the fall of 2020 with Bells of Lake Norman, Jennifer Perrell brings over 25 years of ringing experience to the group! Beyond the bells, she tinkers on the piano and flute—no virtuoso, but plenty of heart.

When not making music, she is shaping young minds as a dedicated kindergarten teacher with 20 years of classroom magic. Fun twist: she also married to fellow Bells of Lake Norman member, Jody—talk about a ringing romance!

Jody began ringing with the Bells of Lake Norman in spring 2019.  He has roughly 30 years of experience ringing handbells and over 20 years experience directing his church handbell choir.  Jody also plays piano and sings tenor in his church choir. 

He loves to cheer on the Wolfpack of NC State and the 49ers of UNC Charlotte.  His wife Jennifer joined the group a few years ago and he enjoys them being able to perform as part of the same group.  He also loves to play board games.  Lots and lots of board games.

Katie’s main instrument is the flute, which she plays with the Mitchell Community Band. She has been ringing bells ever since her uncle, John Johnston, started a children’s bell choir at his church many moons ago. She joined Hickory Rings for a year before a friend reached out asking if she knew anyone in Mooresville wanting to start a bell group there. Naturally, she gave them her uncle’s info and a few months later a quartet started, and Bells of Lake Norman was formed! She had to take a little break from playing full time but loved to substitute when the group needed an extra player. She is happy to be ringing again. “I’m back, baby!”

When Katie is not playing music, she is either working in the salon, enjoying crafty projects at home, spending time with her amazing life partner, or cuddling with the fur babies. Oh, and she also loves mermaiding.

Krista Krueger joined Bells of Lake Norman in January of 2023. She has been ringing bells at church for more than 20 years. Krista has played in 2 different handbell quartets in the area as well as a brief time in a handbell quintet.

Krista has a Bachelor’s of Music Education from UNC Chapel Hill and has taught music to a wide variety of age groups ranging from preschool to adults in choirs, general music classes, handbell groups, and band ensembles. She is currently the Director of Bands at SouthLake Christian Academy. 

In her free time, Krista enjoys reading, supporting her 3 children in their pursuits, cheering on her husband in his running adventures, and snuggling with her 3 dogs

Laura lives in Denver with her husband, four kids, and fur baby.  She grew up surrounded by music and began singing and playing bells in a youth choir at her church.  Laura’s first instrument is the flute which she played all through school, tinkers on piano, and is currently learning to play the guitar.  She also rings handbells at her home church and sings in the choir.

Outside of music, Laura enjoys reading, traveling, going to the beach, and playing Magic the Gathering with her kids. She is also a huge Swiftie, and loves all things Lord of the Rings.

Monica Smith joined Bells of Lake Norman in August 2023. She has been ringing handbells off and on since she was a child in her church bell choir and also played piano from second grade through junior year of high school.

Outside of music, Monica loves being outdoors. She enjoys running and triathlon events, and she’s always up for a hike to a scenic view or a waterfall.

Naomi joined Bells of Lake Norman in August 2024. She began ringing handbells in 2015 at her church, where she continues to ring and also sings in the choir. In addition, she sometimes performs with the East Lincoln Community Chorus. Naomi has also played piano and violin.

Outside of music, she enjoys traveling and exploring, has a deep love for animals of all kinds, and previously raced Dragonboat until her knees told her it was time to retire.

Rachelle Roberts joined the Bells of Lake Norman in the fall of 2023. She has
been ringing on and off since 1989. She is a retired Kindergarten teacher with a
BS in education with a minor in music. She plays several instruments and is an
accomplished pianist.

When not ringing hand bells, Rachelle enjoys yoga, tai chi, and motorcycle riding with her husband.

Sarah joined Bells of Lake Norman in the fall of 2021, when the group returned from its COVID break. She first experienced handbells as a child in her church and was excited to return to ringing with BOLN. Coming from a musical family, Sarah has always been surrounded by music. She took piano and vocal lessons, and singing remains one of her favorite creative outlets.

Outside of bells, Sarah has a wide range of passions. She is especially knowledgeable about snakes and reptiles, though her love of animals extends to just about every kind. She also has a deep appreciation for coffee — not just enjoying a good cup, but understanding every step of the process from growing to roasting to how it affects the body. Curious and always eager to learn, Sarah also loves to travel and misses her years living out west as a child. At home, she helps care for a small farm filled with animals, which brings daily joy and plenty of adventure.