by Greig Ashurst
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
As president of Handbell Musicians of America (HMA), I reflect quite often on how the organization is fulfilling its promise to elevate the art of handbell ringing. At the heart of this work is our National Board of Directors, which serves not as a managerial body but as a visioning board, embracing the Carver Governance Model to lead HMA into the future.
This model entrusts the board with a singular purpose: to define long-term outcomes, uphold values, and ensure the organization remains aligned with its mission. By maintaining a strong bond with a shared interest, the board empowers our incredible staff, led by our wonderful executive director Linda Onorevole, to execute operations while remaining firmly rooted in our broader vision. Our vision revolves around four foundational pillars that represent the diverse interests in which handbells thrive:
Community Ensembles
Handbells in Sacred Spaces
Handbells in Schools
Solo, Bell Tree, and Small Ensembles
Each pillar holds unique needs, traditions, and opportunities for our members. The board, through its strategic direction, ensures we support all corners of the handbell world with meaningful events, resources, and outreach.
One example of the board’s vision and the staff’s tireless work in action was Pinnacle 2025, held in Wichita, Kansas, at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. The venue was a perfect stage for showcasing some of the finest handbell musicians from across the United States.
A special highlight was our hosting of the Arsis Ensemble from Estonia, whose artistry and cultural exchange added a powerful dimension to the week. Under the leadership of Linda and the HMA staff, and thanks to countless sponsors and supporters, Pinnacle became much more than a handbell event—it was a celebration of our vision, mission, and love of this beautiful instrument.
The board meets regularly to discuss the needs of the handbell community, check in with the staff to support their work, and collaborate to keep HMA on the right path. In response to the evolving needs of our members, HMA is proud to introduce a new initiative: adjudication for handbell ensembles.
While this program was designed for our ensembles in schools, it will be open to any community or faith-based ensembles who would like feedback. Ensembles will submit performance videos for evaluation by a panel of three distinguished adjudicators. The feedback will support growth in musicality and technique while also helping groups showcase their progress to stakeholders, such as parents and administrators in the case of ensembles in schools.
This program represents our dedication to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing while trying to bridge accessibility with expert guidance. Every initiative, event, and resource is grounded in one truth: HMA is shaped by its community. Through continual dialogue and reflection, the board and staff work in tandem to amplify what matters most to our members. The national board invites you to contact us to tell us your thoughts and vision for Handbell Musicians of America. We also invite you to help our HMA family grow. Share the good news about HMA with your friends. Invite them to join our organization and share in the joy of the handbell community.
Greig Ashurst
[email protected]
As president of Handbell Musicians of America (HMA), I reflect quite often on how the organization is fulfilling its promise to elevate the art of handbell ringing. At the heart of this work is our National Board of Directors, which serves not as a managerial body but as a visioning board, embracing the Carver Governance Model to lead HMA into the future.
This model entrusts the board with a singular purpose: to define long-term outcomes, uphold values, and ensure the organization remains aligned with its mission. By maintaining a strong bond with a shared interest, the board empowers our incredible staff, led by our wonderful executive director Linda Onorevole, to execute operations while remaining firmly rooted in our broader vision. Our vision revolves around four foundational pillars that represent the diverse interests in which handbells thrive:
Community Ensembles
Handbells in Sacred Spaces
Handbells in Schools
Solo, Bell Tree, and Small Ensembles
Each pillar holds unique needs, traditions, and opportunities for our members. The board, through its strategic direction, ensures we support all corners of the handbell world with meaningful events, resources, and outreach.
One example of the board’s vision and the staff’s tireless work in action was Pinnacle 2025, held in Wichita, Kansas, at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. The venue was a perfect stage for showcasing some of the finest handbell musicians from across the United States.
A special highlight was our hosting of the Arsis Ensemble from Estonia, whose artistry and cultural exchange added a powerful dimension to the week. Under the leadership of Linda and the HMA staff, and thanks to countless sponsors and supporters, Pinnacle became much more than a handbell event—it was a celebration of our vision, mission, and love of this beautiful instrument.
The board meets regularly to discuss the needs of the handbell community, check in with the staff to support their work, and collaborate to keep HMA on the right path. In response to the evolving needs of our members, HMA is proud to introduce a new initiative: adjudication for handbell ensembles.
While this program was designed for our ensembles in schools, it will be open to any community or faith-based ensembles who would like feedback. Ensembles will submit performance videos for evaluation by a panel of three distinguished adjudicators. The feedback will support growth in musicality and technique while also helping groups showcase their progress to stakeholders, such as parents and administrators in the case of ensembles in schools.
This program represents our dedication to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing while trying to bridge accessibility with expert guidance. Every initiative, event, and resource is grounded in one truth: HMA is shaped by its community. Through continual dialogue and reflection, the board and staff work in tandem to amplify what matters most to our members. The national board invites you to contact us to tell us your thoughts and vision for Handbell Musicians of America. We also invite you to help our HMA family grow. Share the good news about HMA with your friends. Invite them to join our organization and share in the joy of the handbell community.
Greig Ashurst
[email protected]
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
