Pinnacle Class Topic Ideas
These class ideas came from public sessions with HMA members when asked for their input about topics that would interest them for Pinnacle 2025. This list is meant to inspire ideas for classes, and is not all-encompassing. If you have a class idea that is not on this list, please do submit it for consideration.
Pinnacle places its primary emphasis on the performance elements of handbell artistry. The event also focuses on the organization and maintenance of various types of ensembles.
It is important to know that Pinnacle 2025 is for all people who perform with handbells – ringers, directors, church groups, professional ensembles, community groups, soloists, school groups, and more.
You can download this list as a PDF DOCUMENT.
Go to application HERE.
CONCERT & PERFORMANCE
- Audio recording
- Video recording/livestreams
- How to work with your videographer to understand the instrument and music
- Licensing and Permissions
- Lighting and sound design
- Stage presence/appearance/costuming
- Managing performance anxiety
- Effective programming
- Between song banter
- Public speaking
- Repertoire to engage your audience
ADMINISTRATION
- Building a financially stable and sustainable non-profit program
- Steps for setting up a 501c3
- Managing a non-profit organization
- Paid staff, volunteers
- Required administrative reporting
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Budget development
- Organizational
- Event
- Bylaws, governance, and leadership
- Data management and document storage
- Google Workspace for non-profits
- Marketing and communications
- How to effectively use social media
- Website management
- Effective modes of communication with the community/ensemble/stakeholders
- Using social media and AI to cultivate and educate your audience
- Brand Development
- Fundraising
- Sponsorships
- Grants
- Activities
- Leadership development
ENSEMBLE DEVELOPMENT & MAINTENANCE
- Artistic Personnel
- How to select a director
- Incorporating other instruments and performers
- Collaborating with other musical groups
- Recruiting ensemble members
- Establishing a Copper/Tin ensemble
- Value of working at an appropriate level
- How to build a copper/tin level community group
- Group Dynamics
- What is your group’s purpose
- Setting common goals
- Creating a culture of inclusion/kindness/trust
- Building community within the group and socializing
- Working through conflict
- Audience and Community
- Who do you perform for and how do you reach them
- Building audience
- Community involvement
- Auditions and evaluation
- Rehearsal management
- How and when to transition from learning to performing music
- Rehearsal expectations/efficiency
- Knowing when to make a change
- Strategies for approaching difficult passages/rhythms/meters
- Musicality at all levels
- Position assignments
EVENTS
- Producing Events
- Planning and executing events
- How to run a festival
- Including individual ringers in your event design and outreach
- Co-presenting events with artistic partners
- Touring and “On the Road” Performances
- Insurance
- Transportation
- Fundraising
- Managing logistics
- Attending Events
- What festivals are good for your ensemble?
- Steps for bringing your group to an event
- Borrowing equipment/what to bring
ARTISTIC TECHNIQUES & STRATEGIES
- Classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- Classes for various age-levels including pre-school, elementary, secondary, post-secondary, adult
- Ringing Techniques
- Weaving
- 4-in-hand
- Bass bell ringing
- Bell trees
- Conducting
- Mass ringing conducting
- Composition
- Arranging
- Choosing repertoire
TECHNOLOGY
- How to use digital scores software specific
- ForScore on iOS
- Mobile Sheets for Android
- Musescore