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ABOUT HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA

Who We Are

Our Mission

Handbell Musicians of America is dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community and communication.

Our History

Our History

The love and enthusiasm for handbells in America sprang from the hands of Margaret Shurcliff of Boston, Massachusetts. In 1902, she became the first American woman to ring a complete peal on tower bells in England. She also rang two peals on handbells, and she was presented with a set of eight Whitechapel English handbells, which she continued to expand. Margaret introduced many friends to the joys of handbell ringing, and her Beacon Hill Ringers, consisting of five of her six children and several friends, became well known for their annual Christmas caroling on Beacon Hill.

Administrative Team

Handbell Musicians of America has a staff of four full-time and four part-time team members. The staff is fully remote, and located throughout the country. The HMA Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM eastern.

Grian Childers

Brian Childers

Music Advisor

Handbell Musicians of America

Kim Braswell

West Regional Membership Coordinator, Operations Assistant

Handbell Musicians of America

Mya Dundzila

East Regional Membership Coordinator

Handbell Musicians of America

Vickie Iverson

Administrative Assistant & Area Event Coordinator

National Board of Directors

The Handbell Musicians of America Board of Directors operates under John Carver’s Policy Governance© model and consists of a president, president-elect, and five at-large members. Each member serves the board for a total of six years. Elections occur every three years so that member terms are rotated.