by J.R. Smith The handbell world recently lost a great friend, musician, composer, and Honorary Life member, Valerie Stephenson (see article HERE). Those who knew her appreciated her humorous side and for a while, she authored a column in Overtones called “Potpourri...
by J.R. Smith Milestones are important parts of many aspects of our lives. We celebrate milestone birthdays and anniversaries, milestone achievements in our work and avocations, milestones on a journey, and even milestones in seemingly small projects. But what is it...
by J.R. Smith Instead of my usual ramblings in this issue, I’m using a Facebook post and some pictures from board member Gillian Erlenborn, who accepted the task of returning the truck with bells lent from manufacturers for National Seminar. Somewhere between Texas...
by J.R. Smith Julie Andrews’ voice teacher once said to her, “Amateurs practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.” While many of us are amateurs who play for the love of the instrument, we can strive to play professionally...
by J.R. Smith As many of you may already know, I’m involved in many arts and performing organizations. Besides handbells, I’m also involved with community theater as well as barbershop chorus and quartet singing. In all these endeavors—all amateur—I get the...
