15th International Handbell Symposium - REGISTER NOW!

15th International Handbell Symposium

PLEASE NOTE: ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE IS BASED ON MATERIALS PROVIDED BY THE HANDBELL RINGERS OF GREAT BRITAIN (HRGB), HOSTS OF THE 15TH SYMPOSIUM. All forms, fees (except a small administrative fee from AGEHR), cancellation policies, payment deadlines, etc. are set by HRGB. Any exceptions to these policies by AGEHR are NOT possible. Directors, please be sure to share these policies and deadlines with those in your group. AGEHR members, please direct any questions to the AGEHR national office and we will do our best to find the correct answers for you.

General Information

The World in One City

*Dates listed on the official website may differ some from when materials will be available through the Handbell Musicians of America.

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Handbell Musicians of America All-Stars

The 15th International Handbell Symposium will include full-concert feature performances by performers from each member country.  We have decided to put together an auditioned all-star choir to represent the United States.  This group will be selected through a series of three auditions judged by the two Handbell Musicians of America Symposium conductors – Lee Afdahl and Stephanie Wiltse.  Lee and Stephanie will be assisted in the audition process at Distinctly Bronze by Jason Wells and David Weck.

Requirements:

• Those selected will be expected to pay their own registration, travel, lodging and expenses to attend the International Symposium in Liverpool, England, July 31-August 4, 2012.
• Selected ringers will receive their ringing assignment and the repertoire list in spring 2012 and will be expected to learn their part independently before joining the full group in Liverpool.
• The All-Star Choir will arrive in Liverpool 2-3 days prior to Symposium to rehearse together as a group.
• Once in Liverpool, members will be required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
• Members may be required to bring their own bells with them to the event.  We are working on a full set for the group, but we should be prepared for this option just in case.

Auditions:

• National Seminar – Thursday, July 14, 2011, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Distinctly Bronze East – Friday, October 7, 2011 – exact times TBA
• Distinctly Bronze West – Friday, February 24, 2012 – exact times TBA
• If you are unable to attend any of these live, in-person auditions, you can arrange for a live web-cam audition with Lee and Stephanie through Skype.
• Final selections will be announced by March 15, 2012

Process:

• Register in advance to audition by completing this application
• After registering, you will receive audition and a ringing assignment to prepare in advance
• Additional sight-reading, technique, rhythm, and coordination exercises may also be included in the the audition

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Program of Events

Following is the very basic event schedule. See all the event details by viewing or downloading the 15th International Handbell Symposium event brochure.

Tuesday, July 31 – Registration, opening ceremony, massed ringing

Wednesday – Friday August 1st, 2nd & 3rd – Massed ringing rehearsals, workshops, invitation and impromptu concerts

Saturday August 4th – Final concert, closing banquet

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Registration

Registration is now open for the 15th International Handbell Symposium. BEFORE you register, please review the Symposium Brochure for detailed information and registration policies set by the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain.

Please review the options below and choose the appropriate link for your situation to register.

1. Attending as an individual and paying with Visa or Mastercard – REGISTER HERE

2. Attending with as a choir/team and paying with Visa or Mastercard – REGISTER HERE

3. Attending as an individual and paying with a check or money order – DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

4. Attending with a choir/team and paying with ONE check or ONE money order – DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

Please note the following policies regarding registration through Handbell Musicians of America:

1. Rates for our members have been determined based on the published exchange rate as of August 1, 2011.
2. We have added a $20 surcharge per registrant to help cover the fees we must pay for currency conversion and wire transfers.
3. At this time, we are ONLY accepting DEPOSITS for registration.  We will not accept full payment until February, 2012.
4. We will send final invoices in February, 2012, with adjusted balances due based on the published exchange rate as of February 1, 2012.
5. Deadline for returning your registration with your deposit to Handbell Muscians of America is November 11, 2011.
6. If paying with Visa or MasterCard, please log in to your member account and register on-line.
7. If paying by check or money order, you will need to print and complete the hard copy registration form and send it to the national office with your payment.  Please send only ONE check or ONE money order to pay your group’s deposit.

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Repertoire

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Lodging

Event lodging details are available here.

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