Linda McKechnie has made numerous contributions to our organization, serving the Handbell Musicians of America at both the area and national levels. She was chair of area 9 and also served as president of the national board from 1987 to 1989. At that time, the area chairs served on the national board at meetings, and one’s term as president included two years as president-elect, two years as president, and two years as past president. During her term on the national board, Linda was in charge of planning both the National Seminar and the National Festival. She was instrumental in organizing the Master Classes to allow enough time to adequately cover specific topics. She has also served as conductor and clinician for several national and area Guild events. Through her generous support and enthusiasm for visioning projects, others have been encouraged to participate in the Legacy Society, scholarship programs to assist members in attending events in the areas of education and special populations, and the current New Initiatives program. Linda has numerous published handbell arrangements to her credit, including many for handbells plus brass or orchestra. She is a pioneer in expanding the repertoire for the combination of handbells and other instruments. She is also an author of curriculum for the current Handbell Musicians of America certification program.
