Composer Conversations are 75-minute online sessions with two guest speakers in a moderated discussion. On January 13 at 8:00 PM eastern, hear from composers Sandra Eithun and Sondra Tucker, who will discuss a variety of topics, including their journey from the start of a piece to its publication, and artistic motivation when starting a new composition. They will also share their experiences with how to approach publishers, and offer insight into the process once a piece is going to be published. There will be Q&A time with attendees.
There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required for link access. This series is limited to Handbell Musicians of America members. To join, follow this link.
SANDRA EITHUN has been commissioned to write music for many events and for numerous individual handbell ensembles. She received the honor of being given the esteemed Donald E. Allured Original Composition Award for the 2020 Week of Handbells in Bay View, MI. She has over 650 pieces for handbells in publication as well as several sacred keyboard books and teaching collections for the incorporation of handbells in the music classroom. In 2013, Sandra had the honor of working alongside Doc Severinsen and the Fox Valley Symphony to include handbells in his holiday show, Jingle Bell Doc, at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI. Sandra’s compositions have been featured on the PBS Christmas special, Holiday Handbells, as well as concerts by noted groups across the country including The Raleigh Ringers and The Bells on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. She continues to work as a handbell clinician and conductor at numerous festivals and workshops throughout the United States. She is married to Scott, has four grown children, four grandchildren, and currently resides in Appleton, WI.
SONDRA K. TUCKER’s sacred compositions for handbells, organ, and choir are in the catalogs of most major church music publishing houses. Additionally, Sondra self-publishes handbell music under her Casa Publications imprint. She formerly directed The Houston Bronze Ensemble, was Founder and Artistic Director of the Houston Chamber Ringers, and also founded the Pyramid Ringers of Memphis, Tennessee. She leads denominational seminars as well as numerous Handbell Musicians of America local, area, and national events, and has served HMA Areas 6 and 9 in various capacities. Sondra has music degrees from the University of Arkansas and the University of Memphis. She is married, with two children and three granddaughters. Outside of music, she roots for the Houston Astros, swims, and knits. The Tuckers are active in Sheltie rescue and usually have a house full of happy, hairy dogs.