Chiming In
Getting There is Half the Fun
It’s often said that getting there is half the fun. In this issue’s Handbell Musicians Roundtable, Stevie Berryman makes a point about rehearsals needing to be fun because we spend far more time in rehearsal, working our way toward a performance, than we do actually performing.
It’s often said that getting there is half the fun. In this issue’s Handbell Musicians Roundtable, Stevie Berryman makes a point about rehearsals needing to be fun because we spend far more time in rehearsal, working our way toward a performance, than we do actually performing.
From the President's Pen
Value Added
As i embark on my first year as president of this organization, I am mindful of the fact that we’ve just increased our membership dues. This has not occurred without quite a bit of discussion and thought, especially given the financial hard times that may be around the corner for the middle and lower-middle classes [...]
As i embark on my first year as president of this organization, I am mindful of the fact that we’ve just increased our membership dues. This has not occurred without quite a bit of discussion and thought, especially given the financial hard times that may be around the corner for the middle and lower-middle classes [...]
Executive Notes
Transitions
September to October of each year for us is a time of transition. As one fiscal year ends and another begins, Area boards are transitioning with some board members completing their terms as new board members step up to take their place.
September to October of each year for us is a time of transition. As one fiscal year ends and another begins, Area boards are transitioning with some board members completing their terms as new board members step up to take their place.
Membership Matters
Connected
What comes to mind when you hear the word connected? If you have children or grandchildren of a certain age, you might think about all the parts for the toys that can be connected together to build everything from space ships to dinosaurs.
What comes to mind when you hear the word connected? If you have children or grandchildren of a certain age, you might think about all the parts for the toys that can be connected together to build everything from space ships to dinosaurs.
Handbells in Worship
A Storm Called Harvey
Helping handbell groups in the wake of a hurricane
In today’s world, it seems like we are constantly being reminded of how divided we are as a nation. However, in the last two weeks, I have witnessed the exact opposite. The response to the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey has been incredible. Help has come not only from fellow Houstonians, but [...]
Handbell Musicians Roundtable
Sustainability in Handbell Ensembles
Our subject for this month is Recruiting for and Maintaining a Handbell Ensemble. I’m interested in how groups deal with turnover, and whether they are concerned with long-term planning for the health of their ensemble(s). Church groups, school groups, and community ensembles all have their unique challenges in attracting and keeping members.
Our subject for this month is Recruiting for and Maintaining a Handbell Ensemble. I’m interested in how groups deal with turnover, and whether they are concerned with long-term planning for the health of their ensemble(s). Church groups, school groups, and community ensembles all have their unique challenges in attracting and keeping members.
Feature
Honorary Life Award
New Honorary Life Members Named
We are pleased to announce the addition of two new Honorary Life members this year at National Seminar in Anaheim, California. These dedicated individuals have devoted many years of their lives to growing and improving the art of handbell and handchime ringing and to furthering the mission of Handbell Musicians of America.
Tips & Tools
The Elephant in the Room
Tips for Glove Care in the Classroom
How to juggle the gloves issue? Many ensembles deal with it on an individual basis—adult ringers taking care of their own needs. In the classroom, this approach could be chaotic and more than a little risky. Hence, most teachers (and many bell choir directors as well) take care of all the glove situation for their [...]
Feature
40 Years On
The Bay View Week of Handbells celebrates its past and looks forward to its future
On August 17, 2017, the Bay View Week of Handbells celebrated four decades of ringing with a gala concert under the batons of Carl Wiltse and myself. Begun in 1978 by the legendary Donald E. Allured as an intensive handbell workshop with a closing concert, it has developed over the years into a bronze-level performance [...]
Feature
Handbell Musician Certification
An Overview
The Handbell Musicians of America Certification program is a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide training and experience at all levels to handbell musicians. There are three levels of Certification, and the primary course subjects are Music Theory, Handbell Techniques, Conducting, Handbell History, and Arranging and Composing. In addition, there are electives in four subject areas.
