by Greig Ashurst
A Once In a Lifetime experience at the the 21st International Handbell Symposium in Hamamatsu, Japan
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
August 12-17, 2024
The rhythmic chime of handbells echoed through the halls of Hamamatsu, Japan, as nearly 800 passionate musicians from around the globe gathered for the 21st International Handbell Symposium. Against the backdrop of this vibrant city of music, the event transcended mere music—it became a celebration of unity, culture, and the shared love for the art of handbell ringing.
At the heart of this symposium stood the International Handbell Committee (IHC), whose mission reverberated throughout the week: to promote the art of handbell ringing worldwide. The IHC members, fueled by their unwavering passion for music expressed through handbells, envisioned a future where communication between nations would harmonize through the universal language of melody.
Representing a unique blend of cultures, the participating countries—Japan, the United States of America, Canada, Great Britain, Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore each host the event in rotation every two years. This year, the symposium extended its reach even further. Handbell musicians from Iceland, Hungary, Germany, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and Thailand also participated.
It was a wonderful week of cultural exploration. Throughout the symposium, musicians immersed themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences. In addition to massed rehearsal and handbell technique classes, the Symposium celebrated each country’s diverse arts. Attendees explored paper cutting, engaged in a traditional tea ceremony, and even tried their feet at line dancing—a lively exchange of cultural rhythms.
The culmination of the week-long celebration was the final concert—an awe-inspiring talent showcase. The stage pulsed with energy as nearly 3000 handbells echoed throughout the concert hall. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share the conductor’s podium with some wonderful musicians. This concert was a declaration of unity, a testament to the art of gathering with a purpose.
So Arigatou Gozaimasu, Japan! Our Japanese hosts, led by Mr. Arthur Syin, Ms. Noriko Musha, and Mr. Junichi Ozawa, orchestrated an unforgettable experience. The “yellow shirt” staff—unsung heroes behind the scenes—ensured seamless transitions and warm smiles. They taught us about “ichi-go ichi-e,” a simple Japanese proverb: “one time, one meeting.” We understood this Symposium was a unique encounter—a fleeting moment that would forever resonate in our hearts.
To anyone with a true love of handbells, I say this: If you ever have the chance to attend an International Handbell Symposium, seize it. The effort is rewarded not only in music but in the indelible connections formed across borders. For in the world of handbells, we find not just the chance to play one instrument together, but a chance to share our humanity.
Greig Ashurst
[email protected]
August 12-17, 2024
The rhythmic chime of handbells echoed through the halls of Hamamatsu, Japan, as nearly 800 passionate musicians from around the globe gathered for the 21st International Handbell Symposium. Against the backdrop of this vibrant city of music, the event transcended mere music—it became a celebration of unity, culture, and the shared love for the art of handbell ringing.
At the heart of this symposium stood the International Handbell Committee (IHC), whose mission reverberated throughout the week: to promote the art of handbell ringing worldwide. The IHC members, fueled by their unwavering passion for music expressed through handbells, envisioned a future where communication between nations would harmonize through the universal language of melody.
Representing a unique blend of cultures, the participating countries—Japan, the United States of America, Canada, Great Britain, Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore each host the event in rotation every two years. This year, the symposium extended its reach even further. Handbell musicians from Iceland, Hungary, Germany, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and Thailand also participated.
It was a wonderful week of cultural exploration. Throughout the symposium, musicians immersed themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences. In addition to massed rehearsal and handbell technique classes, the Symposium celebrated each country’s diverse arts. Attendees explored paper cutting, engaged in a traditional tea ceremony, and even tried their feet at line dancing—a lively exchange of cultural rhythms.
The culmination of the week-long celebration was the final concert—an awe-inspiring talent showcase. The stage pulsed with energy as nearly 3000 handbells echoed throughout the concert hall. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share the conductor’s podium with some wonderful musicians. This concert was a declaration of unity, a testament to the art of gathering with a purpose.
So Arigatou Gozaimasu, Japan! Our Japanese hosts, led by Mr. Arthur Syin, Ms. Noriko Musha, and Mr. Junichi Ozawa, orchestrated an unforgettable experience. The “yellow shirt” staff—unsung heroes behind the scenes—ensured seamless transitions and warm smiles. They taught us about “ichi-go ichi-e,” a simple Japanese proverb: “one time, one meeting.” We understood this Symposium was a unique encounter—a fleeting moment that would forever resonate in our hearts.
To anyone with a true love of handbells, I say this: If you ever have the chance to attend an International Handbell Symposium, seize it. The effort is rewarded not only in music but in the indelible connections formed across borders. For in the world of handbells, we find not just the chance to play one instrument together, but a chance to share our humanity.
Greig Ashurst
[email protected]
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
