Reflections on a Musical Score
 

No, I’m not referring to a sheet of music. I’m talking about a “score” as in 20 years. Specifically, it’s my own musical journey as an employee of Handbell Musicians of America, known as The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers when I was first hired as Overtones editor 20 years ago this month.

 

Music: The Divine Messenger Between Heaven and the Human
 

The holiday season is upon us, where music becomes more central in our lives—and I am not just talking about musicians whose calendars fill with more rehearsals and performances. From Christmas carols to Channukah songs, to Auld Lang Syne playing at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The melodious sounds of the season seem to be [...]

 

My Walk Through the Forest
  

 

Thoughts on Why I Am a Member of HMA
 

I joined the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers in 1990. Like most people at the time, I joined because of the church I served as a handbell director. At the time, I joined because it was what I thought I was supposed to do.

 

Once Upon a Musical Time
Telling a Story with No Words

“What story do you want to tell with this piece of music, and why did you choose it?” Those are some of the first questions I ask a student when we first begin to study a piece.

 

Culture Fit Check
I can teach you how to ring. I can’t teach you how to be fun to ring with.

Community handbell ensembles hold auditions to screen for ringers with technical proficiency. Necessity may be the mother of invention, but desperation is the mother of bad decisions.

 

All the Children Ring
Including Children with Varied Neurotypes in your Handbell Program

Handchime/handbell choirs can provide a meaningful experience for all children, no matter their neurotype (way of experiencing and interacting with the world). We can encourage participation of children with a variety of neurotypes, such as sensory processing differences, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and those on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), with modifications to support their [...]

 

Ready… Set… Start Ringing
My Girl Scout Gold Award Project

Ready. Set. Start ringing! Handbell Start is a one-stop shop for anyone wanting to start a new handbell choir.

 

Up on the Housetop
Music for 8 Bells

 

National Seminar 2024 Photos
 

View and purchase photos from National Seminar 2024 in Hartford Connecticut.

 

Omission in Arnold Sherman Tribute Article
  

Line omitted from Jayne Brown's tribute to Arnold Sherman. See corrected version.

 

Area Spotlights – Winter 2024
 

Events and Other Happenings in Your Area

 

Virtual Winter Workshop January 31-February 2, 2025
 

Join us from the comfort of your home for the Virtual Winter Workshop, taking place January 31 through February 2, 2025. Explore a wide range of classes led by expert instructors, covering various handbell-related topics.

 

Chiming In

Reflections on a Musical Score
 


Executive Notes

Music: The Divine Messenger Between Heaven and the Human
 


Membership Matters

My Walk Through the Forest
  


From the President's Pen

Thoughts on Why I Am a Member of HMA
 


Bell Tree Enthusiasts

Once Upon a Musical Time
Telling a Story with No Words


Community Connections

Culture Fit Check
I can teach you how to ring. I can’t teach you how to be fun to ring with.


Handbells in Worship

All the Children Ring
Including Children with Varied Neurotypes in your Handbell Program


Handbells in Education

Ready… Set… Start Ringing
My Girl Scout Gold Award Project


Music Offering

Up on the Housetop
Music for 8 Bells


Feature

National Seminar 2024 Photos
 


What's Happening

Omission in Arnold Sherman Tribute Article
  


Area Spotlights

Area Spotlights – Winter 2024
 


What's Happening

Virtual Winter Workshop January 31-February 2, 2025