by Greig Ashurst
When I was in college, the president of HMA (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) asked me to serve on a committee to create and implement a national youth handbell camp. I was so excited to be a part of a group that piqued my interest and allowed me to serve the organization with my talents and gifts.
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
To this day, that event is a cherished memory that helped make a difference in other people’s lives and in our beloved organization. Now that I am president of HMA, I am asking you, our members, what piques your interest and how you might want to get involved.
The national board of the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) is dedicated to serving its members by fostering a vibrant and inviting community of handbell enthusiasts. Through our various committees, the board works with our incredible HMA staff to meet the needs and wishes of its members, ensuring that the art of handbell ringing continues to flourish. Even if you have never joined a committee or officially taken part in our HMA events and activities, I implore members to be advocates for handbells and handbell playing.
At the heart of HMA’s efforts is the newest committee, which focuses on the organization’s vision of “uniting people.” The Handbell Opportunities Committee is committed to bringing together individuals from all backgrounds, skill levels, and interests to create a cohesive and supportive community. The mission of HMA is to advance the art of handbell ringing, and this committee, under Linda Onorevole’s leadership, plays a crucial role in achieving that goal by promoting collaboration and universality. We invite all HMA members to join us as we advocate for handbells for ALL people in communities everywhere.
As the national board’s value statements declare, we are committed to “listening and responding to the needs of the handbell community.” We always want to hear from our members and encourage you to share your ideas. This helps us guide the organization in the right direction. Our other value statements, which promote musical excellence at all skill levels, create a diverse and inclusive community, and build relationships with our many stakeholders, are the impetus for many of the goals we have set for HMA. For example, the Bells in School Committee provides educational resources and opportunities for teachers and is a driving force for starting handbell programs in schools throughout the United States. This is just one example. Many other committees in our organization need your help and would benefit from member input and support. Specifically, we are building committees for our Honorary Life award and the next national board election. Additionally, we are in the beginning stages of creating a Bells in Worship Committee. This committee will explore ways to enhance the rich tradition of handbell playing in worship from which the art form came and connect people who share this same mission. However, if that doesn’t appeal to you, there are so many other ways, big and small, that members can use their skills and talents to make our organization grow and succeed. I encourage you to go to the Handbell Musicians of America website to discover ways to get involved.
To this day, that event is a cherished memory that helped make a difference in other people’s lives and in our beloved organization. Now that I am president of HMA, I am asking you, our members, what piques your interest and how you might want to get involved.
The national board of the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) is dedicated to serving its members by fostering a vibrant and inviting community of handbell enthusiasts. Through our various committees, the board works with our incredible HMA staff to meet the needs and wishes of its members, ensuring that the art of handbell ringing continues to flourish. Even if you have never joined a committee or officially taken part in our HMA events and activities, I implore members to be advocates for handbells and handbell playing.
At the heart of HMA’s efforts is the newest committee, which focuses on the organization’s vision of “uniting people.” The Handbell Opportunities Committee is committed to bringing together individuals from all backgrounds, skill levels, and interests to create a cohesive and supportive community. The mission of HMA is to advance the art of handbell ringing, and this committee, under Linda Onorevole’s leadership, plays a crucial role in achieving that goal by promoting collaboration and universality. We invite all HMA members to join us as we advocate for handbells for ALL people in communities everywhere.
As the national board’s value statements declare, we are committed to “listening and responding to the needs of the handbell community.” We always want to hear from our members and encourage you to share your ideas. This helps us guide the organization in the right direction. Our other value statements, which promote musical excellence at all skill levels, create a diverse and inclusive community, and build relationships with our many stakeholders, are the impetus for many of the goals we have set for HMA. For example, the Bells in School Committee provides educational resources and opportunities for teachers and is a driving force for starting handbell programs in schools throughout the United States. This is just one example. Many other committees in our organization need your help and would benefit from member input and support. Specifically, we are building committees for our Honorary Life award and the next national board election. Additionally, we are in the beginning stages of creating a Bells in Worship Committee. This committee will explore ways to enhance the rich tradition of handbell playing in worship from which the art form came and connect people who share this same mission. However, if that doesn’t appeal to you, there are so many other ways, big and small, that members can use their skills and talents to make our organization grow and succeed. I encourage you to go to the Handbell Musicians of America website to discover ways to get involved.
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
