Feature
Farewell to Valerie Stephenson
The handbell community has lost an icon and good friend with the passing of HMA Honorary Life Member, composer, clinician, educator, and author Valerie Stephenson. Valerie’s introduction to handbells came when she discovered a set of bells in her school storage closet in 1979. She soon became a trendsetter in the world of handbells in [...]
Chiming In
The handbell world recently lost a great friend, musician, composer, and Honorary Life member, Valerie Stephenson (see article HERE). Those who knew her appreciated her humorous side and for a while, she authored a column in Overtones called “Potpourri From Valerie,” featuring humorous stories. Following is a reprint from the July/August 2006 issue.
Executive Notes
For nearly three generations my maternal family lived close to each other in one town in Northern New Jersey - Nutley. And when I say “close” I mean really close – mostly on the same street!
Membership Matters
Every year, I field multiple questions from members and nonmembers (aka, future members) about how to find a handbell group in an area. Sometimes, a ringer has just moved into a new city and is looking for a place to ring.
From the President's Pen
One of my absolute favorite poems is one by John Donne. There are a few phrases in it that we all know and hear in everyday life.
Solo, Ensemble, Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Soloist Dinners
Enjoy a wonderful, new tradition at events
We soloists live in a musical isolation bubble, working alone most of the time as we choose repertoire, listen to music, make choices about what we want to play, etc. Even in the process of developing our unique qualities as soloists, we mostly do this alone. So why have a soloist dinner at events? Well, [...]
Community Connections
Share and Follow
Staying Connected Through Social Media
When asked to write this article about social media presence, I wondered what I might have to offer. There are so many wonderful websites, Facebook pages, and newsletters out there. I have learned from each of them. I started doing this for Houston Bronze Ensemble (HBE) without any experience, and it has been a “learn [...]
Handbells in Education
How We Learn
Re-thinking Learning Practices
During my travels this summer, my constant companion book was How We Learn by New York Times science reporter Benedict Carey. The introduction of the book boldly states, “Most of our instincts about learning are flat-out wrong,” and continues to list traditional teaching practices that research is now proving to be ineffective, and even a [...]
Music Offering
Processional on “Hallelujah”
An Additive Processional
Based on elements from the "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Messiah" by G.F. Handel
Full Issue Download
Spring 2024 Full Issue PDF
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