Chiming In
2020: A Year of Accomplishments
While 2020 has been a year of challenges, tragedy, and devastating loss in so many ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been a year of accomplishments not only within the organization itself, but among the handbell community at large.
From the President's Pen
Long-lasting Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic has been a mighty accelerant of change. Just about every aspect of how we do things has been impacted in some way, and, as a society, we have spent a great deal of time attempting to adjust to a new normal. As much as we long for the way things used to be, [...]
Executive Notes
How do we measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic? In lives lost, there is no measure for the grief and sadness. In once-thriving businesses now with shuttered doors, there is no acceptable way to define the impact for owners, boards, employees, suppliers, transportation firms, marketers, investors, purchasers, and so on.
Membership Matters
I never thought I could direct a choir but desperate times call for desperate measures. When a 2-octave case of chimes was discovered after 15 years in a church closet this summer, the only person around that knew the difference between the C5 and C6 chime was … me.
Handbells in Education
A Composition with “Class”
Writing a simple arrangement as an elementary class project
Many of us have ringers that are inclined to experiment with their bells before class, between pieces, or any old time. They try this and that, malletting out a tune they know, ringing a solo during a break, or just trying out unusual rhythms and patterns. Join me on this journey with a class of [...]
Handbells in Education
A Joyful Day
Supplemental piece to the
"A Joyful Day" is the final product of Kathleen Wissinger's 6th grade composition project at Redeemer Classical School
Tips & Tools
Here is an 8-bell piece you can use for recording a multi-part video or for use in a socially-distanced ringing situation
Tips & Tools
Got Bells?
Make Your Own Paper Bells for At-Home and Online Practice
I am teaching handbells in person (outdoors) as of this writing, but to prepare for the possibility that my school goes “virtual,” I designed an easy template for students to make “at home” bells to practice with.
Handbell Musicians Roundtable
Homeless for the Holidays
How is a COVID Christmas looking for you?
I reached out to some ringers and directors and asked them: How will the 2020 holidays look for you, your family, and/or your groups this year? Will they be affected by the pandemic, and if so, how?
Feature
Right Place at the Right Time
A look at the 30-year history of The Raleigh Ringers
If you’ve been around handbells long enough, chances are you’ve heard of The Raleigh Ringers, of Raleigh, North Carolina. And if you’ve been to one of their shows, you’d think the group was a concept carefully designed by a set of seasoned, professional musicians, and highly trained technical personnel. The Raleigh Ringers, however, has its [...]
