Events & Networking

Distinctly Bronze West 2012

February 23-26, 2012 - Bremerton, Washington

 

 Scholarship

General Information

What is Distinctly Bronze? Distinctly Bronze West 2012 is an event which is thrilling and challenging, fun and intense, exhausting and invigorating. This massed ringing event for advanced ringers offers the unique opportunity to perform on the largest sets of handbells available under the direction of David Weck. Rehearsals Thursday, February 23, through Sunday, February 26, lead up to the Sunday afternoon concert, which is open to the public ($5.00 admission at the door.)

Where do we meet? We are returning for a fourth year to the Kitsap Conference Center which is located on the Sinclair Bay water- front of the Puget Sound in Bremerton, Washington – a short ferry ride from Seattle.  The Kitsap Conference Center features a ballroom for our rehearsals and concert that boasts wonderful views of the Bremerton waterfront and a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance.  During your free time in Bremerton, you can take a stroll along the Louis Mentor Waterfront Boardwalk, enjoy a tour of the historic USS Turner Joy, or browse through Bremerton’s historic Arts District.

How do I attend? All DB attendees must be accepted to attend. The acceptance process includes submission of a ringer information sheet, as well as two recommendations from ringing or directing colleagues. Distinctly Bronze is an event for experienced, capable ringers who can prepare on their own, are seeking to increase their musicianship, perhaps ring repertoire that isn’t an option at home, and will give full attention and effort to the closing concert.

Successful Distinctly Bronze Ringers have the following traits:

  • Committed to learning all of the music on their own. Learning means going beyond the notes – you know where the musical line is and can see the overall picture.
  • Learns quickly
  • Understands that the music is more important than the individual
  • Has experience with music approaching the difficulty of the DB repertoire (difficulty of at least AGEHR level 4)
  • Is willing to adapt to a different philosophy of bell assignments and sharing
  • Can play a variety of positions, and is flexible about position assignment
  • Has the stamina, energy and attention for lengthy rehearsals during the 4.5 days of the event
  • Has good rehearsal etiquette – is prompt & cheerful, and attends ALL rehearsals
  • Has self-awareness to realize when he/she “is the problem” (as in playing wrong rhythm, wrong bell, wrong dynamic, not following the director), and, without prompting or comment from anyone, either remedies the problem or sits out that passage
  • Understands that ringing is a collaborative effort. All the notes must be rung musically. This may require sharing bells with neighbors or giving one or more bells to a different ringer for an entire piece.
  • Is open to constructive comments
  • Doesn’t crumble under performance pressure

For complete details on the registration process for first-time and returning attendees, see the section on Registration.

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REGISTRATION

The registration fee for this year’s event is $275.00

In addition to working with David Weck, your registration fee includes one meal (lunch on Sunday), the Thursday evening Social & Dessert Reception, a 2012 Distinctly Bronze West Polo Shirt, and a recording of the final concert. You also have the opportunity to ring with talented colleagues and network with other friendly Handbell Musicians of America members. Additional meals, polo shirts or CDs can be ordered by completing the appropriate line on the Registration Form.

Registrants are required to be affiliated with an active Guild membership—either personally or through a church or organization. If you are uncertain if your organization holds an active membership, please call the national office at 800-878-5459. To join Handbell Musicians of America, follow this link or contact the national office for assistance.

Ringing Assignments are based on your response to the Ringing Assignments On-line Survey. Ringing assignments will NOT be confirmed until full payment for the event has been received.

Have you attended Distinctly Bronze in the past?

YES  or NO

 

ALMUNI

What is your DB Alumni status?

Your status and the expiration date of that status were indicated in the communication (letter or e-mail) your received after the last Distinctly Bronze event you completed. There are three categories:

Alum-Status not expired —> no additional information required, proceed to registration

Alum-Status expired —> additional form required – Alumni Re-Apply Form, then proceed to registration

Received reapply letter —> proceed as a first-time attendee

If you don’t know your status, contact event chair, Sharon Schmidt.

First-time Attendees

If you would like to apply to attend Distinctly Bronze, please follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Guild member account and register for the event on-line. You can opt to pay just a $100 deposit or the full registration. Your deposit/registration fee will be returned if you are not accepted.
  2. Complete and submit the on-line Ringer Information Form
  3. Use the appropriate link from the registration confirmation e-mail you will receive to submit your Ringing Assignment Preferences or use of these options: Sub Bass Positions (below C4) OR Positions 1 through 11 (C4-C8)
  4. The closing date for the first placement group is December 1, 2011.
  5. Contact two references that have observed you ringing within the past year and ask them to complete the on-line Ringer Recommendation Form YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT YOUR TWO RECOMMENDATIONS ARE RECEIVED. You will not be contacted if your recommendations are not received in a timely manner.
  6. Please note that no applications will be considered until ALL OF THE ABOVE FORMS & RECOMMENDATIONS are received by the national office.

Registration Forms and Due Dates

Distinctly Bronze Alumni
The following items are due as soon as possible and should be sent to the national office in one packet:

First Time Attendee
The following are due as soon as possible:

The following should be sent to the national office by your references as soon as possible after your registration has benn submitted.

Your application will not be considered until all information is received. You are responsible for insuring that recommendations are sent to the national office on your behalf.

All Registrants

Please make note of the following important dates and deadlines:

  • Two weeks following receipt of all required forms – Alumni will be notified of acceptance to the event
  • Three weeks following receipt of all required forms, including recommendations – First Time applicants will be notified of acceptance to the event
  • Your payment will be processed at the time you submit your on-line registration for the event.
  • You will receive a follow-up e-mail from the event chair once all application materials have been received and your application has been reviewed and accepted. THIS IS YOUR CONFIRMATION. If you DO NOT receive this confirmation, it is your responsibility to follow up with the National Office to make sure your application has been received.
  • December 1, 2011– Final payment is due to the national office
  • December 15, 2011– Ringing assignments will be sent to all accepted registrants that have paid in full

All items can be completed on-line by following the above links. Hard copy printed versions of all forms will be available through the national office by contacting viverson@handbellmusicians.org

PLEASE NOTE – NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED UNTIL ALL REQUIRED FORMS AND DEPOSIT ARE RECEIVED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE.

Cancellation Policy & Refunds. A $100 deposit is required to enter your registration. That deposit is refundable only when:

  • A first time applicant is not accepted
  • An individual on the wait list is not offered a slot, or declines a slot offered after 1/25/12.

CANCELLATION POLICY AND REFUNDS This policy applies to refunds for ANY reason, including medical, family and business. This policy applies even if we fill your slot with another ringer. If you desire, you can receive a copy of the DBW2012 recording at no charge if you cancel.

Fee refunds minus the $100 deposit will be made for written or email cancellations received by December 15, 2011. Cancellations received by January 25, 2012 will be refunded 50% of registration fee less deposit; after January 25, 2012, registration is not refundable. See the table below for specific amounts.

Cancellation Date Refund
On or before 12/15/11 $275-100=$175.00
After 12/15/11 and on or before 1/25/12 ($275-100)*0.5=$87.50
After 1/25/12 NO REFUND

 

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SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship for this event has been awarded to Kathryn Chojnacki.  Congratulations, Kathryn!

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REPERTOIRE

You are responsible for purchasing and rehearsing the music. Repertoire notes regarding problem solving, corrections and other items may be sent at various times before the event.

Title Arranger/Composer Publisher Catalog Number
Black Belling Anthony Chapman AGEHR AG56009*
Sarabande Jason Krug Beckenhorst HB396
Londonderry Air arr. Donald Allured Shawnee Press HP5093
Sicilienne arr. Philip Young Shawnee Press HP5171
Carillon Festiva Cathy Moklebust Choristers Guild CGB656
Prelude from Die Meistersinger tran. Joel Raney AGEHR AG57018*
Pavane and Galliard Michael Joy AGEHR AG57016
Radetzky March arr. Martha Lynn Thompson Shawnee Press HP5194
St. Louis Blues setting by Susan Nelson From The Top 20349
Eternal Father, Strong to Save arr. Valerie Stephenson Choristers Guild CGB515
Danse Macabre arr. Michael Keller Beckenhorst HB145
Cantique de Jean Racine arr. Arnold Sherman Agape 2141
The Ball arr. Betty Garee Shawnee Press HP5291**

* Currently available from Lorenz
**Print-on-Demand

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SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 23
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Finish load-in and set-up
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Distinctly Bronze Registration (lunch on your own)
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Welcome Announcements for ALL RINGERS
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM Rehearsal (break 3:45-3:55pm)
5:00 PM Hotel Check-in (if needed)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner (on your own)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Rehearsal (break 8:10-8:20pm)
9:00 PM – 10:30 PM Social & Dessert Reception
Friday, February 24
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM Rehearsal
9:45 AM – 2:00 PM Treble (D5-C9) Free (lunch on your own)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Bass (C2-C5) Sectional
12:00 PM – 4:20 PM Bass Free (lunch on your own)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Treble Sectional
4:20 PM -7:00 PM Rehearsal (break 5:50-6:00pm)
7:00 PM Dinner (on your own)
Saturday, February 25
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Rehearsal (break 10:30-10:40am)
12:00 PM -1:30 PM Lunch (on your own)
1:30 PM – 6:00 PM Rehearsal (breaks 3:00-3:15pm & 4:45-5:00pm)
6:00 PM Dinner (on your own)
Sunday, February 26
9:00 AM -11:30 AM Rehearsal (break 10:15-10:25am)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Hotel Checkout
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Provided Lunch & Closing Announcements
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Final Rehearsal
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Final Concert Preparation (dress & free time)
4:00 PM Concert
approx. 5:30 pm All Hands Teardown (pack and load handbells and other equipment)

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LODGING

The event hotel is the Hampton Inn & Suites in Bremerton.  We have secured a group rate of $94 per night plus tax (10.6%).  There is also a $7 parking charge per night for those with vehicles.  You may make reservations by calling 360-405-0200 or on-line.  Please refer to group code HBM to guarantee our group rate.  Reservations must be made by February 8, 2012.  PLEASE NOTE – the group rate is only available 2/22 through 2/27.  If you book additional nights before or after those dates, you will be charged a higher rate.

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ATTENDEE INFORMATION

Ringing Positions and Floor Layout

Ringing positions and floor layout will be posted here when they are available. They will also be posted on the Disintctly Bronze West Message Boards. Event registrants will receive login credentials and details about these message boards once they have been accepted to the event.

Ringer Evaluation

DB (both West and East) is unique in the skill and commitment of our ringers.  Every year, ringer event comments urge us to preserve and improve the level of ringing at the event.  To this end, all DB ringers are evaluated each year and place in one of three categories.  Those awarded Alumni Status are automatically accepted at a future DB event within 24 calendar months following the event at which they were last evaluated.  Others may receive a warning letter which, while accepting the ringer at a future DB event, outlines areas of improvement which would need to be evident at the ringer’s next DB appearance.  Finally, ringers whose preparation or skills were not deemed acceptable will be asked to reapply to attend any future DB event.

Notes & Problem Solvers for Ringers

Various notes and problem solvers for the ringers will be posted here and on the message board as they are available.

Silent Auction

Due to the success of the silent auction for the past several years, we will again hold a silent auction during Distinctly Bronze. Proceeds from the auction will equally benefit the William H. Griffin Scholarship Fund and the David R. Davidson Composition Fund. Think about a unique item that you might like to have yourself – bell-related or not – and bring it along to contribute to the auction. Bidding will be held between Thursday evening and Saturday evening. Those who are the successful high bidders on any item can pay for the items by check, cash or credit card. This is always a fun activity with occasionally some spirited bidding wars – so get involved. Any chance Fred’s pants can attend?

Door Prizes

We will also have drawings again before rehearsals for a limited number of door prizes so if you have any trinkets, CD’s, bags of candy, etc. (again, something you would like to have yourself, but of lesser value than the silent auction items) to donate to the door prizes, please bring them along. All items can be brought in on Thursday morning when you check in at the Convention Center

What to Bring

  • Original copies of all the repertoire
  • Black, split-back notebook for the music – please PRE-PUNCH your music
  • Mallets appropriate for your assigned position
  • Gloves for rehearsing and BLACK GLOVES for the concert on Sunday
  • Black skirt or slacks for the concert – your DB West 2012 Polo Shirt will complete your concert dress
  • Polishing cloth to keep your bells clean
  • Music stand or riser if you prefer to use one – floor stands will be provided for the low bass tables (below C4)
  • Band-Aids or moleskin if you will need that with multiple hours and days of ringing
  • Items for the Silent Auction and door prizes
  • Checkbook, credit card or cash to pay for any Silent Auction items you win!
  • C#7′s if you were asked to bring duplicates
  • Floor stands if you offered to bring them

Miscellaneous

The dress code for rehearsals is casual and comfortable. Several layers are always a good idea so you have some options. Comfortable shoes are essential for long rehearsals. Seattle weather can be unpredictable so be sure to check forecasts before the event. Averages are high 40s during the day and mid 30s at night. Umbrella, warm coat, hat, gloves, and boots might be in order.

If you have attended DB in the past, please wear the polo shirt from the first DB you attended on Saturday, 2/25. If you are a first time attendee at this event, please wear your favorite handbell shirt on Saturday.

If you’re arriving on Wed before 5:00 PM, we can use your assistance with the event set-up. Please stop by the Kitsap Center to pitch in. Think of it as a warm-up for all the rehearsals to come!

On site registration will begin on Thursday Feb 23 at 10:00 AM in the Kitsap Convention Center and will continue until 2:00 PM. Donations for the Silent Auction and door prizes may be brought to the Convention Center at this time.

Welcome and opening announcements will begin at 2:00 pm. You should be in your seat at your ringing position then. The first rehearsal will begin as soon as announcements and welcomes are complete.

If you are arriving on Thursday close to the event starting time, please come directly to the Convention Center with your luggage. You will have an opportunity to check into the hotel at 5:00 pm. Please do not delay coming to the opening in order to check into your room. Remember, fewer meals are provided this year (just lunch on Sunday) so check out your options ahead of time.

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Transportation

There are several options for transportation from SEA-TAC Airport to the Kitsap Conference Center and the event hotel.

If you do not have a car, your best option is to take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton. You can find schedule, cost and other details here. The route you are looking for is Seatle (Main) to Bremerton.

You have a few options to get you from SEA-TAC Airport to the Seattle Main Ferry Terminal at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle.

  • Taxi to the Terminal – approximate cost is $40-50 one-way
  • Sound Transit Light Rail – The Light Rail is now open from SEA-TAC to downtown Seattle. The closest stop to the Ferry Terminal is about a 5-block walk. See more details on the Sound Transit website.
  • Shuttle Express offers shuttle service directly to Pier 52 and the Seatlle Main Ferry Terminal. Details are available here.

Also, be sure to check the DBWest Message Boards for information about those seeking shared rides or group deals with the above options.

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