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This Month

20th International Handbell Symposium Registration Now Open

Second Annual Ring-a-Thon December 14

Spaces Still Open for Reaching for Bronze

Still Time to Snag a Spot in Distinctly Bronze East 2022

Video of the Month

Brian’s Music Notes

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Like many non-profits, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed Handbell Musicians of America in the middle of difficulties, but therein lies an opportunity to

Renew Our Vision
Refresh Our Mission
Refocus Our Future Together

Handbell Musicians of America remains committed to uniting people into a diverse musical community that advances the art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication.

Visit Campaign Page


Keep Your Member Information Updated

It is important that you keep your membership information current so that we may be sure we are getting you the information you need such as renewal notices, information pertinent to your Area, Overtones, etc. Please take a moment periodically to check that your member profile is up to date. Just CLICK HERE to log in, then choose “Update My Profile” in the “What Would You Like to Do” drop-down menu at the right of the welcome screen.


National Events

GO HERE to find out more about all our national events.

Distinctly Bronze East 2022

February 24-27, 2022
New Bern, North Carolina

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Reaching for Bronze

February 25-27, 2022
New Bern, North Carolina

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International Symposium 2022

August 1-6, 2022
Nashville, Tennessee


 

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  • You are CONNECTED to the handbell community
  • You are IN PARTNERSHIP with other handbell musicians
  • You are NURTURED through education and resources

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Announcements

HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA MAILING ADDRESSES

Please note that any PAYMENTS sent to the Guild should now go to the following address:

Handbell Musicians of America
PO Box 221047
Louisville, KY 40252

This includes membership renewal, contributions, event registration payments, invoice payments, etc.

All GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE that DOES NOT include a check payment should be sent to:

Handbell Musicians of America
201 E. Fifth Street Suite 1900-1025
Cincinnati, OH 45202

20th International Handbell Symposium Registration Open

Handbell Musicians of America welcomes you to Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States, for the 20th International Handbell Symposium and all our accompanying events. Join us in July-August 2022 for any or all of these world-class events.

Symposium Website

20th International Handbell Symposium

August 1-6

The 20th International Handbell Symposium will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. It will open formally as the sun sets on Monday, August 1, 2022, and concludes with the Gala Banquet on Saturday, August 6, 2022. In addition to the primary event, we are offering the College Ring-In International, HMA Seminar Experience, and the International Youth Symposium.


HMA National Seminar Experience

July 31-August 1

The flagship event presented by Handbell Musicians of America each year is National Seminar. The HMA Seminar Experience provides attendees a sampling of the options available at the full event. Over two days, choose classes in 8 sessions and visit Handbell Commons, the space where our vendors will offer their products and services to event participants.


College Ring-In International

July 30-August 1

This event is designed for young adult ringers, ages 18-30, to ring music at an advanced level under the direction of one of the handbell world’s most acclaimed conductors. Participants will prepare music over 2.5 days that will be performed on at the Opening Concert for the International Handbell Symposium.


International Youth Symposium

August 2-5

The International Youth Symposium provides youth of all ages, who ring at Level 2 or 3, the opportunity to participate in an international ringing event. Participants will have rehearsals and other activities over 3.5 days and perform a dedicated concert the evening of August 5.

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Join Us December 14 for Our Second Annual Ring-a-Thon

Hosts Michael Glasgow and Michèle Sharik will once again be on hand for our 6-hour Ring-a-Thon beginning at 4 p.m. EST Tuesday, Dec. 14. Be sure to join us as we kick off our 2022 Annual Campaign with performances, interviews, games, and prizes. Follow the link below to set a reminder.

HMA YouTube Channel

 

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Spaces Still Open for Reaching For Bronze in February 2022

Have you wanted to apply for Distinctly Bronze but worry you are not yet at the skill level to be accepted? Then this is the event for you.

This ZERO-PRESSURE event is scheduled concurrently with Distinctly Bronze East and will give participants the opportunity to learn three pieces from the DB East repertoire list under the direction of master teacher and conductor Kathryn Jurado and perform them alongside the DB musicians on their final concert. In addition, the Reaching for Bronze choirs will prepare and perform two pieces of their own.

During the event, instruction will be offered in building skills in treble, bass, and battery techniques, as well as improving all aspects of musicianship.

Visit our website now to learn all about the event and secure your spot. Do you have a number of people from one ensemble who would like to attend together? Contact events manager Marie Clyatt-Larson for group discount possibilities.

Details and Registration

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Still Time to Snag a Spot in Distinctly Bronze East 2022

Don’t miss your chance to take part in the return of Distinctly Bronze East and ring under the expert direction of conductor, clinician, and composer Brian Childers.

This massed ringing event for advanced handbell musicians provides the opportunity to perform on the largest handbell sets available. Four days of rehearsal lead up to a Sunday afternoon concert which is open to the public for a small admission charge.

Details and Registration

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Video of the Month

Our selection this month is “Thanksgiving Medley,” arranged by Patricia Hurlbutt, Performed by Good Vibrations Handbells Choir of Lutheran High School of Kansas City at the Fall Concert 2020.

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Brian’s Music Notes

with Brian Childers

Classic Tunes That Teach

Martha Lynn Thompson
AG014
2-3 Octaves; Level 2

The arrangements in “Classic Tunes that Teach” develop in difficulty as you progress through the book. Each tune is presented in separate 2 and 3 octave arrangements, making the score clean and easy to read for the developing ringers. This reproducible, budget-stretching collection includes the following titles:

  • Trumpet Festivo from Bonduca
  • Trumpet Tune
  • Aria from 12th Concerto Grosso
  • Trumpet Sinfonia
  • Rigaudon
  • Rondeau  and Fanfare from Symphonies de Fanfare
  • Psalm 19 (The Heavens Declare the Glory of God)
  • Praise Ye the Father/March Pontificale
  • The Rejoicing from Music for the Royal Fireworks

Click here to place your order for “Classic Tunes That Teach”

Keep reading below for even more insider information from Martha Lynn!

From the arranger:

“Tunes that Teach”is a series of 4 books  published by AGEHR. The most recent, “Classic Tunes that Teach,” drew on my penchant for classical music arranged in simple form and usable by choirs that weren’t exactly beginners. The theory behind these arrangements was “Give a beginning choir a single-line melody and they’ll crash and burn!” These books are written full-chord style because, with beginners, there’s safety in numbers – more notes! These collections offer the opportunity to introduce ringers to the great hymns, spirituals, patriotic, multicultural, and classical music. 

Until next month,

Brian Childers
Music Adviser

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