Chiming In
Pinnacle is for Everyone who Performs on Handbells
Each year, I look forward to our flagship summer event, National Seminar, and its array of classes, performances, and social opportunities. It’s always great to see those people who return year after year as well as those who are attending for the first time.
Executive Notes
Here to Help as Second Responders
Our hearts are breaking for the people of California in the wake of the winter wildfires, and for the residents of the Carolinas and surrounding areas from the hurricanes in the fall. Like everyone who has seen the devastation these disasters have caused, the Handbell Musicians of America team was looking for ways to help [...]
Membership Matters
During last summer’s International Handbell Symposium in Japan, I traveled throughout Japan with a subset of ringers prior to arriving in Hamamatsu. One of our memorable activities was participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In the two photos below, the tea master is introducing our group to the rituals of the tea ceremony.
From the President's Pen
As winter will hopefully turn to the newness of spring, it’s an ideal time for us to think about rejuvenating our approach to making music with handbells. The Handbell Musicians of America’s mission is to “advance the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication.”
Solo, Ensemble, Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Ramblings of a Random Ringer
Thoughts from a Solo & Small Ensemble Player
I learned to play the hammered dulcimer in middle school. A large trapezoidal instrument, it was the forerunner of the piano and seemed to weigh as much. I would lug that thing on music tours and swear that I would learn to play the piccolo.
Feature
Christmas Caroling on Beacon Hill
A 100-Year-Old Tradition in Boston, Massachusetts
For a century, the charming, historic Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, has echoed with the festive sounds of handbells and caroling on Christmas Eve. This cherished tradition, initiated by Margaret Shurcliff, founder of the American Guild of English Handbells (now Handbell Musicians of America), marked its 100th anniversary this past Christmas Eve.
Feature
Bells & Bucks Basketball
The Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble’s Experience Playing for an NBA Basketball Team’s Christmas Show
The Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble (MHE) is a community handbell choir and we sometimes wonder where our next gig will be.
Community Connections
Theming, Repertoire, Order
Demystifying the Art of Programming
Over the years I have read many, many articles expounding upon the art of programming, with masters of their craft from different musical genres offering their insights for creating that perfect concert program.
Handbells in Education
Reasons to Ring
For Fun, For Leadership, For Learning, For Others
At Eagle Crest Elementary, we are a diverse and growing school. We believe the key to a successful school is inspiring each and every child to achieve their highest potential.
Music Offering
Here is a vintage piece from the January 1967 issue of Overtones with a patriotic theme. As always, you can download a printable copy in the members section of HandbellMusicians.org.
