Crescendo is an event for twenty-six intermediate handbell ringers, held at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern, North Carolina. Crescendo 2026 will be led by conductor, Barbara Meinke. The ensemble will perform two works alone, and three compositions with Distinctly Bronze. The Crescendo musicians will rehearse for three days and perform on Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026. This concert will be open to the public and livestreamed.
Registration opens on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM Pacific/12:00 PM Eastern. The fee is $295, which includes lunch on Sunday and an event polo shirt. Registrants must be members in good standing of Handbell Musicians of America.
Repertoire:
| Canticle of Praise | Brenda Austin | Alfred/Jubilate | 45226 |
| Thy Presence My Light | Sandra Eithun | Beckenhorst Press | HB820 |
| *Rejoice and Be Glad | Mitchell Eithun | Beckenhorst Press | HB863 |
| *Tranquility’s Restoration | Kurt Meyer | Grassy Meadow Music | GMH350007 |
| *You’re My Best Friend | John Deacon/Greg Urban | Sheet Music Plus | Must be purchased from publisher |
*Performed with Distinctly Bronze
Barbara Meinke, a life-long California girl, holds a BA in Music from Cal State Fullerton and has been directing handbell music at Hope Lutheran Church in Temecula, CA for 31 years. Having rung with Timbré Ensemble and Sonos Handbell Ensemble, she now rings regularly in Distinctly Bronze where she was the selected Associate Conductor for March 2020.
A conductor and teacher in her heart and soul, Barbara has performed, taught handbell ringing and musicianship classes, and inspired massed ringers at past HMA National Seminars and handbell events all over the United States and in Germany, including serving as the Advanced Handbell Director for PAM’s Conference on Music and Worship in Montreat, NC in 2016, and as conductor for Area 12 Ringers Conference in 2024. She loves her newest role as Nana and enjoys square dancing, cooking and entertaining, crafting, and traveling. Barbara brings enthusiasm, energy, and superb musicianship to the stage, classroom and podium.
