Handbell Events

There are so many types of handbell events available for us to attend: seminars, clinics, fall festivals, Spring Ring, Coppers Classic, Crescendo, Distinctly Bronze, and numerous events specific to a city or Area.

These events draw all handbell musicians, from beginners to the most advanced. Our handbell community is welcoming, and everyone is accepted with open arms and given the help they need to grow. The clinicians are some of the best our community has to offer, and you can meet many of the clinicians and composers who attend. I must admit to going “fangirl” more than a few times at an event.

Events can get pricey. Instead of flying, consider taking a road trip with several friends and sharing the cost of gas and travel expenses. Stop along the way and take in some historical sites. Plan to have a roommate for the event. Who knows? That roommate or travel buddy might just become a lifelong friend.

Scholarships are available for several events. Many cover the registration fee, and some include an amount to be used for travel and/or hotel expenses. Look up an event on the HMA website, and you will find information about whether a scholarship is available.

In June, several Areas are holding festivals. In July, National Seminar will be held in Ohio. In October, there is a Distinctly Bronze West event, and there are several fall festival Area events.

Don’t let these opportunities slip by. If there is not a workshop, clinic, festival, or seminar in which you can participate, find a handbell concert and support it. We love an audience!

I am so happy to be part of a community ensemble, River City Ringers of San Antonio, as well as a church handbell choir, Jubilee Handbells at Coker Methodist Church. They are both so much fun, and I never stop learning new things from each of them. Everything about them is different, but I have learned how to make music from both. I always say it is a good day when you learn something new.

Make use of the tools available to you through HMA. Go to the website and click on all the tabs. You might be surprised by what you find there.

There are so many types of handbell events available for us to attend: seminars, clinics, fall festivals, Spring Ring, Coppers Classic, Crescendo, Distinctly Bronze, and numerous events specific to a city or Area.

These events draw all handbell musicians, from beginners to the most advanced. Our handbell community is welcoming, and everyone is accepted with open arms and given the help they need to grow. The clinicians are some of the best our community has to offer, and you can meet many of the clinicians and composers who attend. I must admit to going “fangirl” more than a few times at an event.

Events can get pricey. Instead of flying, consider taking a road trip with several friends and sharing the cost of gas and travel expenses. Stop along the way and take in some historical sites. Plan to have a roommate for the event. Who knows? That roommate or travel buddy might just become a lifelong friend.

Scholarships are available for several events. Many cover the registration fee, and some include an amount to be used for travel and/or hotel expenses. Look up an event on the HMA website, and you will find information about whether a scholarship is available.

In June, several Areas are holding festivals. In July, National Seminar will be held in Ohio. In October, there is a Distinctly Bronze West event, and there are several fall festival Area events.

Don’t let these opportunities slip by. If there is not a workshop, clinic, festival, or seminar in which you can participate, find a handbell concert and support it. We love an audience!

I am so happy to be part of a community ensemble, River City Ringers of San Antonio, as well as a church handbell choir, Jubilee Handbells at Coker Methodist Church. They are both so much fun, and I never stop learning new things from each of them. Everything about them is different, but I have learned how to make music from both. I always say it is a good day when you learn something new.

Make use of the tools available to you through HMA. Go to the website and click on all the tabs. You might be surprised by what you find there.

Barbie Senkow
West Regional Membership Coordinator