Program Overview
The new Handbell Musicians of America Certification has been developed as a comprehensive curriculum program designed to address all levels of training and experience with the handbell and handchime instruments. There are three levels of certification available, each offering anywhere from four to six units of course study. Classes within each unit will be offered at various national events and eventually through on-line study options as well as regional and Area events.
The initial program outline was developed by a small committee with input from a wide range of sources, both inside and outside the guild. This original committee included John Behnke, Mary Caldwell, and Richard Moore. Once the basic outline was developed, a larger committee was formed to create the specific course syllabi and to teach the initial round of classes. This committee will train future teachers for the program.
Courses & Instructors
There are nine units of course study offered in the program. Most units offer classes across all three levels of certification. Others are offered as electives for those who wish to focus on a specific are of expertise.
| Course | Units Offered | Instructor |
| Course A - Handbell/Handchime History |
One unit offered for all levels | Martha Lynn Thompson |
| Course B – Ringing Techniques |
Three units offered – one at each level | Michele Sharik |
| Course C – Music Theory |
Three units offered – one at each level | Michael Glasgow |
| Course D – Conducting | Three units offered – one at each level | TBA |
| Course E – Arranging and Composing |
Two units offered – one each at Level 2 and Level 3 | John Behnke |
| Course F - Handbells/Handhimes in Music Education |
Elective – One unit offered for all levels | Marilyn Lake |
| Course G - Handbells/Handchime in Worship |
Elective – One unit offered for all levels | William Mathis |
| Course H – Handbells/Handchimes in the Community | Elective – One unit offered for all levels | Stephanie Rhoades |
| Course I - Handbells/Handchimes with Special Populations |
Elective – One unit offered for all levels | Linda McKechnie |
Complete course descriptions and syllabi will be posted soon.
Program Outline
|
LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION |
LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION |
LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION |
|
Course A – Handbell/Handchime History, |
||
Course B1 - Ringing Techniques I Course C1 - Music Theory I Course D1 - Conducting I |
Course B2 - Ringing Techniques I & II Course C2 - Music Theory II Course C2 - Conducting II Course E2 - Arranging & Composing I |
B3 - Ringing Techniques I, II, & III C3 - Music Theory III D3 - Conducting III E3 - Arranging & Composing II |
Electives - Choose One Course F - Handbells/Handchimes in Music Education Course G - Handbells/Handchimes in Worship Course H - Handbells/Handchimes in the Community Course I - Handbells/Handchimes with Special Populations |
||
How to Participate in Certification
Those who wish to begin the course work for certification must first register their intent to complete the program with the national office. A program administrator in the national office will work with course instructors to track your progress as you successfully complete each unit. To register, follow the appropriate link below:
Members (or those who have an existing on-line account) |
Non-Members (or those who do not already have an on-line acount) |
|
Login to your account then follow the |
Create an account and |
There are no fees beyond event registration costs until you complete the required course work. Once completed, registrants will be required to pay a fee to receive their certification. The fee is $75 per level for members and $150 per level for non-members.
Recipients of Prior Director’s Certification
We do wish to continue to recognize those who have completed the process for the previous Director’s Certification Program. Follow the links below to see their names.
Recipients of Level I Certification.
