Chiming In
Resources for Members and General Public on HMA’s Website
The HMA website is not only full of general information, but it also offers valuable resources for members, non-members, and yet-to-be members alike.
Executive Notes
Over the past few months, Handbell Musicians of America [HMA] has joined multiple national organizations. Through these partnerships, we have the opportunity to participate in conversations and initiatives addressing the importance of music education, interpersonal engagement, and the art of handbell ringing in communities around the country
Membership Matters
Handbell Events
Why I attend
There are so many types of handbell events available for us to attend: seminars, clinics, fall festivals, Spring Ring, Coppers Classic, Crescendo, Distinctly Bronze, and numerous events specific to a city or Area.
From the President's Pen
Put Down the Phone; Pick Up a Handbell
As I near the end of my six years serving on the HMA Board, I have reflected daily on our mission and vision statements. I keep them posted in several places as a constant reminder of the core purpose of this great organization. Lately, I have been considering how this mission and vision extend beyond [...]
Handbells in Education
Bell Gems
Shining Words from the Mouths of Babes
During the 18 years I taught handbells in the classroom, I was privy to a plethora of comments from my students—innocent, witty, clever, thoughtful, unfiltered, and always honest. I recorded some of them along the way—and will share some of them now with you.
Handbells in Worship
Handbells in the Hymns
Simple Ways to Add Bells to Worship with Just a Few Musicians
When I first began at my current church, I was just in charge of handbells. The group played about six to eight times a year, but I was thinking about how to incorporate handbells into our services more regularly. I was brand new to this church, and I wanted to win their trust over time.
Solo, Ensemble, Bell Tree Enthusiasts
Enriching Your Solo Concert
Playing With Other Instruments
Handbell solo repertoire has grown tremendously over the years, yet one challenge remains familiar to many solo ringers: timbre.
Community Connections
When I was a high school math teacher in 2021, just about every day, students would repeat silly phrases they heard on social media. Even though I was less than a decade older than my students, I had no idea what they were talking about.
Feature
Let America Ring
Handbell Musician Marie Loeffler Brings Handbells to the TEDx Stage
What if the sound of bells could tell the story of our nation? That question became the heart of Let America Ring, a TEDx Talk presented by Marie Loeffler on February 14, 2026, at the historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis, Florida.
Music for Members
Pentatonic Bell-Tree Processional
Writing a Bell-Tree Processional for Various Occasions
Writing a bell-tree processional for various occasions, plus two processionals you can use right now.
