Chiming In
Reflections on a Musical Score
No, I’m not referring to a sheet of music. I’m talking about a “score” as in 20 years. Specifically, it’s my own musical journey as an employee of Handbell Musicians of America, known as The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers when I was first hired as Overtones editor 20 years ago this month.
Executive Notes
Music: The Divine Messenger Between Heaven and the Human
The holiday season is upon us, where music becomes more central in our lives—and I am not just talking about musicians whose calendars fill with more rehearsals and performances. From Christmas carols to Channukah songs, to Auld Lang Syne playing at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The melodious sounds of the season seem to be [...]
From the President's Pen
Thoughts on Why I Am a Member of HMA
I joined the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers in 1990. Like most people at the time, I joined because of the church I served as a handbell director. At the time, I joined because it was what I thought I was supposed to do.
Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Once Upon a Musical Time
Telling a Story with No Words
“What story do you want to tell with this piece of music, and why did you choose it?” Those are some of the first questions I ask a student when we first begin to study a piece.
Community Connections
Culture Fit Check
I can teach you how to ring. I can’t teach you how to be fun to ring with.
Community handbell ensembles hold auditions to screen for ringers with technical proficiency. Necessity may be the mother of invention, but desperation is the mother of bad decisions.
Handbells in Worship
All the Children Ring
Including Children with Varied Neurotypes in your Handbell Program
Handchime/handbell choirs can provide a meaningful experience for all children, no matter their neurotype (way of experiencing and interacting with the world). We can encourage participation of children with a variety of neurotypes, such as sensory processing differences, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and those on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), with modifications to support their [...]
Handbells in Education
Ready… Set… Start Ringing
My Girl Scout Gold Award Project
Ready. Set. Start ringing! Handbell Start is a one-stop shop for anyone wanting to start a new handbell choir.
Feature
View and purchase photos from National Seminar 2024 in Hartford Connecticut.
What's Happening
Omission in Arnold Sherman Tribute Article
Line omitted from Jayne Brown's tribute to Arnold Sherman. See corrected version.
What's Happening
Virtual Winter Workshop January 31-February 2, 2025
Join us from the comfort of your home for the Virtual Winter Workshop, taking place January 31 through February 2, 2025. Explore a wide range of classes led by expert instructors, covering various handbell-related topics.
