Congratulations - Area III

May 2012Volume 37, Issue 3thewww.areaiii.orgbell-o-gramArea 3 of the Handbell Musicians of AmericaCongratulationsto our new chair-elect p. 5DELAWARE (DelMarVa)MARYLANDMETRO DCNORTH CAROLINAVIRGINIAPolish Your Ringers p. 13Are YOU Certifiable? p. 11

Area-III.qxd 10/27/08 4:14 PM Page 1WhenIt’s TimeTo TalkAboutBells......Give Us A Ring.“Mickey” Johnson • 3020 Lizzie Melton Road • Chester, SC 29706803-789-RING (7464) • 800-691-RING • Fax: 803-753-9582MJohnson@SchulmerichBells.comNorth & South CarolinaAl Paul • 1450 Springhouse Road • Allentown, PA 18104610-398-9338 • 800-676-9038 • APaul@SchulmerichBells.comEastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, SoutheasternNew York, and the Virginia Peninsula (handbells only)Sam Holland • 801 Lakewater Drive • Richmond,VA 23229804-740-8760 • Fax: 804-741-7587 •SHolland@SchulmerichBells.comVirginia, except the Western Tip; Southern Maryland; Washington, DC;& part of West VirginiaFrank Marshall • 403 Chatsworth Court • Franklin,TN 37064615-790-2883 • 800-382-9865 • Fax: 978-231-8036FMarshall@SchulmerichBells.comEastern Arkansas,Tennessee, Northern Mississippi, NorthernAlabama, & the Western Tip of VirginiaSchulmerich BellsElectronic Carillons • Cast Bells • Handbells®MelodyChime® and MelodyWave® InstrumentsCarillon Hill • PO Box 903 • Sellersville, PA • 18960-0903 • USA215/257-2771 • 800/772-3557 • Fax: 215/257-1910HomeOffice@SchulmerichBells.comwww.SchulmerichBells.comwww.MelodyWave.net

SPRING CONCERTSATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012 – 7:30 pm (Note time change)Meymandi Concert HallProgress Energy Center for the Performing ArtsRaleigh, North CarolinaTickets are available at the Progress Energy Center Box Officeand at Ticketmaster outlets. Early Bird Tickets will be availableuntil May 22 from The Raleigh Ringers (www.rr.org).The Raleigh Ringers is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based onrecommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.THE 24TH ANNUALCAPITAL AREA HANDBELL FESTIVALNOVEMBER 3, 2012Kerr Scott Building, North Carolina State FairgroundsRaleigh, North CarolinaGuest Conductor: Sandra EithunRepertoire:All Glory in the Highest – arr. by Sandra EithunAmazing Grace – arr. by Sandra EithunAngels from the Realms of Glory – arr. by Sandra EithunRejoice! He Is Risen! – Cathy MoklebustSteadfast Assurance – Jason KrugOptional Work for Advanced Choirs:Gloria Hodie – arr. by Julie Turner & Kevin McChesneyFor event details and registration forms, visithttp://cahf.paulmcklveen.com/current.phpUpcoming Area III ConcertsAugust 25, 2012Seaside United Methodist ChurchSunset Beach, North CarolinaAugust 26, 2012Carolina Civic CenterLumberton, North CarolinaSeptember 8, 2012Hylton Performing Arts CenterManassas, VirginiaDecember 1, 2012 – 8:00 pmWright AuditoriumEast Carolina UniversityGreenville, North CarolinaDecember 2, 2012 – 2:00 pmHigh Point UniversityHigh Point, North CarolinaFor complete information on all upcoming concerts and events, please visit our website.www.rr.orgDavid M. Harris, Director8516 Sleepy Creek DriveRaleigh, NC 27613Phone/Fax: 866-637-7464Email: rringer@rr.orgwww.rr.org

Area 3Board of DirectorsChairLynn Bogovich (2013)914 Heatherfield LaneMillersville, MD 21108410-923-6520lbogovich@comcast.netChair-ElectLaura Shelton (2015)113 S. Dickenson Ave.Sterling, VA 20164703-675-1947handbellhog@gmail.comTreasurerNancy Ritter (2013)8916 Wellsley WayRaleigh, NC 27613919-523-7252nlritter@nc.rr.comKyler Brengle (2015)685 Geneva DriveWestminster, MD 21157443-789-9754kbrengle@comcast.netMarilyn B. Converse (2015)14 Eton OverlookRockville, MD 20850301-340-2545ringermc@aol.comDavid Engle (2013)7 Hay Barn RoadStafford, VA 22556540-752-1612dengle912@comcast.netJason A. Harwood (2015)1191 Bird Dog TrailRockwell, NC 28138704-640-2202jasonaharwood@gmail.comFran Underwood (2013)9411 William Kirk LaneBurke, VA 22015703-216-2998funderwood@messiahumc.orgOn the WebNational Websitewww.handbellmusicians.orgArea 3 Websitearea3.handbellmusicians.orgArea 3 WebmasterLawrence Stewartwebmaster@areaiii.orgAppointedAdministratorsDelaware (DelMarVa) ChairLinda Simmskeys2ring@aol.comMaryland ChairKaren Allenbassringer@yahoo.comMetro DC ChairJerry Hilljdeanhill@aol.comNorth Carolina ChairMarilyn Reesemlrncbells@nc.rr.comVirginia ChairPaul Brillpaul@oxhillbaptist.orgChime Loan LiaisonKath Wissingerlongwalk3@aol.comEducational LiaisonLinda Simmskeys2ring@aol.comEvent CoordinatorDebbie Henningdebbiehen@gmail.comEvent RegistrarDebbie Henningdebbiehen@gmail.comHistorianMelissa Nobilestillhouse@hughes.netLayout Design ChairGregg Bogovichgreggbog@comcast.netMedia LibrarianAndy Siegelandy@capitalringers.orgMentor CoordinatorRuella M. Barnesruebarn1@gmail.comMembership ChairLaura Blauchlablauch@gmail.comSecretary to the BoardPeggy Brenglepkbreng@yahoo.comScholarship ChairLinda Lambkenlamb1944@msn.comNow Is the Time For...by Lynn Bogovich, Area Chairlbogovich@comcast.netAs I write this article, it’s mid-March and68 degrees. I’m watching the tomato,eggplant, cabbage, collards, cauliflower,kale, broccoli plants that were plantedindoors grow like crazy. The lettuce and spinach plantsare growing on their own in the cold frames. The garlic isalready sprouting. People are preparing their gardens fortransplanting, getting their gardening tools in shape andhaving maintenance done on the shears, hedge trimmersand lawnmowers.As directors and ringers, what are you doing to plan forsummer and fall? (Or, what are you going to do?)EvaluationHow successful were your fall, Thanksgiving, Advent,Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and/or spring programs?Was the music too hard, too easy, or just right? Are theringers’ abilities improving? Are your directing skillsbecoming tighter and more precise? What has been thereaction of the congregation or concert audiences? Havethe ringers touched someone with their playing?PlanningDo you have more than one musical group in yourorganization? What about coordinating musical piecesbetween vocal choirs (children and adult), handbells, andinstrumentalists? Is there new music published aroundsecular holidays that needs exploring? What “crowdpleasers” have worked well in the past and deserve arevisit? Are you planning on attending a festival next year?When do you start rehearsals for the fall? Can you form anew group to play the easier music in your library?SharpeningAre there a few close churches that would benefit froma handbell workshop or just getting together to ring andshare and observe? Are you going to attend the NationalSeminar this Summer? Do you have ringers who wouldbe interested in starting a duet, trio or quartet ensemble?How about a Read-and-Ring Session on a Saturday?Should you plan a handbell retreat?MaintenanceDo you send your bells off to the manufacturers forcleaning and refurbishment? Do you rehearse throughoutthe summer to keep up the skills everyone learned thispast year? Do the handbells play for church services and/or concerts during the summer? Have you looked into thenursing homes and independent/assisted-living institutionsfor providing entertainment to the residents? Does thegroup need new uniforms or shirts or robes?Wow! I’d better get busy. Summer is just around thecorner!

The Votes Are In:Area 3 Congratulates LauraShelton as our New Chair-Elect!We had a voter return of 24% of our membership. Therewas a very close margin between the two candidates forthe Chair-Elect position. Effective immediately, LauraShelton is our Chair-Elect; please welcome her! Contactinformation may be found on page 4.SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!!!APPLY NOW!!!Area 3 has scholarships available for first-time attendeesto the Area 3 Directors’ Seminar (September 7-8, inFredericksburg, VA) and for first-time attendees to theNational Seminar (July 18-21, in Cincinnati, OH).Qualifications for the scholarships are:• Be a resident of Area 3 (Delaware, Maryland,Washington DC, Virginia, and North Carolina)• Be a member of Handbell Musicians of America• Be directing a handbell choir within Area 3 at the timeof application and at the time of the seminar• Be a first-time attendee to the event for which you applyfor scholarship.Laura SheltonAs Laura moves into her newrole, Paul Brill will take over theleadership duties of the VirginiaState Chair position (please seePaul’s introductory article on page11).Thanks to Paul; and once again,congratulations to Laura!Click here to visit www.areaiii.org/?page_id=443. Thereyou’ll see links to application forms and reference formsfor both scholarships.Information about the events may be found athandbellmusicians.org/events/nationalseminar2012(National Seminar) or www.areaiii.org/?page_id=332(Area 3 Directors’ Seminar).Both scholarships cover significant parts of registration,travel expenses, and lodging.For more information, contact Linda Lamb, ScholarshipChair, at scholarship@area3.handbellmusicians.org or301-863-9265.theJamesRiverRingersHandbell Music for All OccasionsDottie Tweedie, Director(804) 357-9810www.jamesriverringers.orgEmail: jamesriverringers@yahoo.com11001 Continental RoadQuinton, VA 23141a community handbell ensemble servingmetro Richmond, VAConcerts, weddings, entertainment, workshopsAUDITIONSVirginia BronzeCommunityHandbell EnsembleVirginia Bronze will auditionall ringing positionsfor the 2012-2013 season.Tuesday, June 5Wednesday, June 6To receive audition information,email: vab@vabronze.orgcall 1-888-824-2541Your message should include your:name, address, phone #, and emailVirginia Bronze rehearses on Tuesday evenings.Audition times beginning at 7:00 PM each eveningin Arlington, VA.Virginia Bronze is an advanced community handbell choir, ringingon 5+ octaves of handbells and chimes, under the direction ofCarol Feather Martin. Virginia Bronze is a 501(c)3 organization.For more information: www.vabronze.org

Bells In Educationby Linda Simms, Educational Liaisonkeys2ring@aol.comAs a retired music educator, I am wellaware of the educational and social valueof putting chimes (and handbells) into thehands of children and youth. Aside fromthe obvious value of learning how to read music, kids canlearn to work cooperatively together to achieve a commongoal and develop a life-long musical skill in the process. Inaddition, there is a long list of specific musical goals andbenefits as they apply to the National Standards for MusicEducation that is familiar to all music educators. The valueis tremendous.The vision of the Area 3 Board is to put more effort intodeveloping chime programs in Area 3 schools as a means toperpetuate the art of ringing. Area 3 is on the way to makinga difference in the lives of children and in the future ofringing in our five states.Recently, Area 3 Board Member Marilyn Converse and Iwere exhibitors for Area 3 at the Maryland Music EducatorsAssociation conference at the Baltimore Civic Center. Wegreeted and informally “interviewed” numerous musiceducators who stopped by our booth in between concertsand a wide array of classes. We learned about some who hadexisting programs, and discovered many who are interestedin starting programs. This was a great way to further ourgoal to increase chime groups in Area 3. However, to createan inclusive list, we need your help!Here are three things you can do to help:1. Send me the names of schools in your community withexisting handbell/handchime programs.2. Send me the names of schools in your community whoown bells/chimes but have no current ringing program.3. Send me the names of schools in your community thatare interested in starting a chime program.Once these schools have been identified, I will determinehow many schools need mentors to revive programs, andidentify pilot schools in which to begin programs. I will pairmentors to music educators to work together. Meanwhile,the Area 3 Board will determine how many sets of chimescan be purchased, and eventually those chime sets will begiven to qualifying schools. The details are not complete,but the potential is great for music educators who want torevive or begin a new chime program.There is much to be done, but the future of Area 3 willbe more musical with far more ringers as a result of thisongoing quest to put chimes in the hands of our kids!Editor’s Note: If you are interested in starting a programwith “loaner” chimes, you may be eligible to borrow a setof chimes from Area 3 for just that purpose! Please see thearticle on page 10 about our CHIME loan program!Scholarships: life - changingby Linda Lamb,Scholarship Chairkenlamb1944@msn.comI love our national events: NationalSeminar, Pinnacle, Handbell Spectacular,whatever names it’s had from year toyear. I get to visit with handbell friendsthat I see only once a year. We e-mail allyear long, but at the biggest handbell event of the year, wemeet face-to-face, and together we attend great classes andfantastic concerts. We get to share meals and social timestogether. Handbell people are the world’s best.I love Area 3 events – Director’s Seminar, discoveRINGYouth, Adult Festival Conference, BRAVISSIMO!, whateverthey call all those events...oh wait, I’m repeating myself, butyou get the idea: I just love attending handbell events!But it wasn’t always that way. I remember the first eventI ever attended, an Area 3 Directors’ Seminar. I was thewallflower of all time, with a painful smile on my face,wishing the floor would open up and swallow me. (Noteto self: look for people having that same non-experienceat future events and befriend them.) The floor didn’tcooperate, and I survived.So what happened between the painful experience andthe present situation? I attended more events. I tookgroups to festivals. I was awarded the Area 3 scholarshipand attended my first national event in Spokane back in1997. I volunteered to help at events, or on the local levelas a district chair or state chair. And in all that doing, I metpeople. And I met them again at the next event. And thenext, and the next, and we became friends.So how can you get started? By applying for a scholarshipto attend either the National Seminar in Cincinnati (July18-21) or the Area 3 Directors’ Seminar in Fredericksburg(September 7-8). Check out scholarship information atwww.areaiii.org/?page_id=443 for more information.Click on “Scholarship Application and Scholarship Form”at the bottom of that page for the forms you need to apply.To apply you must meet the following requirements:• Be a resident of Area 3• Be a member of the Handbell Musicians of America, Inc.• Be directing a handbell choir within Area 3 at the time ofapplication and at the time of the event• Be a first-time attendee to the event you’re applying for.For more information about the events:National Seminar:www.handbellmusicians.org/events/nationalseminar2012/Area 3 Directors’ Seminar: www.areaiii.org/?page_id=332.About that 1997 National Seminar: when I returned home, Iwas asked by friends if I now knew everything there was toknow about handbells. I replied, “No, but I’ve been in thepresence of those who do.” So now it’s your turn to soak upthat knowledge – apply for a scholarship! (See also page 5.)

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What’s Shakin ’ UPCOMING GUILD EVENTSWhen What Where WhoJune 8-9 BRAVISSIMO! Floris UMC Michael J. GlasgowHerndon, VAContact Al Reese at 757-416-2478 or aloreese@cox.netJuly 18-21 Handbell Musicians of Duke Energy Convention Center variousAmerica National Seminar Cincinnati, OHContact the National Office at 800-878-5459 or visit www.handbellmusicians.orgJuly 31-August 4 15th International Liverpool variousHandbell Symposium Merseyside, EnglandContact the National Office at 800-878-5459 or visit www.handbellmusicians.orgSeptember 7-8 Area 3 Fredericksburg Hospitality House Deborah CarrDirectors SeminarFredericksburg, VAContact David Engle at 540-752-1612 or dengle912@comcast.netSeptember 29 Ringers Church of the Brethren Ron BellamyWorkshopFrederick, MDContact Debbie Henning at 410-848-5482 or debbiehen@gmail.comOctober 4-7 Distinctly Bronze Riverfront Convention Center David WeckEastNew Bern, NCContact the National Office at 800-878-5459 or visit www.handbellmusicians.orgNovember 2-3 Capital Area NC State Fairgrounds Sandra EithunHandbell FestivalRaleigh, NCContact Marilyn Reese at 919-846-6406 or mlrncbells@nc.rr.comNovember 10 Mid-Carolinas Sardis Presbyterian Church Monica McGowanHandbell FestivalCharlotte, NCContact Nadja Sefcik-Earl at 704-522-1149 or nadja.sefcik-earl@charchrist.comNovember 16-17 discoveRING Hotel Roanoke & Convention Center Bill AlexanderYouthRoanoke, VAContact Debbie Henning at 410-848-5482 or debbiehen@gmail.comFebruary 28-March 3, 2013 Distinctly Bronze Kitsap Conference Center Jason WellsWestBremerton, WAContact the National Office at 800-878-5459 or visit www.handbellmusicians.orgApril 5, 2013 Synergy New Windsor Middle School Bill PaynNew Windsor, MDContact Debbie Henning at 410-848-5482 or debbiehen@gmail.com

Want Some Chimes? Give It a Shot!Area 3 offers two 3-octave chime sets – complete withinstructional material, beginning scores and a mentor if youwish – for loan to groups wishing to introduce ringing.Places of worship, schools, Scout troops, after-schoolprograms and “at-risk” centers have all recently benefitedfrom the use of these chimes. If you know someone whowould like to experience the joys of ringing, please referthem to the CHIME loan program link at areaiii.org forapplication materials. Application deadline is May 1(applications received after May 1 will be given secondconsideration).If you have quesitons, please contact Kath Wissinger, Area 3CHIME Chair at longwalk3@aol.com.by Al Reese, BRAVISSIMO! Event CoordinatorIn June, BRAVISSIMO!, the Area 3 event for communityand professional ensembles, will return to its “workshop”format: full or partial choirs, as well as individuals, areinvited to come together on June 8 and 9 and be ledthrough repertoire by Area 3’s own Michael J. Glasgow.BRAVISSIMO! will be held at Floris UMC in Herndon, VA.Since this event is geared towards the needs of communityand professional groups, we will focus our classes onadvanced ringing techniques and problem-solving. We’llalso hold some facilitated discussions and sharing relatedto concert programming, publicity and all the non-ringingthings that go into concert preparation: venues, fees,logistics, and stuff you may not have even thought about!I’m not just the event coordinator. I’m a two-timeattendee of the event, and I can tell you from experiencewhat a great opportunity it is to ask questions of othercommunity/professional groups and to share your ownexperiences with others.Register now to be a part of BRAVISSIMO! on June 8 and9, 2012. For more information, please contact me ataloreese@cox.net or 757-416-2478. 10

Who’s The New Guy?by Paul Brill, Virginia Chairpaul@oxhillbaptist.orgI’m sure you are familiar with thechildren’s book Where’s Waldo? Today,glancing at this article, you may bewondering, “Where’s Laura and who iswriting her article?” Let me get you caught up.vaChurch more than 22 years ago. I have enjoyed manyFirst, my name is Paul Brill and I am the new Virginia StateChair for Area 3. Laura Shelton, who so capably filled thisrole, is now the Chair-Elect for Area 3. When Laura movedon to fill her new position, the Board appointed me to takeher place as State Chair. This has all been rather sudden,and some of you may not be aware of these changes.However, everything has now fallen into place and I amdelighted to have this opportunity to serve.To let you know a little bit more about me, I have been amember of AGEHR/Handbell Musicians of America for manyyears and I have been in Area 3 since I came to Chantilly,Virginia to serve as Minister of Music at Ox Hill Baptistdifferent workshops and festivals over the years. I servedon the repertoire selection committee for one of the recentfestivals in Ocean City and I now look forward to serving asthe State Chair to continue the good work here in Virginia.I am just beginning to meet everyone in the Area 3leadership (at least electronically, and I am anxious to meetthem in person). I am also anxious to meet you and discusshow I and the other leaders in Area 3 can help you. Ourcorner of the handbell world has many talented individualsincluding gifted composers, outstanding conductors andmany, many talented and dedicated musicians who ring inbells choirs across the region. In my role as State Chair, Ihope to strengthen our region by working to facilitate anexchange of ideas that will help encourage and support bothexperienced ringers and those new to handbells.So, how can I help you? What questions or challenges areyou facing? What new insights can you share with others?Please let me know and I will do what I can to answer yourquestions and share your wisdom with others so we can allwork together to strengthen the work of Handbell Musiciansof America here in Area 3.North Carolina United MethodistHandbell FestivalMarch 8th & 9th, 2013Methodist University Fayetteville, NCArea 3 Offers Theory CertificationTrack at 2012 Directors’ Seminarby David Engle, Directors’ Seminar Event Chairdengle912@comcast.netPlan now to attend the Area 3 Director Seminar: September7-8, 2012 at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House andConference Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Deborah Carr willbe the guest clinician and offers great insight and perspectivein her class offerings. Area 3’s own Ann Y. Schmidt will alsooffer classes to develop skills for new directors.In addition, Area 3 has a unique opportunity for attendeesat this event: we will offer the Basic Theory Certificationtrack (3 classes), taught by Michael Glasgow. This track isopen to all attendees but is specifically targeted to thoseseeking Level 1 Certification by the Handbell Musiciansof America certification program. The program kicked-offat the National Seminar in Minneapolis last July and waswell received. Michael’s theory class was one of severalcourses presented. If you have not previously reviewed theinformation on the Certification program, you should do soas soon as you can at www.handbellmusicians.org/musicresources/handbell-musician-certification.You must beenrolled in the certification program to obtain credit for theclasses. You do not have to be from Area 3 to attend thesesessions (although we hope to fill many of the seats withArea 3 directors). A minimum of 6 participants must beregistered for this class by August 3 for this track to beoffered. There will be an additional charge of $100 perregistrant for this track above the cost of the Seminar.The Certification track will begin at 10:00 a.m. on September7 (prior to the official event opening), so attendees need toarrive in time to sign in for the first class. Attendance at allthree of the sessions is required to receive the certificationcredit, unless you choose to try to “test out” of this track byattending only the last (testing) session. Cost for the “testonly” option is $50. You still must preregister for the theoryclass so that we can provide a suitable classroom facility atthe venue. Watch www.areaiii.org for the event brochure,which will contain the registration information.We will also offer classes for new directors, techniquesessions, a reading session, and roundtable discussions toshare ideas and solutions. Be sure to join us in historicFredericksburg for this informative and educational event.Repertoire, Brochure & Registration form will beavailable early Summer, 2012http://www.fummwa.nccumc.netContact Person: Mark Gourley 919-920-3305markgourley1984@gmail.com11

Bells In Worshipby Jerry Hill, Metro DC Chairjdeanhill@aol.comMuch discussion has been had recentlyon the use of bells in worship. Is therea place for them with the current trendsin worship styles? Is bell music stillmeaningful to the listener, or has the art form seen its day?A few years ago, I became the director of a handbell groupwhich had been given the name Adoration Ringers. Ienvisioned my yearly goals, planned my budget, and penneda schedule each year with a concert at the end of the bellseason. I meet weekly with my group of 12 to 15 membersand organized rehearsals to meet our goals for the monthlyperformance in our worship services. I charted specialconcerts during Advent and Lent season. I never stopped toask the question, “What is the meaning of our name?”Afterdcpausing to reflect on the meaning of “adoration,” Isoon realized that we were representing worship. Did thefounding members or music director have some particularmessage in the group? Where did the name come from? Isoon came to the realization that someone just liked thename and thought it was a great name to call the group.I began to search deeper as to what were we doing. Werewe just gathering to play together? Did we have a messageto share? Did we have a love for the unique art form? As Ibegan to reflect on the members of the group, names andfaces of current and former members came to my attention.I begin to analyze why we came together. It was to worship.Commitment. Worship is usually understood as areverence or regard for something, maybe a deity or God.Many bell members come to their rehearsals week after weekbecause they are committed to the art form.Compassion. They love what they do. They sense a needto belong. Some members feel a need to share their talentswith their Creator. They desire to understand the emotionswithin the score and provide meaning to the listeners.Concentration. True worship offers individualsopportunities for solitude and reflection. The listenersescape to new zones of emotional meaning and refreshingof the spirit. They reach peak experiences with selfactualization.Context. Carefully considering a composition, with theringers’ abilities and the appreciation of intended audiencesin mind, helps create genuine worship through the art form.It is not something that just happens. It must be plannedwith flexibility with the result.Curriculum. We must prepare the spirit for worship. Thisis a developmental process. Our music selections mustreflect the audience that will hear us.Are bells for worship? Definitely! We must be good stewardsin our endeavors to create meaningful music.Springtime inNorth Carolinaby Marilyn Reese, North Carolina Chairmlrncbells@nc.rr.comBudding trees, blooming flowers,rainbow colors, heavenly scents, crashingthunder, brilliant white lightning, softrain, and warm air all announce the beauty of spring.These visual scenes remind me of the many facets of musicneeded to elicit the best in musical interpretation. Throughcrescendos, decrescendos, tempo, rhythm, ritards, andtechniques, we add “color” to music....including handbellmusic.From years of attending handbell events, I have heardnational-level clinicians strive to educate us in the best ofhandbells. Christine Anderson (solo ringer) advocateslearning everything (not just notes, but phrasing anddynamics) starting in the very first rehearsal. Bill Paynpreaches the art of expression in handbell ringing. HartMorris values accurate rhythms. Tim Waugh stresses preciseringing techniques. Michael Glasgow strives for the messagebehind the music. Charm Peterman promotes teachingyour brain to read the music perfectly before even ringing abell. Fred Gramann hopes you will develop a rapport withyour director (meaning heads up and watch the director).I hope you have experienced the joy and rewards ofworking with clinicians at Guild events. They bring artisticskills to mastering handbell ringing. Just ringing notes isnot acceptable! (Or even all that enjoyable, once you’veexperienced what else you can accomplish!)What happens if we just ring the right notes at the righttime? We play as loud cymbals! The beauty of our art formis in its expression. Have you heard the Raleigh Ringers?The appropriate expression brought to each piece of musiccreates life in the offering. Just ringing the right note at theright time does not achieve quality handbell ringing.How do we bring the many elements of ringing together?Start with the Guild’s Handbell and Handchime Notationbooklet (AGR101), which defines the correct ringingtechniques noted in our handbell music, techniques thathave evolved and changed to an accepted standard. Studythis text and ensure you know what all of those symbolsmean, and how to execute them properly.Next, open your music to the first measure and to the lastpage. These are the two critical parts most of our audienceswill remember. To begin, rehearse slowly and methodically,including all techniques and dynamic levels. Memorizethe beginning and ending challenging measures so youcan watch the director for cues. As the music is mastered,increase the tempo until the stated tempo is achieved.Voilà! Success! Satisfaction! Joy! Fun!I wish you a spring of beautiful, expressive ringing; a springin your ring; and results that spring you into successfulringing!12

Summer Vacation? Huh?by Linda Simms, DelMarVa Chairkeys2ring@aol.comPacking up the bells for the summer doesnot mean that we’re “done ‘til September.”It just means that we’re pausing to getready for the next semester or church year.As you take a break from ringing, I hope you take advantageof this time to reflect over the past season before you planfor the next! Before you break out the flip-flops and tanktops, how about looking forward and making a few plans?Summer is a great time for:••••••Planning the year ahead with more great music!Listening to all of those demo CDs that have piled up.Studying books on conducting, music theory, etc.Developing a strategy for recruiting new ringersGetting the bells refurbished or really polished!Planning the handbell events to attend (to include thosefor ringers and those for directors only!)Exploring the Area 3 and Guild websites to see whatyou’ve been missingOrganizing the music files to make your life easierCleaning out the handbell rehearsal room or storagearea (with help!)Inspecting the mallets, bell handles, and all otherequipment to determine what needs to be fixed orreplaceddmvVisiting Malmark or Schulmerich in Pennsylvania! (Call•••••ahead and they’ll be glad to give you a tour...)• Rejuvenating!As the director of a community group, Capital Ringers, I amalso accustomed to looking beyond the coming year, anddeveloping our three-year and five-year strategic plans tokeep us focused. Regardless of the type(s) of choir(s) orensemble(s) you work with, goals are necessary if you wantto make significant progress. For example, as a performingensemble, we have included goals such as:•••••Participate in more collaborative concerts with otherperforming groupsDevelop a plan for workshops for youthImprove visual image while performingCommission a new workFeature high school musicians in concertYou can start by determining some goals that would “raisethe bar” for your group such as attaining a particular level,utilizing more instrumentalists from the congregation orcommunity, or doing more outreach into your community.Planning out the next three to five years can put you andyour ensembles on a solid path to greater improvementand amazing accomplishments and contributions. Lookingbeyond the coming year gives us a plan for the “big picture.”So, although summer is a great time to rest and relax, thereis much to be done! I think I’ll take a book on conductingwith me on vacation this summer! What about you?Ringers Need Polishing(and refurbishing), Too!by Karen Allen, Maryland Chairhandbellsinsomd@yahoo.comAfter every practice or performance, wemake sure that we polish all of our bells.Why? Does a polished bell actually ringany better than a tarnished one covered in fingerprints?Possibly, “but not so’s ya’d notice.” The major benefitfrom polishing the bells from the performance aspect ismore about appearance: brightly flashing, shiny bells aredefinitely more appealing and inspiring than ones that looklike old saucepans! So, how can that apply to us as ringers?“Polished” is not just about how we look, but realizingwe’ll look (and sound) much better if we know what weare doing and do it correctly. I have seen quite a numberof choir members using the “dropped wrist” instead ofholding the bell upright and ringing in a “circular” motion.mdThis gave the impression that they were either completelyexhausted or couldn’t care less about what they were doing(sort of like having tarnished bells, no “bright and shiny”).And being able to hear or see ringers or directors countingthe beats is a bit like having a wad of gum stuck on the bell:it’s distracting, to say the least!Just as that bells get tiny chips, dings and scratches,clappers get misaligned with the strikepoint, felts wearout, and springs get slack, over time, bell choirs needrefurbishing, also. Nicks and dings and scratches may gounnoticed for a while, but they’ll accumulate to the pointwhere it noticeably affects the quality of your music.In the beginning, you work a choir up to a certain speedand polish. Then new ringers come in, old ones dropout, people either stay in one position forever, or ring in anew position due to the changing makeup of the choir. Astime goes along it may go unnoticed that we have slowlyreached a point at which not every member is adept atspecific techniques, has not had good grounding in trickymeter reading, etc. In short, your music quality suffers andyour choir now needs refurbishing! And the absolute bestway to do this is to continue working on techniques (newand old), not just when they happen along in a new pieceof music, but on a regular, planned basis. If you merelytake five minutes to work on a technique only when youneed it for a specific song, that ability will have been lost bythe time you need it again.However, if the director will take 10-15 minutes at thebeginning of each and every rehearsal to diligently workevery member of the choir on a specific technique (yes,move them around so that your bass ringers learn tothumb damp those tiny 7s and the high trebles knowhow to weave in the bass section), there will be no needto stop the entire practice when you come upon one ofthese techniques in the middle of new piece; they will havebecome second nature. No need to send the choir back tothe manufacturer for several months for refurbishing!13

The Seventeenth AnnualMid-Carolinas Handbell Festivalendorsed by the handbell musicians of americaSaturday, November 10Sardis Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NCIn the Notebooks...Andante in F Minormichael helmangia 7634Angel Tidingscynthia dobrinskiagape/hope 1215Coventry Carolsandra eithunconcordia 97-7311Come, Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessingcathy moklebustconcordia 97-6925Do You Hear What I Hear?alan lohrgia 7985 (3 oct.) or 7827 (4-7 oct.)On the Podium...For more information or to register, contactNadja Sefcik-Earl(704-522-1149 or nadja.sefcik-earl@charchrist.com)Monica McGowan took her music educationbackground (bachelor of science, Music Education,Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska) andfound her life's passion in handbells. More thana quarter century later, she is a ringer, director,clinician and conductor. Whether it is for theHandbell Musicians of America, the InternationalMusic Camp, as the Master Bell Technician atRinging Restorations or as the founding Artisticand Music Director for Twin Cities Bronze,McGowan brings her extensive training, experienceand enthusiasm for handbells and handchimes toevery forum and venue.14

Greetings to Area IIIMalmark HandbellsChoirchime® InstrumentsRinging AccessoriesMalmark, Inc. - BellcraftsmenBell Crest ParkP. O. Box 1200Plumsteadville, PA 18949800- HANDBEL (426-3235)215-766-7200www.malmark.comChoirchime® is a registered trademark by Malmark, Inc.for its hand-held chime instrument.Letters (or, this month, the advice column): Take the Plungeby Michael J. Glasgow • michael@michaeljglasgow.comabcdefghIn the February issue of The Bell-O-Gram, Ididn’t run my usual Letters column. Spacewas tight, and I didn’t have anything terriblyexciting to share (not anything related tohandbells, anyway).Tonight, all seems very still in Raleigh. Themoon is bright, but the only sound is theclicking of my computer keys as I type thisarticle. I’m painting this scene for youbecause, ironically, I have absolutely no idea what I’m goingto say in this article. I’m just typing. Frankly, I’m kind oftrying to fill space. And that just prompted me to think ofsomething from college: “Dive in,” I used to say back in myjournalism days. “If there’s no water in the pool, you’ll stillhave an amazing story to tell — assuming you live to tell it.”ijklmnopqrstuvwxyzBAM! Just got my idea. Let’s talk about what happenswhen you don’t exactly know what to do, what to say, whichdirection to go. It can be applied to music as easily as writing;frankly, it can be applied to any creative process. The very actof doing something can spark more creativity. (Now my head’sswirling with ideas, and I’m wondering if I’ll be able to fit it allinto the no-longer-large-at-all space before me, which is almosthalfway gone. Maybe I’ll scrap this and you’ll never even readthese words, because I’ll have to rework my whole opening?Who knows? Let’s continue on and find out.)When you don’t know what to do — whether it’s how totackle assignments for a new piece, or how to juggle rehearsalamong all of your other to-do-list items, or how to get startedon that new composition, or where to begin in getting yourscholarship application in, or how to get a group togetherto attend a festival — it’s often that making the consciousdecision to “dive in” is the hardest part. The Nike ads usedto say “Just Do It.” Not bad advice. As you take that plunge,you build a momentum behind what you’re doing. Thingsstart coming together, or at the very least, you learn what’snot working and head in another direction. But you’re doingsomething, rather than sitting there bemoaning all you have todo, or that you can’t do it, or that you’re overwhelmed by it.Next thing you know, you’re three-quarters of the way there,and discover that you’re actually coming along with somethingpretty worthwhile. Suddenly, the end is in sight and the taskisn’t so daunting. You realize, through the creative process,that you have an energy about you by which others can befueled. And fuel, especially when it’s not $4 a gallon, is good.What are you struggling with today? Is there a huge list oftasks before you that you’re procrastinating doing becausethe list is too big? Well, a few more pages and you can crossoff “Read The Bell-O-Gram.” And then just “dive in.” Picksomething else and go for it! You’ll find that at the end of theday, more is accomplished and your confidence has increased!15

CONNECT WITHTHE COMMUNITYMalmark HandbellsChoirchimes©AccessoriesSALESonline handbell resourcesEXPERT MAINTENANCE SERVICEWORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONSShirley and Bob Ivey3738 Cypress Club Dr, D-506, Charlotte, NC 28210704-395-5958 704-641-2718e-mailRing4Fun@AOL.comJoin Virginia Bronze, underthe direction of Carol Feather Martin,for a percussive handbell concert!I ’ v e G o t R h y t h m . . .I ’ v e G o t M u s i c !with featured percussionist Doug Wallace4 pm Sunday, June 3 2012George Washington MasonicMemorial Auditorium101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria VATickets available at the door or onlinew w w . v a b r o n z e . o r gCLICK HEREto check out Area 3 on16

Westminster Ringers, Inc.Celebrate with theA Maryland Handbell EnsembleWestminster Ringerswith theFestivamente!Saturday, June 2 nd.7:30 p.m.Scott Theater, Carroll Community College1601 Washington Rd., Westminster, MD 21157Upcoming Events — Register now — Details onlineRinger’s WorkshopRon Bellamy, ClinicianSaturday, September 29, 2012Frederick Church of the Brethren201 Fairview Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701An event for adult and high school ringersin full or partial choirs, and individuals.Some required repertoire.Accelerandois looking for new members!Doors open at 7:00 p.m.See our website for ticket availability and pricing, or call the number below.Discount with advanced purchase.Open Ring with the Westminster RingersJune 7, 2012Westminster Church of the Brethren1 Park Place, Westminster, MD 21157Please contact the director to arrange for an audition.Read and Ringwith Larry and Debbie HenningAugust 11, 2012Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church17455 Old Frederick Rd., Mt. Airy, MD 21771This intermediate handbell ensemble, sponsored byWestminster Ringers, Inc., is looking for ringers.Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7 PM.For more information, contact Debbie Henning.For more information about all events and additional concerts, inc. our Open Ring, please visit our website or contact:Debbie Henning 737 Holland Lane Westminster, MD 21158 410-848-5482westminsterringersdirector@gmail.com www.thewestminsterringers.orgWe’re looking forward to seeing you this year!The Westminster Ringers, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Area 3 Welcomes 35 New Members!New in TownDELAWARE/DELMARVA (3)Shelley Reel, Easton, MDSt. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes, DEWestminster Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DEMARYLAND (3)Linda Franklin, ThurmontErcelle Mayner, BeltsvilleFriendship Church of the Brethren, Glen BurnieMETRO DC (9)Joy L. Dotson, Round Hill, VAKaren Hammond, Fairfax, VAJanice Lent, Bethesda, MDLisa G. Smith, Arlington, VABethel Lutheran Church, Manassas, VACampanology Creations, Woodbridge, VAClifton Presbyterian Church, Clifton, VAPresbyterian Church of the Atonement, Silver Spring, MDSt. Jane Frances De Chanta, Bethesda, MDNORTH CAROLINA (12)John R. Crawley, AshevilleMisti Kai Gwynne, CharlotteLisa Phillips, RaleighSaralinda K. Y. Woo, RaleighFirst Baptist Church, AshevilleFirst Presbyterian Church, High PointFirst Presbyterian Church, WilmingtonFirst United Methodist Church, Rocky MountPiedmont Irish Children’s Summer Program, GreensboroRed Springs Presbyterian Church, Red SpringsSamaria Baptist Church, MiddlesexTrinity Lutheran Church, LandisVIRGINIA (8)Veronica L. Allison, FredericksburgGreg Guinther, RichmondKathy Merithew, Cobbs CreekSusan Weis, MidothianMaryann Wolfe, HarrisonburgBeulah United Methodist Church, RichmondMechanicsville Presbyterian Church, MechanicsvilleSt. Michael Lutheran Church, Virginia BeachHelp us stay in touch with you! If you have moved or your information has changed, please contact Katie Schlegel(1-800-878-5459x112 or kschlegel@handbellmusicians.org) to ensure that we have your current information.Advertising in the bell-o-gram is an awesome way toreach more than 1000 readers, all with an interest inhandbells!The readership is alerted via e-mailwhen the magazine is published to theInternet (four times a year), and eachissue affords opportunities for highresolution,full-color ads — linkeddirectly to your website at no extracharge!The September issue, coming up next,rounds out this publishing year. Butdepending on your planning, you maybe able to snag a booking discount of 20%.If you are interested in receiving rates, dimensionsand mechanicals, please see the info at right, andcontact editor Michael Glasgow at 919-845-0303 ormichael@michaeljglasgow.com.the bell-o-gram is published in November, February,May and September by Area 3 of the HandbellMusicians of America, a non-profit organizationdedicated to advancing the musical art ofhandbell and handchime ringingthrough education, community andcommunication. The editor reservesthe right to reject/modify copy & ads.THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISINGRESERVATIONS FOR THESEPTEMBER ISSUEIS JULY 20.Advertising Rates: 2011-2012 Publishing YearFull page: $105 Half page: $75Quarter page: $55 Eighth page: $35Four-issue bookings receive a discount; please inquire.18