Composer Conversations are 75-minute online sessions with two guest speakers in a moderated discussion. On January 13, 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 their 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, M.M.Ed., is a graduate of Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, WI, with an emphasis in the Kodály teaching method, keyboard, and flute. She is currently on the faculty at Holy Family Conservatory of Music in Manitowoc, WI leading the handbell program there. She served as Director of Music Ministry, handbell director, children’s choir director, organist and choral accompanist at First Congregational United Church of Christ in New London, WI from 1992-2021. She directed the Silver Lake College Handbell Ensemble from 2009-2020, is an active member of the Handbell Musicians of America and has served on their Area VII Board of Directors. She has been commissioned to write music for many events and for numerous individual handbell ensembles. She has over 600 pieces for handbells in publication as well as several sacred keyboard books and teaching collections for the incorporation of handbells in the music classroom. She continues to work as a handbell clinician and conductor at numerous festivals and workshops throughout the United States. She has four grown children and currently resides in Appleton, WI.
SONDRA K. TUCKER is Handbell Editor for Alfred Handbell, a division of Jubilate Music Group. Her 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.