Chiming In
Attending an Event as a Member
As I recently worked to update our discovering your membership pages, I was struck by the number of event we now offer and, as we often say, there is truly something for everyone. Six years ago, I wrote my column about attending an event not as an employee but as a member. I’d like to share that column with you again here.
From the President's Pen
Seeking Inclusion
In thinking about the issue of diversity in the handbell community, you may have asked yourself the same questions I’ve been wondering. Are we diverse? If not, why not? And how do we become more diverse?
Executive Notes
Opportunities
Opportunity—we use this word often when describing member benefits, activities, events, and the services Handbell Musicians of America offers to the handbell community. We provide handbell musicians with abundant opportunities.
Membership Matters
Never Underestimate Your Influence
As a handbell director, your span of influence can go way beyond bells. My first handbell director taught me to ring, but she also taught me to care for the bells and care for other ringers. She introduced the power of a group and revealed to us what a bunch of junior high kids could do if we just showed up and paid attention.
Handbells in Education
What Does FACE Sound Like?
Leading Students to Creative Ideas
A few years ago, I attended a teacher in-service where the presenter introduced what, for me, was a profound concept. He said that we were often taught by a teacher who acted as the “sage on the stage.” She or he lectured, students took notes and then regurgitated the information on tests and quizzes. Education [...]
Handbells in Worship
Being Welcoming
Some ways to help a new ringer feel at home
Greetings, fellow bell enthusiasts! Today’s topic: Being Welcoming. It’s worth noting that I myself do not have a director’s perspective on this – I speak as a college-aged ringer who has had the opportunity to experience bells in a variety of settings over the past 13 years, from church groups to community ensembles to area [...]
Handbell Musicians Roundtable
My Most Unforgettable Character
If you’re my age, you remember a popular series in Readers Digest magazine called “My Most Unforgettable Character.” We asked folks to reminisce about people who were memorable in their lives. The “Character” may not necessarily be related to handbells or even music, but may just be a memorable person who won’t be forgotten.
Tips & Tools
Entr’acte (Rise Up)
An Additive Processional
Ring as an additive processional beginning with Staff 1, then adding staves after each complete phrase or by starting all parts together.
Tips & Tools
Written in response to a class project in which Michael Joy challenged his students to come up with words using the musical alphabet.
Tips & Tools
Let Us Go to Bethlehem
Music from Vintage Overtones
This piece appeared in the November 1968 issue
Feature, Online Exclusive
Handbell Programs with Seniors
A Roundtable Discussion
Are you curious about handbell programs in senior communities? Read on to learn about four different groups and how each has created a meaningful music community for their residents and community using handbells or handchimes.
