Dr. William Payn returns to lead Handbell Musicians of America’s Conducting Masterclass in 2026! Ten conductors will be chosen to participate in this 3-day event, hosted at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. There will be a handbell choir of Ringer Observers to rehearse and perform all pieces, and the event concludes with a final showcase concert on Saturday, July 11, where each conducting student will conduct their piece for an audience.
An application is required to be considered as a conducting participant, along with a video from within the last 24 months of the candidate conducting two pieces of contrasting styles. Priority will be given to conducting applicants who have not participated in a previous HMA Conducting Masterclass with Dr. Payn.
There is no fee to apply. We encourage applicants to thoughtfully complete their applications and provide video that effectively showcases their work (recorded from above and behind the choir performing, facing the conductor). Note that the application cannot be saved and returned to for updating. Please have your video link(s) ready before starting the application.
Conducting applications that include video link(s) are due by January 31, 2026. Invitations to to those who are accepted will be sent by March 1, 2026, along with registration instructions. The cost to participate in Conducting Masterclass is $375*.
Ringer Observers: Participation is limited to thirteen advanced handbell ringers. This is a great opportunity to ring excellent repertoire, and observe Dr. Payn as he guides the conductors through their learning process. Ringer Observers follow the same schedule as conductors and attend July 9-11. No application is required, and you can proceed to the registration process. A waiting list will be maintained. The cost to participate as a Ringer Observer is $275*. Ringer Observer registration opens August 26, 2025.
About Dr. William Payn
As music director and conductor of Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley Chorale for over twenty years, one of Bill Payn’s major contributions to the Susquehanna Valley has been consistent quality performances enriched by a balance of traditional classical music with innovative new choral/orchestral works. He has “raised the bar” for introducing inventive and unique programming with a vision to inspire and engage audiences of all ages. With over 50 compositions to his credit, Payn’s choral and handbell works represent distinctive, original music performed regularly throughout the world in major church and concert venues. In 2016 he retired as former chair of the music department, professor of music, and director of choral studies at Bucknell University where he led his choirs to international recognition. His Emmy-nominated Bucknell Candlelight Christmas production continues to be aired every holiday season on public television throughout the U.S. Payn received a bachelor’s degree in church music/organ from Westminster Choir College and master’s and doctorate in organ and harpsichord from West Virginia University.
*Cancellation Policy: A full refund, minus a $75 administrative charge, will be issued for cancellations made prior to May 31, 2026. Cancellations made after June 1, 2026, may be issued a full refund minus a $75 administrative charge, if the space can be filled by someone on the waiting list. If the reserved space cannot be filled, no refund will be provided.