Composer Conversations are 75-minute online sessions with two guest speakers in a moderated discussion. On February 17 hear from composers Michael Helman and Cathy Moklebust, 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.
Cathy Moklebust has developed and directed handbell music programs since 1983 and has played bells since childhood. With her dynamic, positive approach and skilled conducting, she is in national demand as a handbell clinician and festival conductor. As one of today’s most popular handbell music composers, she has written over 500 compositions and arrangements, many of them reaching bestseller status. Her music has been described as “pure joy to ring and listen to, having a uniquely delightful sense of melodic and rhythmic interaction, with elegant form and style.” She has been commissioned to write music for festivals and other events, as well as for many individual handbell ensembles, including nine for the Raleigh Ringers. Cathy’s music has been broadcast on “Today,” “Good Morning, America,” public television, public radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, Pandora, and other digital music players. Cathy began her musical career as a public school instrumental music instructor in South Dakota. She has performed as principal or section percussionist with several professional and community bands and orchestras throughout the upper Midwest and teaches classes in percussion for music events. Cathy has played in, conducted, and coached church and community handbell ensembles in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Since 1989, she has worked in the music retail and publishing industry; currently she and her husband David operate a successful music preparation service. They reside in Brookings, SD, and have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren.
Michael Helman is currently Director of Music/Organist at Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church in Brevard, North Carolina where he directs the Chancel choir and handbell ensemble as well as a staff accompanist at Brevard College. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Michael served churches in Hockessin and Wilmington, Delaware and most recently was Director of Music/Organist for sixteen years at Faith Presbyterian in Cape Coral, Florida. He holds a degree in organ performance from Lebanon Valley College and graduate degree in Music History. He is an active composer of handbell, organ, and choral music with numerous pieces in print. For a number of years, Michael was on the Board of Area 3 of the Handbell Musicians of America as well as serving as Dean of the Delaware Chapter of AGO for four years. Michael has begun two community handbell ensembles: the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble in 2000 and in 2009 the Southwest Florida Handbell Ensemble. He is also the past Handbell Editor for the Lorenz Corporation.