Greig Ashurst
National Board President
Every time I sit down to write an article for Overtones, I start by reading our mission statement and our vision statement, and then I contemplate the values we have as an organization We are an organization dedicated to advancing the handbell art form through education and improvement, community building and inclusion, and effective communication. Like many of you, the loss of Tim Waugh has been on my mind these past few weeks. He exemplified our mission and values so well. He was an icon in our handbell world. In addition to his many contributions to the art form I love, I am grateful for the years of mentoring he gave to me and so many others. The many mentors I have had throughout my life have fueled my love for handbells and my desire to grow continuously as a musician. I believe mentorship is the key to fulfilling and sustaining our mission.
Throughout the entire music world, a virtuous cycle of inspiration, guidance, and support often exists among musicians. Mentorship—the idea that experienced musicians take up-and-coming talents under their wing and share not only musical knowledge but also life lessons—fuels this cycle. The relationship between mentor and mentee in music is a sacred bond that transcends mere instruction; it is a journey of growth, creativity, and shared passion. Throughout my years as a member of HMA, my handbell mentors have fostered a sense of community and camaraderie within this great organization. I have always been delighted by the guidance and support that more experienced musicians have provided to create a nurturing environment where I felt encouraged and was able to hone my craft.
The sense of belonging and shared purpose that mentorship provides is a powerful motivator. It inspires mentees to overcome challenges and push the boundaries of their creativity. Moreover, musicians who serve as mentors play a crucial role in passing down musical traditions, techniques, and wisdom to the next generation. This transfer of knowledge from a mentor to a mentee is not just about technical skills; it is about instilling a deep appreciation for the art form and a commitment to realizing their full potential as musicians.
In addition to technical guidance, mentors also serve as role models for aspiring musicians. By sharing their own experiences, triumphs, and failures, mentors provide valuable insights into the realities of the music industry and the dedication required to succeed. Through their mentorship, seasoned musicians can help mentees navigate the complexities of the music business, develop a strong work ethic, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. When I was in graduate school, David Davidson and I would meet on Fridays at a great restaurant in Dallas. We would talk for hours, sharing ideas about handbell music and the challenges of navigating life as musicians. In addition, most of what I know about handbell history comes from those afternoon happy hours. In those interactions, I learned that the mentor-mentee relationship in music is a two-way street, benefiting both parties involved. While David would share his knowledge and experience, he often said that he gained fresh perspectives, inspiration, and energy from me. The exchange of ideas and creativity between mentor and mentee can lead to new collaborations, innovative projects, and groundbreaking music that transcends genres and boundaries.
Beyond technical skills and industry insights, mentorship in music also provides emotional and psychological support for aspiring artists. The life of a musician can be competitive, demanding, and, at times, isolating. Having a mentor who believes in their talent, encourages their growth, and offers a listening ear can make a world of difference for mentees, helping them navigate the highs and lows of a music career. We can all agree that Tim’s mentorship had an impact far beyond what even he could have predicted just by reading the posts on social media.
A mentee/mentor relationship, whether intentional or unintentional, is a cornerstone of advancing the art of handbell/handchime playing through education, community, and communication. It has the potential to create a diverse community and to initiate great conversations about equity and inclusion in our organization. Both parties can greatly benefit from the knowledge and insights gained from one another. This mutually beneficial partnership has the potential to generate novel opportunities for introducing fresh concepts, individuals, and collaborations into the handbell community.
Throughout the entire music world, a virtuous cycle of inspiration, guidance, and support often exists among musicians. Mentorship—the idea that experienced musicians take up-and-coming talents under their wing and share not only musical knowledge but also life lessons—fuels this cycle. The relationship between mentor and mentee in music is a sacred bond that transcends mere instruction; it is a journey of growth, creativity, and shared passion. Throughout my years as a member of HMA, my handbell mentors have fostered a sense of community and camaraderie within this great organization. I have always been delighted by the guidance and support that more experienced musicians have provided to create a nurturing environment where I felt encouraged and was able to hone my craft.
The sense of belonging and shared purpose that mentorship provides is a powerful motivator. It inspires mentees to overcome challenges and push the boundaries of their creativity. Moreover, musicians who serve as mentors play a crucial role in passing down musical traditions, techniques, and wisdom to the next generation. This transfer of knowledge from a mentor to a mentee is not just about technical skills; it is about instilling a deep appreciation for the art form and a commitment to realizing their full potential as musicians.
In addition to technical guidance, mentors also serve as role models for aspiring musicians. By sharing their own experiences, triumphs, and failures, mentors provide valuable insights into the realities of the music industry and the dedication required to succeed. Through their mentorship, seasoned musicians can help mentees navigate the complexities of the music business, develop a strong work ethic, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. When I was in graduate school, David Davidson and I would meet on Fridays at a great restaurant in Dallas. We would talk for hours, sharing ideas about handbell music and the challenges of navigating life as musicians. In addition, most of what I know about handbell history comes from those afternoon happy hours. In those interactions, I learned that the mentor-mentee relationship in music is a two-way street, benefiting both parties involved. While David would share his knowledge and experience, he often said that he gained fresh perspectives, inspiration, and energy from me. The exchange of ideas and creativity between mentor and mentee can lead to new collaborations, innovative projects, and groundbreaking music that transcends genres and boundaries.
Beyond technical skills and industry insights, mentorship in music also provides emotional and psychological support for aspiring artists. The life of a musician can be competitive, demanding, and, at times, isolating. Having a mentor who believes in their talent, encourages their growth, and offers a listening ear can make a world of difference for mentees, helping them navigate the highs and lows of a music career. We can all agree that Tim’s mentorship had an impact far beyond what even he could have predicted just by reading the posts on social media.
A mentee/mentor relationship, whether intentional or unintentional, is a cornerstone of advancing the art of handbell/handchime playing through education, community, and communication. It has the potential to create a diverse community and to initiate great conversations about equity and inclusion in our organization. Both parties can greatly benefit from the knowledge and insights gained from one another. This mutually beneficial partnership has the potential to generate novel opportunities for introducing fresh concepts, individuals, and collaborations into the handbell community.
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
