The highest honor and most prestigious designation Handbell Musicians of America bestows is the Honorary Life Membership. This distinction is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the art of handbell ringing. In HMA’s more than 70-year history, only 41 people have received this honor to date, with 12 of them still currently living.
At National Seminar in Cincinnati, Ohio, two new members were added to the distinguished list. Following are the speeches made by national board president-elect, Kathryn Jurado.
Honoring Barbara Brocker
Some pioneers create something new. Some teachers pass knowledge on to others. Some mentors inspire people to become more than they imagined. And then there are the rare individuals who do all three.
When the Honorary Life Membership Committee reviewed this nomination, one thing stood above everything else. Along with an extraordinary record of achievement came more than twenty-two letters of support from composers, conductors, performers, educators, and students across Handbell Musicians of America.
Each told a different story, yet they all reached the same conclusion.
Again and again, they described someone who transformed uncertainty into confidence. Someone who looked at people who said, “I could never do that,” and helped them discover that they could.
(L-R) National board president-elect, Kathryn Jurado, Honorary Life member Barbara Brocker, National board president, Greig Ashurst. Photo by Jonathan Martz.
Through her development of the Bell Tree Keyboard Method, her groundbreaking instructional manual, her extensive catalog of music, and her vision for standardizing and advancing bell tree performance, she didn’t simply improve an instrument—she helped establish an entirely new art form within our organization.
As one nominator so perfectly observed, “While Louise Frier introduced the concept of the bell tree, it is (this person) Barbara Brocker who has taken it mainstream and encouraged so many to join the party.” That simple statement captures the heart of her legacy.
But innovation alone isn’t what earned this honor.
The letters speak of a generous mentor who freely shared ideas, encouraged new composers, welcomed beginners, celebrated others’ successes, and inspired countless ringers to perform, teach, compose, and lead. They tell of lives changed because one person took the time to say, “Let me help you.”
Her influence can be seen in the growth of bell tree literature, the success of Into the Forest, now a national Handbell Musicians of America event, and in generations of musicians who continue to build upon the foundation she created.
One supporter wrote, “She didn’t just change bell tree ringing. She changed my life.”
That sentiment was echoed over and over again.
Honorary Life Membership recognizes those whose contributions leave a lasting legacy on Handbell Musicians of America. Through her artistry, innovation, generosity, and unwavering commitment to lifting others, this year’s recipient has done exactly that.
It is my great honor to present Handbell Musicians of America’s highest recognition, Honorary Life Membership, to Barbara Brocker.
Honoring Ed Rollins
Once again, Honorary Life Membership is the highest recognition bestowed by Handbell Musicians of America. It is reserved for those whose lifetime of service has profoundly shaped our organization and advanced the art of handbell ringing.
Today’s second honoree has done exactly that.
For nearly four decades, he served in ministry, using music to build community, inspire others, and bring people together. As Associate Pastor for Music and Administration, he led choirs, handbells, and instrumental ensembles while demonstrating the thoughtful leadership, vision, and stewardship that would later define his service to Handbell Musicians of America. He also founded the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, creating opportunities for musicians and audiences that continue to this day.
Within HMA, he answered the call to serve time and again—as State Treasurer, State Chair, Area Chair, National Board Representative, President-Elect, President, Interim Executive Director, and Business Manager. In every role, he led with wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.
His leadership helped shape the modern Handbell Musicians of America. During his presidency, he guided the organization’s transition to the Carver model of governance, helped lead the transformation from the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers to Handbell Musicians of America, and was the driving force behind the Heritage Fund—an enduring legacy that continues to strengthen our organization and invest in its future.
(L-R) Honorary Life member Ed Rollins and national board president Greig Ashurst. Photo by Jonathan Martz.
When the pandemic challenged every arts organization, his calm and steady leadership helped keep our community connected. Through innovative virtual programming, the Ring-A-Thon, the Virtual Winter Workshop, and a successful Virtual National Seminar, he reminded us that even when we couldn’t ring together, we could still learn, connect, and support one another.
His influence extends far beyond HMA. He co-founded the Columbia Handbell Ensemble, now one of the nation’s longest-running auditioned community handbell ensembles. He has taught, conducted, and inspired musicians in more than twenty-five states, served as a conductor at the International Handbell Symposium, and mentored generations of directors and ringers throughout North America.
Yet each letter supporting this nomination emphasized something even greater than his accomplishments. They spoke of his kindness, integrity, generosity, humor, and genuine love for people. They described a leader who served quietly, mentored generously, balanced difficult decisions with compassion, and always placed the good of the organization above personal recognition.
His leadership strengthened our organization. His vision secured our future.
His service enriched our handbell community.
For a lifetime of leadership, unwavering dedication, and lasting contributions to Handbell Musicians of America and the art of handbell ringing, it is my great privilege to present Honorary Life Membership, our highest honor, to Ed Rollins.
The highest honor and most prestigious designation Handbell Musicians of America bestows is the Honorary Life Membership. This distinction is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the art of handbell ringing. In HMA’s more than 70-year history, only 41 people have received this honor to date, with 12 of them still currently living.
At National Seminar in Cincinnati, Ohio, two new members were added to the distinguished list. Following are the speeches made by national board president-elect, Kathryn Jurado.
Honoring Barbara Brocker
Some pioneers create something new. Some teachers pass knowledge on to others. Some mentors inspire people to become more than they imagined. And then there are the rare individuals who do all three.
When the Honorary Life Membership Committee reviewed this nomination, one thing stood above everything else. Along with an extraordinary record of achievement came more than twenty-two letters of support from composers, conductors, performers, educators, and students across Handbell Musicians of America.
Each told a different story, yet they all reached the same conclusion.
Again and again, they described someone who transformed uncertainty into confidence. Someone who looked at people who said, “I could never do that,” and helped them discover that they could.
(L-R) National board president-elect, Kathryn Jurado, Honorary Life member Barbara Brocker, National board president, Greig Ashurst. Photo by Jonathan Martz.
Through her development of the Bell Tree Keyboard Method, her groundbreaking instructional manual, her extensive catalog of music, and her vision for standardizing and advancing bell tree performance, she didn’t simply improve an instrument—she helped establish an entirely new art form within our organization.
As one nominator so perfectly observed, “While Louise Frier introduced the concept of the bell tree, it is (this person) Barbara Brocker who has taken it mainstream and encouraged so many to join the party.” That simple statement captures the heart of her legacy.
But innovation alone isn’t what earned this honor.
The letters speak of a generous mentor who freely shared ideas, encouraged new composers, welcomed beginners, celebrated others’ successes, and inspired countless ringers to perform, teach, compose, and lead. They tell of lives changed because one person took the time to say, “Let me help you.”
Her influence can be seen in the growth of bell tree literature, the success of Into the Forest, now a national Handbell Musicians of America event, and in generations of musicians who continue to build upon the foundation she created.
One supporter wrote, “She didn’t just change bell tree ringing. She changed my life.”
That sentiment was echoed over and over again.
Honorary Life Membership recognizes those whose contributions leave a lasting legacy on Handbell Musicians of America. Through her artistry, innovation, generosity, and unwavering commitment to lifting others, this year’s recipient has done exactly that.
It is my great honor to present Handbell Musicians of America’s highest recognition, Honorary Life Membership, to Barbara Brocker.
Honoring Ed Rollins
Once again, Honorary Life Membership is the highest recognition bestowed by Handbell Musicians of America. It is reserved for those whose lifetime of service has profoundly shaped our organization and advanced the art of handbell ringing.
Today’s second honoree has done exactly that.
For nearly four decades, he served in ministry, using music to build community, inspire others, and bring people together. As Associate Pastor for Music and Administration, he led choirs, handbells, and instrumental ensembles while demonstrating the thoughtful leadership, vision, and stewardship that would later define his service to Handbell Musicians of America. He also founded the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, creating opportunities for musicians and audiences that continue to this day.
Within HMA, he answered the call to serve time and again—as State Treasurer, State Chair, Area Chair, National Board Representative, President-Elect, President, Interim Executive Director, and Business Manager. In every role, he led with wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.
His leadership helped shape the modern Handbell Musicians of America. During his presidency, he guided the organization’s transition to the Carver model of governance, helped lead the transformation from the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers to Handbell Musicians of America, and was the driving force behind the Heritage Fund—an enduring legacy that continues to strengthen our organization and invest in its future.
(L-R) Honorary Life member Ed Rollins and national board president Greig Ashurst. Photo by Jonathan Martz.
When the pandemic challenged every arts organization, his calm and steady leadership helped keep our community connected. Through innovative virtual programming, the Ring-A-Thon, the Virtual Winter Workshop, and a successful Virtual National Seminar, he reminded us that even when we couldn’t ring together, we could still learn, connect, and support one another.
His influence extends far beyond HMA. He co-founded the Columbia Handbell Ensemble, now one of the nation’s longest-running auditioned community handbell ensembles. He has taught, conducted, and inspired musicians in more than twenty-five states, served as a conductor at the International Handbell Symposium, and mentored generations of directors and ringers throughout North America.
Yet each letter supporting this nomination emphasized something even greater than his accomplishments. They spoke of his kindness, integrity, generosity, humor, and genuine love for people. They described a leader who served quietly, mentored generously, balanced difficult decisions with compassion, and always placed the good of the organization above personal recognition.
His leadership strengthened our organization. His vision secured our future.
His service enriched our handbell community.
For a lifetime of leadership, unwavering dedication, and lasting contributions to Handbell Musicians of America and the art of handbell ringing, it is my great privilege to present Honorary Life Membership, our highest honor, to Ed Rollins.
