Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I enjoy being able to experience the four seasons the way I do living in New Jersey, but fall is particularly special: the gorgeous changing leaves, apples and apple cider, the cool, crisp mornings, and my birthday.
Jill Fedon
National Board President
In many places around the country, we are talking about a “return to normalcy.” That may be true of how we are functioning in our day-to-day lives, but for some of us, not everyone has returned. My choirs are missing dear friends and ringers who have moved, moved on, graduated, changed priorities, or are not yet ready to return to this version of normal. For me, this is a rebuilding year. A year to move beyond survival and get back to basics. A year to creatively keep the ringers that do come every week engaged and excited to ring and share their love of ringing with others. A year to attract a new generation of ringers who can’t wait for Tuesday or Thursday evening rehearsals. I am excited and filled with hope that this year of rebuilding brings to the choirs I lead.
This season of fall and the season of ringing and rebuilding has caused me to reflect on the many relationships being a part of handbells has gifted me. I am, without a doubt, who I am because of the directors, mentors, and friends I have had ringing handbells over the past 37 years. The magic of handbells is not just the beautiful music we create together but the many beautiful relationships we build along the way. I am grateful for each and every one of them, both personally and on a national level.
I am grateful for the ringers, directors, composers, and clinicians who keep showing up week after week.
I am grateful for the national staff who work tirelessly to fulfill the mission and vision of Handbell Musicians of America.
I am grateful for our international ringing family who attended the symposium in person or in spirit and who help keep our perspective global.
I am grateful for the dedicated Area leadership and many volunteers at all levels who so generously give of their time and talents. You are the hands and feet of our organization.
I am grateful for our evolving relationship with the handbell business community. Our partnership is crucial to the growth and success of our instrument.
Above all, I am grateful for you, our members, for sharing your passion for our art form, for inspiring and cheering one another, and for continuing to support our organization. You are Handbell Musicians of America.
This season, whatever your normal may look like, may your connection to handbells and Handbell Musicians of America fill you with gratitude and peace.
Jill Fedon
[email protected]
In many places around the country, we are talking about a “return to normalcy.” That may be true of how we are functioning in our day-to-day lives, but for some of us, not everyone has returned. My choirs are missing dear friends and ringers who have moved, moved on, graduated, changed priorities, or are not yet ready to return to this version of normal. For me, this is a rebuilding year. A year to move beyond survival and get back to basics. A year to creatively keep the ringers that do come every week engaged and excited to ring and share their love of ringing with others. A year to attract a new generation of ringers who can’t wait for Tuesday or Thursday evening rehearsals. I am excited and filled with hope that this year of rebuilding brings to the choirs I lead.
This season of fall and the season of ringing and rebuilding has caused me to reflect on the many relationships being a part of handbells has gifted me. I am, without a doubt, who I am because of the directors, mentors, and friends I have had ringing handbells over the past 37 years. The magic of handbells is not just the beautiful music we create together but the many beautiful relationships we build along the way. I am grateful for each and every one of them, both personally and on a national level.
I am grateful for the ringers, directors, composers, and clinicians who keep showing up week after week.
I am grateful for the national staff who work tirelessly to fulfill the mission and vision of Handbell Musicians of America.
I am grateful for our international ringing family who attended the symposium in person or in spirit and who help keep our perspective global.
I am grateful for the dedicated Area leadership and many volunteers at all levels who so generously give of their time and talents. You are the hands and feet of our organization.
I am grateful for our evolving relationship with the handbell business community. Our partnership is crucial to the growth and success of our instrument.
Above all, I am grateful for you, our members, for sharing your passion for our art form, for inspiring and cheering one another, and for continuing to support our organization. You are Handbell Musicians of America.
This season, whatever your normal may look like, may your connection to handbells and Handbell Musicians of America fill you with gratitude and peace.
Jill Fedon
[email protected]
Jill Fedon
National Board President
