Chiming In
My Recent and Memorable International Ringing Experience
I have been playing handbells and handchimes since 1986, and this January I had amazing new experiences with handbells in Singapore, Macau, and Hong Kong.
Executive Notes
Throughout my life, the biggest advocate for my musical endeavors was my mother, Pat Foote. She was not a musician herself and used to joke and say that she supported the arts by writing the checks to my music teachers.
Membership Matters
Roots are the fundamental connections and influences that shape our growth and identity. Just as the mighty, centuries-old oak tree has its roots firmly planted, as handbell musicians we also have roots that have held us as we grow.
From the President's Pen
When I was in college, the president of HMA (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) asked me to serve on a committee to create and implement a national youth handbell camp. I was so excited to be a part of a group that piqued my interest and allowed me to serve the organization with my [...]
What's Happening
Who should serve on the next national board of directors of the Handbell Musicians of America? Whoever it is, YOU will play a vital and essential role.
Solo, Ensemble, Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Branching Out
The Art of Four Mallets on the Bell Tree
I see the bell tree as a percussion instrument, because I am using mallets to play. I have discovered the power of four mallets, to help me play more musically and look graceful on the stage.
Handbells in Worship
Keeping it Fresh
Using Handbells in Contemporary Worship
Over the past several decades, most churches have either supplemented or replaced their traditional worship with contemporary worship styles. But there’s no reason handbell musicians can’t participate!
Handbells in Education
Seventh-Grade Science
A “Sound” Science Lesson
Capitol Bells, a community group in Tallahassee, has been invited to share handbells in various settings, and we can now add Seventh Grade Science to our growing list of venues thanks to some lucky breaks.
Community Connections
So Many Directions
Rehearsal Ideas for Directors (and Ringers!)
I have experienced hundreds of handbell rehearsals during my life, both as a ringer and director, and I have attempted many different ideas and techniques along the way. Some have been successful, while others have not.
Feature
In this issue, we are remembering two handbell icons: Bill Alexander, who passed away January 13, 2025, and Joan Shull, who passed away March 12, 2025.
What's Happening
We regret that in the print edition of this issue, Billy Brandt's Pinnacle class, The Handbell Rehearsal: Inside the Process and Best Practices, was omitted from the list of classes. It has been corrected in the PDF version.
