Chiming In
My Favorite Job at HMA National Seminar
Making Connections in Handbell Commons
Every year, as the HMA National Seminar approaches, I feel much anticipation. There are performances to experience, engaging sessions to attend, and friends to reconnect with—but what I look forward to most as an HMA staff member is the time I experience working at the HMA booth in Handbell Commons.
Executive Notes
Your Vote Matters
Make Your Voice Heard in the National Board Election
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This is a quote from Helen Keller, and it is profound and true, especially for handbells. Not only am I referring to playing our instrument, but also our organization and its structure.
Membership Matters
When Do You Need a Neighbor?
We Could All Used a Helping Hand from Time to Time
We have probably all relied on our ringing neighbors for the usual favors—helping with a page turn, covering an accidental, or whispering a measure number. Some of us should probably rely on our ringing neighbors a lot more.
From the President's Pen
Ringing in the Future
The Louisiana All-State Handbell Ensemble Shines in New Orleans
The energy in New Orleans this past January wasn’t just coming from the jazz clubs in the French Quarter—it was actually in the ballrooms of the Hilton Riverside during the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) Annual Conference
What's Happening
National Board Election 2026
Voting Runs Through March 15
The term of the current board expires September 30, 2026. At that time, Greig Ashurst (president) and Tracey Bowers and Gillian Erlenborn (at-large directors) will conclude their time on the board. HMA will be led by the new president, Kathryn Jurado, and joined by the new president-elect and two new at-large directors. Those new members will [...]
Solo, Ensemble, Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Flexible Bell Tree Ensembles
A practical approach for ensembles with changing numbers of handbell musicians
Bell tree ensembles were born out of a perennial problem: not enough handbell musicians. My bell choir has been playing bell tree ensembles for a flexible number of handbell musicians for several years.
Community Connections
Handbells and High-Tech
Practical Ways Digital Tools Can Help Handbell Groups Stay Organized and Connected
A handbell group is more than a collection of talented musicians—it’s many moving parts: calendars, music files, group chats, and volunteer lists. As much as we love making music together, the administrative side can be busy.
Handbells in Education
Let’s Talk Voicing
InterestingTheory Tidbits and Engraving Choices
There is a never-ending array of interesting theory tidbits and engraving choices that whiz by us at every rehearsal.
Handbells in Worship
Creative Uses of Handbells in Worship
Using Various Types of Music Styles in Worship
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 100:1, NRSV). Here are five creative ways to incorporate handbells in worship services. Suggested repertoire that incorporates these techniques is also included.
