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shopping!
The Raleigh Ringers
8516 Sleepy Creek Dr
Raleigh, NC 27613
919-847-7574
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For All Reasons - For All Seasons - Call Us! Marlene M. Anderson Consultant - Clinician- Conductor. Cell 206-390-0931 Wes Anderson - Maintenance Guru - Sales Representative Cell 206-390-8789 Serving ALASKA - IDAHO- MONTANA - WASHINGTON
hookedonhandbells.com [email protected] 22515 6th Ave. S. Unit 504 Des Moines, WA 98198 |
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A full service handbell store with music and accessories: gloves, gifts, maintenance items, binders, mallets, bell tree items, Malmark products Visit us at www.heitzhandbells.com 612-208-1741 1-877-426-3235 [email protected] 6603 Queen Ave S, Suite S Richfield, MN 55423 |
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Gives you opportunities to connect and form life-long friendships with other handbell musicians.
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Provides you with unparalleled access to opportunities for learning from the most innovative, talented and knowledgeable people in the art.
* Makes you an integral part of an organization that is THE principal voice of the handbell/handchime art form and is dedicated to advancing the art through education, community and communication.
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Deadline for articles and events to be included in the May issue of the Campanologist is
April 22. Information can be sent to Phyllis Tincher,
or
3301 Seminole Dr
Nampa, ID 83686.
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Please update your profile/email address following the link at the bottom of the newsletter. This will give you the opportunity to select various regions of our area so we can send you information about events and concerts close to home. You may change this information at any time.
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The Northwest Campanologist
Welcome Spring! I attended the Inland Northwest Handbell Workshop in Clarkston, Washington on April 23-24. The drive from Boise to Clarkston was spectacular! What a great time ringing under Ron Mallory and teaching some classes. It is always energizing to be around so many other handbell musicians and work together to make beautiful music.
There are some Spring concerts in the events listings. If you have a concert in May, please send information about it so I can list it in the events. It is a great way to let our handbell community know what is happening.
There is still time to register for events coming up later this month and in May:
- April 27-28 - Big Sky Handbell Conference in Hamilton, MT
- May 4-5 - Siskiyou Summit Handbell Conference in Ashland, OR
- May 18-19 - Great Puget Sound Handbell Festival in Everett, WA
- May 19-20 - British Columbia Guild of English Handbell Ringers Spring Ring in Kelowna, BC (see Washington Events section for info on this).
Please forward this newsletter to your choir members and to anyone else who would be interested in all the concerts and events. Encourage them to subscribe to the newsletter. Click "Join our mailing list" at the bottom of the left column or click the newsletter link on our website,
area10.handbellmusicians.org
. With permission, I can also add names and addresses.
Phyllis Tincher, Communications Chair
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Notes from the Chair ...
Are any of you collectors of handbells? I myself am not, although it seems like something I could get interested in. I got to thinking about this as I was searching for a topic for this month's article. My sister-in-law gave me a book some years ago called Musical Handbells by William Butler. It is a comprehensive history of bells in England and the foundries that made them. It got me thinking about how many varieties of handbells there could be to collect if
one were so inclined.
While we here in America mostly think of bells as com
ing from
Malmark or Schulmerich, there is a rich history
of bell foundries in England that goes way beyond Whitechapel. Butler's book deals with bell making beginning in the middle ages and follows with stories of the many families who crafted these wonderful instruments throughout the various regions of England. Whitechapel gets a chapter of course. There are wonderful pictures and illustrations of bell castings, stamps, parts and advertising. An
extensive bibliography of books on handbells is included.
Butler's book also has a check list on how to identify what foundry a bell may have come from: letters or names cast inside the bell, lines engraved in the bell, letters or names cast on the crown of the bell, distinctive clappers, etc. This is what got me to thinking about collecting. What fun it would be to have some old, unique bells that you could trace back to a foundry from the 1700's!
So if any of you out there have a collection, I'd love to hear about it. At the very least, you may want to pick up a copy of Butler's book - it is a great resource on our instrument.
Think spring!!
Diane Hould
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Practicing Away from the Bells
I am a member of the Southern Oregon Concert Band-a community band comprised of dedicated amateur musicians. We love playing our instruments as part of the whole, we rehearse as the full band once a week for two hours. However, in order to keep pace with the chosen repertoire for a concert we always need to spend time at home practicing certain sections of each piece. As handbell musicians we need to take the same approach to the music we offer in a worship service or in a concert setting. Sixty to ninety minutes once a week in rehearsal with our minds in the music and hands on the bells is not enough to train our brains. We need practice time at home.
So-what can we do at home to help develop the muscle memory and internalization of the music that allow us to perform to the best of our ability, especially if we don't own our own bells?
First-personal score study of your position and marking your music away from the tables will help you to familiarize yourself with what your bells do and when. Things that I do that make ringing a piece as part of the whole easier and more rewarding:
- Read through the score and mark clearly when you need to change out a bell: either because of a key change or an accidental. My preferred method to remind me that I need to put one bell down and pick up another is with an arrow angling down to the right.
- Make tempo changes stand out. I like to use the "Fred Gramann" method of boxing or bracketing measures in the score where I NEED to watch the conductor because of a ritardando or accelerando. The box or brackets catch the eye quicker than a tiny italicized Italian word.
- Reinforce the dynamic marking-know when you should be playing mp or mf and know where the crescendos and diminuendos occur, also highlight where time signature changes happen.
Second-build your muscle memory by "ringing" the piece at home even if you don't own your own set of bells.
- You can "air bell" your position at home by collecting items you have around the house to stand in for bells. They don't have to weigh the same as bells or be as large as the bells you are ringing. These implements are stand ins allowing you to reinforce the muscle memory of bell changes (the up and down) or the switch to chimes and your personal rhythm in the piece.
- To "air bell" set your position, get your music out, and begin counting and "ringing" when your position comes around in the score-changing "bells" out and switching to "chimes" as needed. AND make sure you stop and "fix" flubbed bell changes and rhythms even when you can't "hear" the wrong pitch or rhythm.
Third-return to your next rehearsal with greater confidence in your ability to be ready for your bell changes, aware of the dynamic markings, secure in your personal rhythms and are not caught off guard when tempo changes occur and know when to watch the conductor!
Learn to practice at home so you are ready to rehearse with the full bell choir once a week. Growing in confidence because you are a handbell musician and not just a handbell ringer.
Diane Barnes, Event Coordinator
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Distinctly Bronze/West completed for 2018
On Thursday, March 8th, at about 2:30 in the afternoon, maestro Fred Gramann raised his hands and over 100 of the more advanced handbell ringers in America raised bells for the first measures of DB/West 2018. Parts and positions had been assigned back in December, music bought and studied and studied and studied... all in preparation for this moment. For the next three and one half days the ringers rehearsed, marked special passages, bandaged blisters, and laughed. Yes, Fred lived up to his reputation for keeping rehearsals light but highly focused.
The event culminated on Sunday with a well attended concert presenting the 10 pieces perfected during the event.
The event like its sister event, Distinctly Bronze/East, is sponsored yearly by our parent organization Handbell Musicians of America. The West version has been held in Area 10 since its inception in 2010 first in the Bremerton area, then in Portland and currently at the Resort at the Mountain in Welches, OR on the highway to Mt. Hood. Ringers came from 25 states, Washington D.C., Alberta, British Columbia and Puerto Rico. The ringers were divided into 8 separate choirs with a row of bass ringers in the back. Area church and community choirs loaned bells from the G1 to the C9 and chimes from C2 to C8. Repertoire included pieces from Michael Joy, Hart Morris, a classic rumba arranged by Douglas Anderson, a Coronation piece from Larry Sue, a couple from Fred and a fun arrangement of "Love Will Keep Us Together" arranged by Charles Peery. The grand finale piece at the Sunday concert was Area 10 composer Matthew Compton's "Expedition" - 32 pages of music, numerous meter changes (7/8, 5/8, 11/8, 3/2, 4/4, 10/8, 6/8, etc.) but it worked and flowed together beautifully. Even Fred was challenged directing it.
And so by Sunday evening the bells and chimes were loaded into vans and on their way home, ringers were saying their good-byes until next year. Next year is Feb. 28 - Mar. 3, again at the Resort at the Mountain. The clinician/director will be Dr. William Payn. Watch this newsletter for the sign up date and mark it on your calendar, it fills up fast.
Hope to see you there!
Glen Hascall, Area 10 Chair Elect
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Siskiyou Summit Handbell Conference
Plays Well with Others II
Friday & Saturday,
May 4 & 5
Ashl
and Middle School, Ashland, Oregon
Guest Conductor:
Barb Walsh
Bronze Conference
Choir Conductor:
Ellie Hodder
It is not too late to register for the event as an orphan ringer or as a Saturday participant in classes only. Michele Sharik is a gifted teacher of the skills needed to become a skilled handbell musician. Siskiyou Summit is offering a special registration rate of $35 to participate in the Saturday Classes (see below). As a classes only participant you can attend all four classes. The $35 registration includes lunch on Saturday. Classes begin at 9:25 am. For more information go to
http://area-10.97048.info/Siskiyou2018.aspx
or to register as a Saturday participant contact Diane Barnes at
[email protected]
.
Siskiyou Summit 2018 Class Offerings
- Basics Revisited (Bell Control - Your 100,000 Measure Tune Up! - Instructor: Michele Sharik
- Bell Tree Basics - Instructor: Julie Hunziker
- Fifty Shades of Damping - Instructor: Michele Sharik
- Rhythm-You can Master It! - Instructor: Elizabeth Eggleston
This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America.
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Greater Puget Sound Handbell Festival
Friday & Saturday,
May 18 & 19
Everett, Washington
Clinicians:
Brian Tervo and Colin Walker
Mark your calendars! The Greater Puget Sound Handbell Festival is coordinated by Emerald City Ringers this spring. This event is geared toward ensembles of all skill levels, and will feature a day of ringing under the direction of clinicians Brian Tervo and Colin Walker.
The event is scheduled for May 18-19 in Everett, convenient to handbell ensembles in the north end of Puget Sound, and just a short drive away from the Mukilteo ferry dock for groups coming from the Olympic Peninsula.
Email
[email protected]
for more information. $65/person for Handbell Musicians of America Members, $85/person for non-members.
This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America.
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Big Sky Handbell Festival
 Friday & Saturday, April 27-28
Hamilton High School, Hamilton, Montana
Clinician - Jason Wells
This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America.
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18th International Handbell Symposium -
Rogue Ringers International 2018!
We have a few spots for AD HOC ringers in our choir. The event will be held in Cairns, Australia August 6-11.
This is a great opportunity to explore a world heritage site (the Great Barrier Reef) and ring with a host of international ringers making new friends along the way. The exchange rate is favorable--$0.80 US = $1.00 AUD. Contact Diane Barnes at
[email protected]
for more information or to join the choir.
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Area 10 Facebook Page
Did you know Area 10 has a Facebook page? Please search for "Handbell Musicians of America - Area 10" and like the page. If you want an event added, please send the information to Phyllis Tincher at [email protected]. A picture for the event can also be added.
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National Office contact information
The national office is a virtual operation!
To contact by phone: 937-438-0085. Please note the 1-800 number is no longer in service.
All check payments for membership renewal and other services should be sent to:
HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA
PO BOX 221047
LOUISVILLE, KY 40252
All other correspondence should be sent to:
Handbell Musicians of America
201 E. 5th Street, Suite 1900-1025,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Alaska Events
Your event or concert could be listed here!
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Idaho Events
Ring Praise Music Ministry
, Phyllis Tincher, handbells, and Sean Rogers, piano, will be giving concerts sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is no charge for the concerts; a freewill offering will be taken.
T
uesday, April 24
- 7:00 pm, Congregational Presbyterian Church, 709 6th Street, Lewiston.
Wednesday, April 25
- 7:00 pm, Cheney United Methodist Church, 204 4th Street, Cheney, WA.
Sunday, April 29
- 6:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 511 Lena Street, Salmon.
Monday, April 30
- 7:00 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 237 N Water Ave, Idaho Falls.
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Montana Events
Thursday, April 26
- 7:00 pm. Phyllis Tincher, Handbell soloist, and Sean Rogers, pianist, in concert at Community United Methodist Church, 750 Electric Ave, Bigfork, MT.
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Oregon Events
Bells of the Cascades (based in Portland) and Bells of the Sound (based in Seattle) will be performing "
Dances and Duels!," in a
first-ever collaboration between these two groups.
These
two premiere handbell ensembles
will be playing familiar tunes including a medley from Carmen, pop hits by Abba and Simon & Garfunkel, and many other amazing compositions. This concert will feature the two ensembles in a bit of friendly competition as they "duel" as well as in unison as they "dance."
Saturday, April 28 - 7:00 p.m.at Grace Lutheran, 22975 24th Avenue S, Des Moines, WA.
Sunday, April 29 - 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran, 6215 196th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA.
Saturday, May 5 - 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver,WA.
Sunday, May 6 - 75:00 p.m. at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard, OR
Friday & Saturday, May 4 - 5
- Siskiyou Summit Handbell Conference, Ashland. See article above for details.
Repertoire
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Washington Events
Sunday, April 22 - 4:00 pm. International Artists Carillon presents "Springtime Bells are Ringing." Resurrection Lutheran Church, 134 South 206th Street, Des Moines. 206.824.2978.
Ring Praise Music Ministry
, Phyllis Tincher, handbells, and Sean Rogers, piano, will be giving concerts sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. There is no charge for the concerts; a freewill offering will be taken.
Tuesday, April 24
- 7:00 pm, Congregational Presbyterian Church, 709 6th Street, Lewiston, ID.
Wednesday, April 25
- 7:00 pm, Cheney United Methodist Church, 204 4th Street, Cheney.
Saturday, April 28 - 7:00 pm. Forest Ridge Handbell Concert.
Superheroes, spies, and anime adventurers take the stage in Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart's annual spring handbell concert, directed by Ron Mallory. This year's program features music from the Avengers and James Bond franchises and the music of Studio Ghibli films. In Forest Ridge's Lee Theater (4800 139th Ave. SE, Bellevue). Admission is free. Directions at
www.forestridge.org
.
Bells of the Cascades (based in Portland) and Bells of the Sound (based in Seattle) will be performing "
Dances and Duels!," in a
first-ever collaboration between these two groups.
These
two premiere handbell ensembles
will be playing familiar tunes including a medley from Carmen, pop hits by Abba and Simon & Garfunkel, and many other amazing compositions. This concert will feature the two ensembles in a bit of friendly competition as they "duel" as well as in unison as they "dance."
Saturday, April 28 - 7:00 p.m.at Grace Lutheran, 22975 24th Avenue S, Des Moines, WA.
Sunday, April 29 - 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran, 6215 196th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA.
Saturday, May 5 - 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver,WA.
Sunday, May 6 - 75:00 p.m. at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard, OR
The Rainier Ringers present "Dancing through the Decades", a handbell concert featuring popular songs from the 50's up through now. With a focus on favorite dance tunes, you'll be tapping your toes to "Rock Around the Clock", dancing in the aisle as we perform a new arrangement of "What a Feeling" from the movie "Flashdance", and singing along with "Eleanor Rigby". Join us for an uplifting concert that is sure to include a favorite from your past or a song that your children or grandchildren will enjoy. $10 adults, $8 students/seniors, or $25 per family.
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Canada Events
Saturday & Sunday, May 19-20 - BCGEHR Spring Ring, Kelowna, BC. "Silver Bells" BCGEHR's biennial provincial festival marks the Guild's 25th anniversary. Special guest conductor Debbie Rice. Register here:
http://www.bcgehr.com/spring_ring/
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Please remember to send information for the May issue to me by April 22.
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