Discover Area, State, and Local Events
by J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith
Publications Director
Always Looking for New Content
Instructional Articles
- Rehearsal & Teaching Techniques
- Programming
- Building and Organizing a Program
- Marketing & Communication
- Building/Using Equipment
Music
- Processionals & Fanfares
- Hymn Accompaniments
- Arrangements for Less than a Full Choir
- Learning Pieces
Educational Materials
- Music Lesson Plans
- Rehearsal Exercises
Features
- Human interest stories about the people who make handbells special
- Articles about especially unique handbell events or programs from which someone else could gain ideas
Now that our summer national event, Pinnacle, has wrapped up, it’s time to start looking ahead—not just to next year’s national gathering, but also to the many Area and local events happening in the meantime.
I’ve written about this before, and you may already know I’m a big fan of the smaller events close to home, whether they’re in my own Area or a neighboring one.
In addition to the larger, multi-day Area Festival/Conferences, there are plenty of one-day events that are more accessible in terms of cost, lodging, and travel. These often include ringing opportunities, educational workshops, and even music reading sessions with various publishers.
Although I’m not currently part of an ensemble, I still get my handbell fix by attending these shorter, nearby events. And since I love exploring new towns, I often tack on an extra day to see the local sights.
Area, state, and local events are also a fantastic way to make new friends. Many attendees are regulars, and one of my favorite things to do is attend as an individual and ring with a different ensemble. I always enjoy meeting the people on either side of me.
Not especially into ringing but still love handbells? There are concerts happening all across the country throughout the year.
To find events and performances near you, visit handbellmusicians.org/events. If you’re a member, you can submit your own events and concerts for inclusion in the online calendar. Just click on “Submit an Event” under the Events menu.
You can also find events on the various Area websites. On our national site, go to the “Who We Are” menu and click on “Regional Areas” to explore Area-specific pages.
And don’t forget about the Area Spotlights section in each issue of Overtones (page 26), where you’ll find highlights from around the country.
Speaking of special sections, the fall issue always includes our annual HMA Business Members Buyers Guide (page 18). It’s a great resource for finding music, supplies, and other items you may need to participate in an Area, state, or local event.
We hope to see you at an event or concert soon!
Now that our summer national event, Pinnacle, has wrapped up, it’s time to start looking ahead—not just to next year’s national gathering, but also to the many Area and local events happening in the meantime.
I’ve written about this before, and you may already know I’m a big fan of the smaller events close to home, whether they’re in my own Area or a neighboring one.
In addition to the larger, multi-day Area Festival/Conferences, there are plenty of one-day events that are more accessible in terms of cost, lodging, and travel. These often include ringing opportunities, educational workshops, and even music reading sessions with various publishers.
Although I’m not currently part of an ensemble, I still get my handbell fix by attending these shorter, nearby events. And since I love exploring new towns, I often tack on an extra day to see the local sights.
Area, state, and local events are also a fantastic way to make new friends. Many attendees are regulars, and one of my favorite things to do is attend as an individual and ring with a different ensemble. I always enjoy meeting the people on either side of me.
Not especially into ringing but still love handbells? There are concerts happening all across the country throughout the year.
To find events and performances near you, visit handbellmusicians.org/events. If you’re a member, you can submit your own events and concerts for inclusion in the online calendar. Just click on “Submit an Event” under the Events menu.
You can also find events on the various Area websites. On our national site, go to the “Who We Are” menu and click on “Regional Areas” to explore Area-specific pages.
And don’t forget about the Area Spotlights section in each issue of Overtones (page 26), where you’ll find highlights from around the country.
Speaking of special sections, the fall issue always includes our annual HMA Business Members Buyers Guide (page 18). It’s a great resource for finding music, supplies, and other items you may need to participate in an Area, state, or local event.
We hope to see you at an event or concert soon!
J.R. Smith
Publications Director
Always Looking for New Content
Instructional Articles
- Rehearsal & Teaching Techniques
- Programming
- Building and Organizing a Program
- Marketing & Communication
- Building/Using Equipment
Music
- Processionals & Fanfares
- Hymn Accompaniments
- Arrangements for Less than a Full Choir
- Learning Pieces
Educational Materials
- Music Lesson Plans
- Rehearsal Exercises
Features
- Human interest stories about the people who make handbells special
- Articles about especially unique handbell events or programs from which someone else could gain ideas
