Handbell Musicians Roundtable
Making Musical Rehearsals
Our most recent topic was “Basics for Workable Rehearsals.” We discussed some of the most basic aspects of rehearsals, such as time and place and other physical and logistical details. This month we expand on the subject with “Making Musical Rehearsals” to address some of the more musical aspects of getting music learned, developing technique [...]
Our most recent topic was “Basics for Workable Rehearsals.” We discussed some of the most basic aspects of rehearsals, such as time and place and other physical and logistical details. This month we expand on the subject with “Making Musical Rehearsals” to address some of the more musical aspects of getting music learned, developing technique [...]
Feature
Dreams and Success
How a Cincinnati community group brought the joy of making music to blind students
In June of 2015, Queen City Bronze, a Cincinnati community ensemble, presented a workshop on music and handbells for the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired as part of the center’s Discovery Camp of Dreams and Success. This summer program for youth ages 8–22 offers several weeks of activities provided by program staff [...]
Community Connections
Not as Simple as Practice, Practice, Practice
Getting to Carnegie Hall (or close to it)
Everyone knows the answer to the question, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” but for handbell ensembles, getting onto the big stage is not as simple as “practice, practice, practice.”
The Big C
Developing an Attitude of Commitment
I had the otherworldly experience of moving away from my hometown for eight years and then moving back home. In those eight years, much stayed the same—the traffic, the road construction, and places like the post office, the malls, and the schools were mostly unchanged.
Tips & Tools
It’s Not Always about the Notes
Flash Card Games for a Fun and Energized Rehearsal
It’s so easy to get stuck in a rehearsal rut. And even though we might get some great ideas, we’re not always great at accessing all those good ideas while in the middle of rehearsal. So here are some proven strategies for lively rehearsals, all at your fingertips! Clip these cards and keep them in [...]
Membership Matters
I Can’t Teach Children – I Teach Adults!
I once took a class from P.L. Grove, incoming president of the board of Handbell Musicians of America. She asked the class, “what are you doing to inspire the next generation of handbell musicians and leaders?” The response was dead silence. Many of the people in that room were terrified at the thought of working [...]
I once took a class from P.L. Grove, incoming president of the board of Handbell Musicians of America. She asked the class, “what are you doing to inspire the next generation of handbell musicians and leaders?” The response was dead silence. Many of the people in that room were terrified at the thought of working [...]
Executive Notes
Of Banks and Small Businesses
Over the next 12 months, member renewal invoices will include a notice announcing a change in the address for making payment by check. Many may be wondering why we’re changing the address again so soon. In this month’s column, I will explain in a David and Goliath story of banks and small business.
Over the next 12 months, member renewal invoices will include a notice announcing a change in the address for making payment by check. Many may be wondering why we’re changing the address again so soon. In this month’s column, I will explain in a David and Goliath story of banks and small business.
Board Messages
Being on the Board
It’s hard to believe but I have almost made it through my second year as a member at large on the national board. While our tenure officially starts in October, the first taste I got of what it would be like serving in this role was at National Seminar 2014 in Atlanta, where I attended [...]
It’s hard to believe but I have almost made it through my second year as a member at large on the national board. While our tenure officially starts in October, the first taste I got of what it would be like serving in this role was at National Seminar 2014 in Atlanta, where I attended [...]
From the President's Pen
Appreciation and Anticipation
Out of the blue I received a most wonderful phone call. It was one of those calls that makes you feel good and makes you appreciate what you’re doing and who has done it before you.
Out of the blue I received a most wonderful phone call. It was one of those calls that makes you feel good and makes you appreciate what you’re doing and who has done it before you.
Chiming In
The Case for Memorization
One of the biggest obstacles in performing music, I think, is the music itself. And I don’t mean what the composer created—the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. I’m talking about that piece of paper with all the black spots on it, which not only serves to communicate to the performer what is to be played and [...]
One of the biggest obstacles in performing music, I think, is the music itself. And I don’t mean what the composer created—the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. I’m talking about that piece of paper with all the black spots on it, which not only serves to communicate to the performer what is to be played and [...]
