This MonthPinnacle 2015 Registration Now Open Distinctly Registration Now Open Announcing Location for National Seminar 2016 National Events
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Pinnacle 2015 Registration Now Open
Pinnacle Features
New for Pinnacle 2015: Professional Intensives How do community handbell ensembles take the step to the next level and become professional? How have the Raleigh Ringers raised funds to purchase their own building? How did Sonos sign with a booking agent? How do the Agape Ringers manage concerts, workshops and recordings? Spend an intense, four-hour session with one or all of these long-established handbell ensembles and learn about their inner-workings, history, and current practices that make them successful Professional handbell ensembles. A different Professional Intensive will be offered each of the first three mornings of Pinnacle. Those who choose to participate will do so in place of other morning options offered that day. Class sessions effected are: Thursday – Session 1 & 2, Friday – Session 5 & 6, and Saturday – Session 9 & 10. Distinctly Teen Registration Now Open
The event schedule will combine dedicated rehearsal time for Distinctly Teen with the opportunity to attend classes offered as part of the Handbell Musicians of America Pinnacle. New this year, attendees who register by March 15 will get to help choose a pop tune that will be specially arranged for the Distinctly Teen ensemble by Nick Hanson. Deadline for Distinctly Teen Student Conductor Program Application is MARCH 1 We have a new opportunity for a student conductor this year.Are you interested in pursuing music and handbells beyond high school? Would you like to conduct one of the pieces played by the Distinctly Teen ensemble in the concert at Pinnacle in Dallas? If you plan to study music in college and want to be considered for this opportunity, simply indicate so on your event registration. Those who register and express interest by March 1 will be sent application and audition materials. Candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire, provide 2 references, and record a video audition. The student selected will work with Nick Hanson to prepare God Rest Merry, Gentlemen (see repertoire details on the Distinctly Teen website at the link below) for the event where they will lead rehearsals of that piece and conduct it in the final concert. State of the GuildIn the January/February issue of Overtones you will find a State of the Guild report by executive director Jennifer Cauhorn. It includes information about our current financial situation and other national updates. This report is available as a stand-alone PDF file by clicking the link below. DOWNLOAD STATE of the GUILD PDF March MemberChat
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Join us in Dallas, Texas, this July and experience the pinnacle of handbell performance and musicianship. Enjoy unmatched opportunities to see outstanding concerts, learn from experienced faculty, shop in Handbell Industry exhibits, and network with handbell musicians from around the world. Plus, new this year, immerse yourself in the operation and activities of some of the very best and most successful handbell ensembles performing today by participating in any of our Professional Intensives. See all the details at 
Distinctly Teen is designed for individual young ringers (8th-12th grade) who wish to stretch their ringing skills and challenge their musicianship. Participants will spend 2 ½ days working on intermediate to advanced repertoire and developing skills in handbell technique and general musicianship under the leadership of Nick Hanson.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on the board of Handbell Musicians of America? Are you curious about how the board functions, works with National staff and supports Area activities? Are you interested in hearing plans for the future of Handbell Musicians of America?
In the coming days, Spring will arrive and there will be new life springing to life. This month I’d like to feature a wonderful new Level 2 arrangement of the spiritual, “There is a Balm in Gilead” by Erik Whitehill. Erik says, “I wrote this arrangement for the Joy Ringers at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, AZ. I was the Associate Director of Music at the time and directed the group. I wanted to arrange a spiritual for them. I have loved “There is a Balm in Gillead” with its poignant, peace-bringing message and found it to be a meaningful choice for the group. The piece is dedicated to two very important people in my life. The first is Carole Lea Arenson, my long-time mentor and friend and former King of Glory music ministry colleague and the second is Kim Cramer, a wonderful church musician friend at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona.
Erik Whitehill is new to the AGEHR catalog. He says, “i grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa and graduated from Luther College with a music degree. After graduation, I moved to Tempe, AZ and served as Associate Director of Music Ministry at King of Glory Lutheran Church for 11 years. In my time at King of Glory, I directed two handbell ensembles and played in a third. I did quite a bit of handbell arranging in those years and am happy to get an arrangement published! Hopefully it will be the first of many! For the last 8 years I have taught in the Tempe Elementary School District. I am delighted to say that I have musical theater and choral works being published in the near future by Choristers Guild and Heritage Music Press. I already have work published at Augsburg Fortress and Falls House Press (Theodore Presser). When I am not doing musical things, I like to read, binge watch television shows, drink fantastic hard cider and play Bananagrams.” Now you really have the “dirt” on this new composer, Erik Whitehill.