Dr. William Payn (2005) With more than 30 compositions to his credit, one of Dr. Payn’s major contributions to Handbell Musicians of America has been to write quality music that “raises the bar” for handbells. His compositions also help to bridge the divide between the world of handbells and other types of music. Several years ago, he wrote “Heart Melodies,” possibly the first original work for handbells and orchestra, which was performed by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in 2002.
Dr. Payn is a professor of music, director of choral Studies, and chair of the department of music at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he directs the Rooke Chapel Choir and Rooke Chapel Ringers. Both choirs have performed all over the world and have appeared nationally on public television. He is also the director and conductor of Susquehanna Valley Chorale and Orchestra.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments, awards, and recognitions, Dr. Payn has been the festival conductor and clinician at many Guild events. He is always in great demand as a clinician, teacher, and conductor; one Handbell Musicians of America member states that Bill Payn has “calm, quiet conducting—easy and free in motion and conveying no tension to the ringers, a caring attitude for each person in the group, and an insistence on the very best participation from each person in the choir—never accepting second best. He has a winning combination of intelligence, confidence, knowing the music well, and bringing forth the best from his students.”
Dr. William Payn’s life experiences show that he has a vision for the art of handbell ringing that is compatible with the Handbell Musicians of America mission to further the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication.