I love a challenge! When I came up with the idea to be a triathlete, I had never seriously competed as a swimmer, a runner, or a biker. The first time I tried to swim a lap in the pool, I made it to the other side of the pool and stopped, hoping I could find some oxygen to breathe in. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
My adventures in running were pretty pedestrian, too. To me, a long run was three miles with a few stops to catch my breath. Though biking was easier, I was far from being able to go long and fast. To improve, or just to become an average triathlete, I had to change my ways. First, I had to put in the time in the pool, to force myself to do the laps. I also sought out the help of a professional to talk to me about technique and new training ideas. Second, I realized that to improve my run, I would need to run with faster people. I joined a running group which met at 5:30 a.m. three times a week—I worked out on the track with a coach, I entered races to push myself, and I realized that three miles was a warm-up and not a workout. Thirdly, I had to put time—and miles—on the bike. Again, I worked with a coach and rode in the snow and the rain and the heat.
Through the years, my challenge began to show results. I have completed three half-Ironmans—1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and 13.1 miles of running. I’m part of the Columbia Multisport Club that has traveled the country competing in the National Triathlon Club Championships, which we have won seven times. All told, it’s a life-changing challenge and a lot of hard work.
With the unprecedented growth of community handbell ensembles in the last 20 years, I’ve been asked on numerous occasions to talk about or teach classes related to moving your handbell choir to a new level. This has led to discussions about improving skills as directors, ringers, church groups, community groups, and so on. The one common denominator to moving to a new level is the commitment you have to hard work.
Sure, many things will affect your ability to improve. For example, a community group might need the following things: defined purpose agreed upon by the group, similar commitment from all ringers, a strong mental fortitude, financial support, vision-dreams-passion, and a strong work ethic. Directors of any group (schools, churches, community groups, senior groups, etc.) must be willing to improve their skills, have a vision for what they want the choir to achieve, have a vision for each ringer in the group, plan-plan-plan, understand the life history of ringers, develop stronger communication skills, and work. Ringers need to practice-practice-practice, get some coaching, think about making music rather than getting the right notes, develop a plan to improve (a goal for each year), and work.
These are but a few of the many things that can help individuals or groups develop their skills and possibly move to a new level. I can only promise you that with hard work, you will be able to move to another level.
Here’s another thought: attend a festival or seminar this summer. Talk to some of the experts in the field. Seek a coach or a mentor. Listen to other amazing groups and think about what it took for them to achieve that level in their music. Develop your skills in classes or ringing groups. Check out the latest in music or equipment, and purchase something that is going to challenge the group to improve their skills.
Attending a festival or seminar, you will find a multitude of tips and ideas for stretching your skills. Attend with an open mind and a willingness to change. Then, you take what you learn and get to work. Personally, I know that I’m not finished learning. I really believe that there is so much more that I can do to improve as a director, church musician, ringer, president, and person. Handbell Musicians of America is there to help you and me move to another level.
I also believe that Handbell Musicians of America is an organization that is working to move to another level. We cannot sit on our laurels and think we will become stronger. We cannot say that we’ve done it this way for over 60 years and that’s enough. I am encouraged and motivated by the recent ideas of our candidates for election to President-elect and At-Large members of the Board of Directors. I hope you read about their ideas for moving this organization to a new level. They discussed their concerns and hopes for our organization. One thing you may have noticed is that they love this organization and are committed to working for it. It will not be easy, and sometimes may be frustrating, but each candidate is dedicated to working for you and with you. Moving to a new level is a challenge, but one that is achievable for each and every director, ringer, ensemble, and even an organization. Let’s jump in and get to work. Don’t you love a challenge?
Please contact me at [email protected] to talk about how you have committed to accept the challenge and move to a new level. I’d love to hear from you.
Ed Rollins [email protected]
Ed Rollins President |
