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Many groups are working on music for concerts, festivals, or church services. Sometimes, directors or ringers struggle with issues such as locating music to fit a theme or with broken parts on the bells. Did you know that there are a plethora of resources available to you to help you with many issues related to the art of handbell ringing? As I have grown in my leadership as a director, I have found that knowing that there is support out there for me is invaluable.
First, you have your regional coordinators and board members. These individuals can answer questions you may have, and if they don’t have answers, they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Second, there are groups on Facebook such as Handbell People that are dedicated to sharing ideas and celebrating accomplishments in the handbell community. I use YouTube a lot when introducing a piece to my ensembles. I like to have my ensemble listen to the piece or watch a video of another group performing the piece. Jeffers and SheetMusicPlus will also have recordings for many of the pieces. If I am looking for ideas to fit a particular theme for a concert, I like to post a question on Handbell People. I usually get a lot of answers very quickly. If you are a ringer working on a difficult passage in a piece, I have found it helpful to look up a video to watch a person who is playing my part. It takes some time to figure out who is playing my part, but when I do, I can see how they might handle the section. This is also the type of question we often see in Handbell People on Facebook.
Third, if you have an issue with your handbells or handchimes, there are a lot of videos out there that can help you troubleshoot and show you how to fix common issues with your bells or chimes. My students call this “bell surgery.” You can find maintenance videos on Malmark, Schulmerich, and on YouTube.
I love it that the handbell community is so supportive of each other. If you find yourself with questions or looking for ideas, reach out to the greater handbell community.
Happy Ringing!
Marci
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The board of directors for Area 12 will be gathering again soon, March 10 and 11 to work on our future plans for Area 12. Guests are always welcome if you would like to see what we are working on.
One of our projects for the last meeting was to approve a new Rules of Procedure document. Our new ROP, in aligning with new updates from National, allows us to incorporate banner ads on our website. If you have anything bell related that you would like advertised, please ask us about banner ads. We don't quite have all the details worked out yet, but it's coming soon!
Did you know our Area 12 website has an area for Ringer's Wanted, Director's Wanted, and Equipment Available? We are also going to be adding an Equipment Wanted section. If any of these are helpful to you, please contact our webmaster, Gail Berg to get your information on the website.
Thank you to all who sent suggestions for future events. We have two that we are focusing on for 2024, and hope to have some locations and dates announced soon.
If you haven't had the chance to watch the final concert from Distinctly Bronze East, I encourage you to do so. You can find the link on the Handbell Musicians of America Facebook page (or just click the button below!). Area 12 was well represented with several of our members in the front row. Under the direction of Fred Gramann, with Brenda Austin directing the Reaching for Bronze group, it was a wonderful concert.
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Distinctly Bronze East 2023 | New Bern, NC
Area 12 members from left: Tessique Houston, Barbara Meinke, Gretchen Rauch, Jimmy Clark, Linda Krantz, Michèle Sharik
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The first few months of the year are very big renewal months for Handbell Musicians of America; the renewal process has moved to online. Not only does this help the environment (by using less paper and not requiring delivery via a vehicle with emissions), it allows HMA to be more fiscally responsible. Please be on the lookout for an email reminder when it's time to renew your membership.
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More than half of Area 12’s members have their renewal on March 31 each year.
Here is a snapshot of some of the many benefits of membership:
- Being part of an organization that is the principal voice of handbells and hand chimes, and advocates for the art form
- Opportunities to connect with fellow handbell and hand chime musicians
- Special member pricing for in-person and online events
- Opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants
- Access to the chime loan program
- Voting privileges
- Access to health insurance options
If you would like to see when your membership is due for renewal, follow the instructions below.
RENEWAL STEPS - computer
- Follow This Link
- Choose "Memberships" from the drop-down menu on the right side of the page
- Click "Details" next to your membership status
- Review the information on the page, and if your membership is approaching renewal, click "Renew Now," which you will find on the right of the membership details
RENEWAL STEPS - phone/tablet
- Follow This Link
- Scroll down and choose "Member Center"
- Review the information on the page, and if your membership is approaching renewal, click "Renew Now," which you will find on the right of the membership details
If you are not yet a member of Handbell Musicians of America, we hope you will join us!
JOIN STEPS - computer
- Follow this link
- Choose "Join HMA" - found in the top black bar of the website
JOIN STEPS - phone or tablet
- Follow this link
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Join Today" - found in the orange section
If you have questions about your renewal or how to join HMA, please feel free to call the Guild at 937-438-0085 or contact the Area 12 Membership Director, Gail Berg at membership.area12@handbellmusicians.org.
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California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC)
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Hello friends!
A couple of weeks ago, music educators and students came together in person at the Fresno Convention Center for the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC). Area 12 had a booth at the conference where we met with teachers and students to introduce them to the Guild and show all the things handbells can do. It was wonderful connecting with some educators we have met in years past as well as meeting many new people. Lots of kids came by to play bells and chimes. Many teachers expressed interest in the Loan Program.
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Overall, it was a great three days to connect with fellow musicians. Area 12 is currently working on expanding our educational resources to help support teachers at all levels of education. If there are any resources in particular that would be helpful for your teaching, please email education.area12@handbellmusicians.org. I'll be happy to help connect you with available resources. Also, it would be great to know what resources we do not currently have and can help provide. I look forward to future conferences and continuing to connect with music educators all over Area 12.
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Next Area 12 Board Meeting: March 10-11, 2023 (Upland, CA)
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to submit your event
for listing! (and get a social media push!)
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The National Guild has changed the way they do renewals, so be sure to check out all the membership options and benefits HERE.
Current Area 12
Member Count:
210
Welcome newest Area 12 member Erik Der!
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Want to place
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fill out the form!
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Order through Amazon? Make your purchases count when you shop AmazonSmile and select Area 12 as your nonprofit.
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For information on Northern Nevada concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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Even though it doesn't look or feel much like Spring around here, it's time to start thinking about Sierra Spring Ring! Join us for more classes, more ringing, and more fun. Catch up with old friends and new while ringing old music (and new!). Here are some of the details:
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TINTABULATIONS
presents the
21st ANNUAL SIERRA SPRING RING
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Elmcrest Elementary School, 855 McDonald Dr., Reno, NV
9:00-3:30 with optional unpublished reading session at 4:00-5:30
$20 until May 1, $40 after May 1
Massed Pieces:
Jubilo by Matthew Prins, pub. From the Top (20329)
Despite the Storm arr. Cathy Moklebust, pub. Choristers Guild (CGB932 for 2-3 oct., CGB933 for 3-6 oct.)
We’ll also learn a short processional during the event.
Session I Classes:
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4-in-Hand Learn the basics of the 4-in-hand technique, which truly means just two bells per hand (its inventor wanted to sound really impressive!)
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Study Hall Need help with something tricky? Come to this class for extra practice, collaborative problem solving, or some one-on-one help.
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Rhythm: Making connections Everyone is born with an innate ability to feel the beat. This class will give you tools and techniques to build upon this natural ability and apply it to movements, especially ringing. You’ll learn how and why making those rhythm connections will help to avoid getting lost when ringing, make you a more self-reliant ringer, and boost your confidence as a musician.
Session II Classes:
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Bell Changes and Weaving Learn the weaving dance! We’ll teach you how to ring more than two bells without becoming a pretzel.
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Intro to Bell Trees Learn how to string together bells to hang on a bell tree stand and then play basic melodies.
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Circuit Training for Handbells This class will focus on exercises that specifically help with strength and mobility for bell ringing. Included will be ways to modify exercises for folks with mobility, arthritis and other issues.
NEW! Unpublished Music Reading Session Ringers are invited to participate in this fun, new addition to SSR. Stick around after the public sharing concert for a short reading session of UNPUBLISHED music. Be the first to ring these new works while you practice your sight reading skills in a fun, low pressure setting.
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The Sierra Spring Ring is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. www.handbellmusicians.org
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A full-service handbell store
with music and accessories:
gloves • gifts
maintenance items
mallets • binders
bell tree items
Malmark products
visit us at
612-208-1741
877-426-3235
7209 Morgan Ave S
Richfield, MN 55423
ADVERTISEMENT 6/23
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For information on Southern California concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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The SoCal Spring Ring is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. www.handbellmusicians.org
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Just a reminder: we still need someone (other than me) to be the SoCal Regional Coordinator. If you or someone you know would be a good fit for the position, please let me know. I'm not moving away, and I do plan to continue coordinating and running this year's Spring Ring, so I will be here to help the new RC get settled in.
Also, please don't forget to register for the 2023 Southern California Spring Ring!
When: Friday, May 26 - Saturday, May 27, 2023
Where: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1450 South Melrose Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Who: Douglas Lynn, conductor
How: much fun!
Have a great March!
My best,
-Michèle
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2023 Southern California Spring Ring
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Repertoire List
Massed pieces:
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Three Processionals for Handbells and Handchimes, No. 2: Joyful Noise — Gail Downey, National Handbell Music NM HB416 (3-5 octaves handbells, 2 octaves handchimes), Level 2.
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Fantasy on 'Hyfrydol' — Hal H. Hopson, Agape Code No. 1048 (2 octave handbells); OR Code No. 2078 (3-5 octaves handbells) Level 2+.
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Laudamus — Arnold B. Sherman, Lorenz 20/1309L (3-5 octaves handbells), Level 3.
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Gaudio Exsultans — Valerie W. Stephenson, AGEHR AG35208 (3-5 octaves handbells, 2 octaves handchimes), Level 2.
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Free Fall — Jason W. Krug, From the Top Music FM20625-3 (2-3 octaves with optional percussion), Level 2; OR FM20625-5 (3-6 octaves with optional percussion), Level 3.
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Publisher's note: Both the 2-3 oct & 3-6 oct versions are fully stand-alone and may be performed separately or together in a massed ringing setting.
- Also available: full score (FM20625-M), percussion score (FM20625-P). Please note that the percussion part is NOT included in the handbell score. (It is included in the full score.)
Bronze Vision:
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Tapestry — Robert Scott Riker, From the Top Music FM20660 (5-7 octaves handbells), Level 3+.
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Contemplation on 'Ubi Caritas' — Catherine McMichael, AGEHR AG36036 (3-6 octaves handbells, 3 octaves chimes), Level 3+
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Let Freedom Ring — Dan R. Edwards, From the Top Music FM20456 (3-5 octaves handbells, with optional snare drum), Level 3.
- Also available: snare drum part (FM20456-P).
My best,
-Michèle
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For information on Bay Area concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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The Bay Area Spring Ring is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. www.handbellmusicians.org
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2023 Bay Area Spring Ring Repertoire
New Day Fanfare | Sandra Eithun
Level 3 | Jubilate Music Group
2-3 Octave Version | JMG1144
3-6 Octave Version | JMG1143
Brass parts | JMG1145
I Will Arise and Go to Jesus | Cathy Moklebust
Level 2 | Choristers Guild
2-3 Octave Version | CGB747
3-6 Octave Version | CGB748
Full Score w/ Percussion | CGB746
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross | Arnold B. Sherman
Level 2+ | Red River Music.
2-3 Octave Version | RRHB0010A
4-5 Octave Version | RRHB0010B
Free Fall | Jason W. Krug
Level 2+ | From the Top.
2-3 Octave Version | FM206253
3-6 Octave Version | FM206255
Full Score | FM20625M
Percussion | FM20625P
Thaxted | Philip Roberts
Level 3- | GIA Publications
3-5 Octave Version | GIG8980
SATB/Organ/Assembly | GIG5321
Brass Quintet/Timpani | GIG5321INST
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The Bay Area Spring Ring is returning this year, and we’ve got a few exciting announcements!
First, we’re thrilled to welcome the amazing James Meredith to the conductor’s podium. If you’re unaware, Mr. Meredith has had a long and varied career as a pianist, vocal and instrumental accompanist, and conductor in America, Europe and Asia. His work has brought him into contact with such artists as Elly Ameling, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, Eleanor Steber, Evelyn Lear, and Gerald Moore. He has been Dalton Baldwin’s assistant in art song in summer master classes at the French Conservatory in Nice. And his several concerts with Frederica von Stade include his appearance on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. He has been conductor of the Oakland Symphony Chorus; has taught at Merritt College, Holy Names College, and San Jose State University; and has authored many arrangements and transcriptions that have been performed around the world. Now you and your handbell musicians have a one-day opportunity to make music under his baton!
Second, we’ve modified the day’s events so that there will be no classes: just ringing, ringing, and more ringing. We know that many groups may have been on an unwanted COVID sabbatical for the past few years, plus we’d like all participants to get the full benefit of Mr. Meredith’s teaching throughout the day.
As always, participants will rehearse throughout the day and give a public concert at 6:30 p.m. Registration is just $35/person for the day, and there is a discount for large groups. Music must be purchased separately, and the music includes mostly two-octave selections and is easily usable in church settings throughout the year.
The Bay Area Spring Ring is coming up fast on Saturday, April 22, so register soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to make music with a fabulous conductor!
For more information and to register, go to:
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Our National Organization (click logos to get more info!)
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The Twelfth Tone is published on or around the first of each month, except July, by Area 12 of the Handbell Musicians of America (The Guild). The Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication. The editor of this publication reserves the right to reject or modify copy.
We have nearly 1600 contacts, a 40% open rate (17% higher than the industry average) and a 13% click rate. Book your ad NOW!
For advertising types and rates:
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Payment is due prior to publication. Submission DEADLINE is the 20th of each month. No issue in July.
Please submit your ads via email to:
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Teachers: Would you like the use of a three octave set of handbells or handchimes to add interest and a new dimension to your music class?
Area 12 encourages schools and other educational institutions, both public and private, to develop educational programs using handbells and handchimes.
To support the development of such programs, Area 12 has six 3-octave sets of handbells and three 3-octave sets of handchimes for loan.
To learn more about the responsibilities and procedures for participating in this program, click here.
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Elected Officers
Chair
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Chair Elect
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Past Chair
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Treasurer
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Secretary
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We have an open position for
Membership. Are you a people person? Enjoy detail oriented work? Looking for a way to contribute to the wider handbell community? This might just be the job for you! Contact Marci
if you want to know more
about this position.
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Appointed Officers
Communications
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Education
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Events
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Historian
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Membership
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Social Media
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Webmaster
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Vendor Liaison
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Regional Coordinators
Central California
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Far Northern California Liaison
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Hawaii
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Los Angeles Metro
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Northern California
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Northern Nevada
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San Francisco Bay Area
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Southern California
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Southern Nevada
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