Executive Notes
You may have noticed that Handbell Musicians of America uses the term “Handbell Enthusiast” in our publications, on our website, and in presentations. Perhaps you have wondered who we are referring to when using this phrase.
Membership Matters
In the fall of 2022, I was invited to join a newly forming group of advanced handbell ringers in the local area. Being a handbell ringing addict myself, of course I wanted to join and play with more people, but little did I know I would be “playing it forward.”
From the President's Pen
Every time I sit down to write an article for Overtones, I start by reading our mission statement and our vision statement, and then I contemplate the values we have as an organization We are an organization dedicated to advancing the handbell art form through education and improvement, community building and inclusion, and effective communication.
Feature
Indiana Music Educators Association Presents 7th Annual All-State Handbell Choir
Over the last seven years, the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) has expanded its offerings at the annual Professional Development Conference to include an All-State Handbell Choir, along with traditional high school bands, orchestras, and choirs. Initiated in 2018 by then HMA Area 5 chair, Jeff Doebler, this is the first and so far only [...]
What's Happening
Conductors Slated for Distinctly Bronze East and Crescendo 2025
Nick Hanson will conduct Distinctly Bronze East and Pamela "P.L" Grove will conduct Crescendo in 2025
Feature
The handbell, choral, and arts education communities mourn the loss of Tim Waugh, an internationally renowned conductor, composer, and performance arts educator. Tim passed away on February 8, 2024.
Solo, Ensemble, Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Creating a Concert Concept
Music or Theme First?
Velocity Handbell Ensemble started with seven ringers playing five to six octaves of bells, so we had to be creative about everything we did — including programming.
Handbells in Education
Tim Waugh
My Teacher
My introduction to the wisdom of Tim Waugh was at the National Handbell Seminar in Dayton, Ohio in 2000. I had heard about him and read good things about him. He and I were both teachers. I was excited to take one of his classes and see what I could learn from him.
Community Connections
Handing Off the Baton
Our Successful Search for a New Music Director
Hiring a Music Director for a professional-level handbell ensemble can be a daunting task and one that many groups don’t want to think about — until it becomes a necessity.
Handbells in Worship
Programming Music for Youth and Adult Church Choirs
When I started a new job as a handbell director last fall, I faced the challenge of choosing music for the existing Youth Handbell Choir (grades 6-8). Several of the youths were accomplished musicians and experienced ringers, but a few were brand new to bells.
Music Offering
As we are in the midst of a milestone year for HMA, here is a vintage piece published in the January 1968 issue of Overtones.
Music Offering
We also have an arrangement of Lift Every Voice and Sing by Mitchell Eithun, which is appropriate any time of the year, but especially on Juneteenth (June 19).
