Chiming In
Music, HMA, and You: More Important then Ever
As I write this, we are nearly a full year into shelter-in-place orders, shut downs, and restrictions on our normal lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With vaccines beginning to roll out, there is hopefully some light in sight, but we are still possibly a long way from once again living normal lives.
From the President's Pen
I have to be honest with you: trying to write an article not colored by the world (or my world) has been a challenge. I am feeling pandemic fatigue and a yearning for a sense of normalcy, live music, and hugs. I miss hugs. I have written many unsuccessful drafts of this article and am [...]
Executive Notes
Looking Back, but Moving Forward
The year 2020 will be forever remembered as the year that changed everything. We continue to speak of the great pandemic that has shut down businesses, schools, and churches, and contributed to the demise of arts organizations around the world. The Handbell Musicians of America changed, too, but these changes promise to make us stronger [...]
Membership Matters
As quarantine has continued to be prolonged in our area, I have been given the pleasure of tutoring two students. This has made me realize how much I do not remember. The more we work together, the more I am reminded how to do the tasks. Do you remember your firsts with handbells?
Handbell Musicians Roundtable
As of spring 2021, we have been dealing with the COVID-19 virus for at least a year. As much as we may want to return to a sense of “normal,” it’s not over yet. We checked in with handbell folks from around the US to see how they’ve dealt with the virus in their churches [...]
Handbells in Worship
Running with the Buffaloes
New Year Devotion from
I read a book several years ago titled Running with the Buffaloes. The name of the book conjures up images of a skewed takeoff on the annual Running of the Bulls tradition in Pamplona, Spain. While the content of the book had nothing to do with that wild ritual, some of the stories push the [...]
Handbells in Education
Clearing Things Up
Helping ringers with Irlen Syndrome
Have you ever had a person in your bell choir that really wanted to ring but just couldn’t seem to get the notes right no matter how hard they tried? Missed entrances, always a half-beat late, playing at the wrong time, complaining about the glare of the paper, or not being able to find notes? [...]
Tips & Tools
Low-Tech Unison Exercises for Virtual and In-Person Practice
When asked if I had a Tips & Tools topic for this issue, I was just getting ready to go back to school after a 3-week Christmas break (one bonus week for bad weather) and was in “Prep Mode,” having written a few new pieces for my school kids—finishing up a unison exercise (“UE”) for [...]
Tips & Tools
Wind in Our Sails – Unison Exercise
Accompanying material for the article "Low-Tech Unison Exercises for Virtual and In-Person Practice"
What's Happening
HMA Summer Events Coming to Glendale, Arizona
Our summer events offer something for ALL handbell musicians. Join us onsite to participate in all event activities including educational and engaging classes and performances by some of our best choirs and ensembles. In the brand-new Handbell Commons, browse and shop through exhibit booths from handbell publishers, retailers, manufacturers, and more; meet and network with [...]
