Handbells: fraugHt witH peril - Area III

May 2011Volume 36, Issue 4thewww.areaiii.orgbell-o-gramArea 3 of the Handbell Musicians of AmericaHandbells:fraught with peril? p. 13DELAWAREMARYLAND2012: events galore! pp. 5-6METRO DCNORTH CAROLINAVIRGINIAMusings from national seminarand distinctly teen pp. 14 & 16

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Area IIIBoard of DirectorsChairLinda Simms (2011)205 Carnoustie RoadDover, DE 19904302-677-0187keys2ring@aol.comChair-ElectLynn Bogovich (2013)914 Heatherfield LaneMillersville, MD 21108410-923-6520lbogovich@comcast.netTreasurerNancy Ritter (2013)8916 Wellsley WayRaleigh, NC 27613nlritter@nc.rr.comKen Bissell (2011)5416 Sequoia Farms DriveCentreville, VA 20120703-751-2151kenbhandbells@aol.comNick Hanson (2011)7812 Freehollow DriveFalls Church, VA 22042703-207-8626tintinnabulator@gmail.comKathie Metz (2013)10113 Daventry DriveCockeysville, MD 21030410-667-4971kmetz@towsonumc.orgMelissa Nobile (2011)10230 Stillhouse RoadDelaplane, VA 20144540-364-3699stillhouse@hughes.netFran Underwood (2013)9411 William Kirk LaneBurke, VA 22015703-569-0542funderwood@messiahumc.orgOn the WebNational AGEHR Websitewww.agehr.orgArea III Websitewww.areaiii.orgArea III WebmasterLawrence Stewartwebmaster@areaiii.orgAppointedAdministratorsDelaware ChairLydia Hazeltinearea3delrep@yahoo.comMaryland ChairLinda Lambkenlamb1944@msn.comMetro DC ChairCarol Smileycjs1955@cox.netNorth Carolina ChairMarilyn Reesemlrncbells@nc.rr.comVirginia ChairNed Davisnededavis@cox.netChime Loan ChairKath Wissingerlongwalk3@aol.comEducational LiaisonSally Tarrstarr@bcps.orgEvent CoordinatorDebbie Henningdebbiehen@gmail.comEvent RegistrarDebbie Henningdebbiehen@gmail.comHistorianMelissa Nobilestillhouse@hughes.netLayout Design ChairGregg Bogovichgreggbog@comcast.netMedia LibrarianAndy Siegelandysiegel@comcast.netMentor CoordinatorIngrid Bowersringingb@verizon.netMembership ChairLaura Blauchlablauch@gmail.comSecretary to the BoardPeggy Brenglepkbreng@yahoo.comScholarship ChairEd Tompkinsetompkin@aol.comContagious Enthusiasmby Linda Simms, Area Chairkeys2ring@aol.comWhenever I talk to a new director, I’mreminded of how much I didn’t knowwhen I started to work with handbellsand handchimes. I’ve learned a trick ortwo along the way, and am always happyto share (handbell enthusiasts frequently are!), so heresome good tips I have received through the years:• Create a “festival choir” if you have partial groups inyour community who want to go to an Area 3 festival.This is great if the entire group cannot attend.• Invite a new director in your town to lunch. Offer tohelp. Take them to an Area 3 Directors Seminar!• Plan a “Rookie Ring” workshop with local colleaguesin your town or city for new ringers from differentgroups. Before you know it, they’ll be ready for the“Genesis Track” at one of the Area 3 Festivals!• Organize a new small event in your town or city.Individual choirs can prepare 2-3 pieces, the entiregroup prepares 2-3 pieces together, and you have afabulous concert! Take a love offering for the localshelter or food pantry.• Create a tradition that accompanies your concert.How about a mitten & hat tree for Christmas? Ormake admission a bag of non-perishable food items forthe local food pantry.• Collaborate with another musical group for a concert.Look around your community and find a recorderconsort, string quartet, hammered-dulcimer player, orcommunity band to join you.• Need more children or youth for your choirs?Organize a Saturday morning community musicworkshop for a specific age range. Include rhythmgames, instrument “petting zoo,” chimes, bells, andother fun activities and snacks. Invite local musicteachers to help. End the morning with a “sharingtime” for parents and friends to join you.• Videotape your group during rehearsal. Focus on eachringer in a segment and share with each ringer his orher own segment, to let them “see what you see!”• There is power in chocolate! If someone goes on avacation, is late to rehearsal or ________, they mustbring chocolate to the next rehearsal. You determinethe “crime,” and they deliver the goods!• Seek out local clinicians and invite them to doworkshops for your group (or invite other groups anduse the time for networking, too).• Set up a Facebook page for your ensemble(s). It’s agreat way to connect to other handbell enthusiasts andhelps to “fill the seats” in church or concerts!• Check out www.areaiii.org frequently for festivals,seminars, workshops and concerts. There are dozensof opportunities to learn and enjoy our art.• Find a better way to organize your files andequipment. If you need ideas, talk to a “seasoned”director who probably has lots of them! Some ofthe best tips can be heard over lunch at DirectorsSeminars!(continued)

• Consider what you can do to educate and enlightenadministrators in your local schools into supportingthe purchase of chimes for their music program.Chimes are an excellent teaching tool. Locate a musiceducator who wants to start a chime program andthen contact the Area 3 board to help!• Need more ringers? Find locations where you canperform for others in the community. A highlysuccessful way to get new ringers is to do programsfor the library, a civic organization, school, veteran’shome, retirement community, etc. Taking bells out ofthe building is a move in the right direction to exposeothers to handbells!• Ask your ringers to establish individual goals forthemselves for the year. Ask the group to set goals forthe year, too. Post everyone’s goals as a reminder andreview them at the end of the year.• Encourage ringers to practice at home. (Did I hearyou laugh?) You can contact the Ultimate Ring Binder(www.ultimateringbinder.com) and order a CD ofall your pieces for the year. It’s a minimal cost, but agreat tool for ringers who need the help! Remember,there’s a difference between practice and rehearsal!• Join the Handbell-L Internet discussion board.Subscribe by e-mailing handbell-l+subscribe@googlegroups.com.• Contact a community handbell ensemble forassistance. Most include educational outreach in theirmission statements and are happy to help!• Take a close look at the Area 3 festival information onour website. If you’re not a ringer, you can sign up forclasses only, and Area 3 is renowned for great classes!SAVE THE DATE!Get Wedded to a 2012 EventOCEAN CITY, MD FESTIVALMarch9 & 102012with DebbieRice and EdTompkinsBLUE RIDGE, NC FESTIVALApril20 & 212012with Michael HelmanMalmark HandbellsChoirchimes©AccessoriesSALESEXPERT MAINTENANCE SERVICEHAMPTON, VA FESTIVALApril27 & 282012with PaulMcKlveenand Al ReeseWORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONSShirley and Bob Ivey3738 Cypress Club Dr, D-506, Charlotte, NC 28210704-395-5958 704-641-2718e-mail Ring4Fun@AOL.comJune 8 & 92012(in Herndon, VA)with Michael J. Glasgow

SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR DATES AND CLINICIANS!OCEAN CITY MASSEDOCEAN CITY GENESISCelebrate With Joy (Dobrinski)All Glory, Laud and Honor (Dobrinski)Agape 2515, 3-5 octaves, Level 3 Agape 2355, 2-3 octaves, Level 2Celtic Noel (Tucker)Gaudio Exsultans (Stephenson)Alfred 33921, 3-5 octaves, Level 3 AGEHR AG35208, 3-5 octaves, Level 2Fantasia on Forest Green (Larson)Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (Thompson)Beckenhorst HB184, 3-5 octaves, Level 3 Agape 1880, 3-5 octaves, Level 2He Leadeth Me (Sherman)Processional on All Things Bright and Beautiful (Page)Agape 2369, 3-6 octaves, Level 3- Choristers Guild CGB657, 3-5 octaves, Level 1Meditation on Beautiful Savior (Moklebust)Still, Still, Still (Moklebust)Choristers Guild CGB175, 3-5 octaves, Level 3 CGB210 (2-3 oct.) or CGB644 (3-5 oct.), Level 2OCEAN CITY BRONZELaudation (Sherman)Shawnee HP5306, 3-5 octavesBLUE RIDGE MASSEDAll Creatures of Our God and King (Eithun)Andante in f minor (Helman)Red River SM7002, 3-5 octaves, Level 3- GIA G-7634, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+Fanfare and Exaltation (Edwards)Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal (Moklebust)Choristers Guild CGB611, 3 or 5 octaves, Level 3 Choristers Guild CGB291, 3-5 octaves, Level 3A Simple Dance (Glasgow)Choristers Guild CGB637 (2-3 octaves) or CGB638 (4-6 octaves), Level 2+HAMPTON MASSEDHAMPTON GENESISCanticle of Praise (Sherman)In Christ Alone (Eithun)AGEHR AG35288, 3-5 octaves, Level 4- Hope 2427, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+Faith, Hope and Love (Moklebust)Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (Thompson)Choristers Guild CGB325, 3-5 octaves, Level 3 Agape 1880, 3-5 octaves, Level 2Song of the Spirit: Play the Sunset (Hakes)Percussive Praise (McChesney)Agape 2523, 3-5 octaves, Level 2+ Choristers Guild CGB311, 2-3 octaves, Level 1+Take My Life and Let It Be (McKlveen)‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (Moklebust)Choristers Guild CG539, 3-5 octaves, Level 3 CGB155 (2-3 oct.) or CGB402 (3-5 oct.), Level 2This Land Is Your Land (McKlveen)Jeffers JHS9358, 3-6 octaves, Level 2+HAMPTON BRONZEFurioso (McKlveen)Jeffers JHS9348, 3-5 octaves, Level 4

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.

Westminster Ringers Westminster RingersA Maryland Handbell Ensemble A Maryland Handbell EnsembleHERE WE GOHERE A’CAROL WE GO RING A’CAROLSEASONAL MUSIC PLUS A GOOD SEASONAL OL’ FASHIONED MUSIC PLUS CAROL A GOODSINGOL’ FASHIONED\WITH THEWestminster Ringers Westminster RingersSaturday, December Saturday, 10 7:30 December p.m. 10 7:30 pScott Theater, Carroll Community Scott Theater, College Carroll Community Colle1601 Washington Rd., Westminster, 1601 Washington MD 21157 Rd., Westminster, MD 211Doors open at 7:00 p.m.\WITH THEDoors open at 7:00 p.m.Check our website for ticket availability and Check pricing, our website or call the for number ticket availability below. Discount and pricing, with advance or call the purchase. number below. DiscouUpcoming Events — Register Upcoming now — Events Details — online Register now — DetailsRead and Ringwith Larry and Debbie HenningRead and Ringer’s Workshopwith Larry and Debbie HenningCarol Feather Martin, ClinicianRinger’s WCarol Feather MAugust 20, 2011August 20, 2011Saturday, September 25, 2011Westminster Baptist Church Westminster Baptist Church354 Crest Lane, Westminster, MD 354 Crest Lane, Westminster, MDFrederick Church of the BrethrenSaturday, SeptFrederick ChurchJoint Concert with Virginia Joint Bronze Concert 201 with Fairview Virginia Avenue, Frederick, Bronze MD 21701 201 Fairview AvenueAn event for adult and high school ringers inOctober 16, 2011 4:00 p.m. October 16, 2011 4:00 p.m.full or partial choirs or for individuals.Geroge Washington Masonic Temple Geroge Washington Masonic Temple101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA 22301 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA 22301Including specially arranged music for Including two choirs. specially arranged music for two choirs.An event for adult andfull or partial choirFor more information on all events and concerts, For more information please visit our on all website events or and contact: concerts, please visit our wDebbie Henning 737 Holland Lane Debbie Henning Westminster, MD 737 21158 Holland Lane 410-848-5482 Westminster, MD 21158westminsterringersdirector@gmail.com westminsterringersdirector@gmail.comwww.thewestminsterringers.org www.thewestminWe’re looking forward to We’re seeing looking you this forward year! to seeing you this yeaThe Westminster Ringers, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit The organization.Westminster Ringers, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

What’s Shakin ’ UPCOMING GUILD EVENTSWhen What Where WhoSeptember 17 Crystal Coast Handbell First Baptist Church David Harris andFestival & Concert Morehead City, NC The Raleigh RingersContact Diane Hawkins at 252-726-4142 or dhawkins@clis.comSeptember 24 Ringers Church of the Brethren Carol Feather MartinWorkshopFrederick, MDContact Debbie Henning at 410-848-5482 or debbiehen@gmail.comOctober 6-9 Distinctly Bronze Riverfront Convention Center Jason WellsEastNew Bern, NCContact the National Office at 800-878-5459 or visit www.agehr.orgOctober 22 Octobering Maple Springs UMC Tim WaughWinston-Salem, NCContact Donna Cooke at 336-727-1222 or dcooke@wnccumc.orgOctober 22 Festival at Sacred Heart Church Ann Y. SchmidtLa PlataLa Plata, MDContact Linda Lamb at 301-863-9265 or kenlamb1944@msn.comNovember 4-5 Capital Area NC State Fairgrounds Fred GramannHandbell FestivalRaleigh, NCContact Marilyn Reese at 919-846-6406 or mlrncbells@nc.rr.comNovember 11-12 Mid-Carolinas Sardis Presbyterian Church Bill GriffinHandbell FestivalCharlotte, NCContact Nadja Sefcik-Earl at 704-522-1149 or nadja@carolina.rr.comNovember 18-19 discoveRING! Youth Cavalier Hotel Larry HenningVirginia Beach, VAContact Laura Shelton at 703-435-4290 or handbellhog@hotmail.comJanuary 20-23, 2012 Master Classes Hotel El Conquistador various& Master SeriesTucson, AZContact the National Office at 800-878-5459 or visit www.agehr.orgMarch 9-10, 2012 Area III Roland E Powell Convention Center Debbie RiceOcean City Festival Ocean City, MD Ed TompkinsContact Debbie Henning at 410-848-5482 or debbiehen@gmail.comMarch 17, 2012 Young Ringers Cranberry Station Elementary Larry HenningWorkshopWestminster, MDContact Debbie Henning at 410-848-5482 or debbiehen@gmail.com

North Carolina United MethodistHandbell FestivalMarch 2nd & 3rd, 2012Methodist University, Fayetteville, NCDavid M. Harris, Guest ConductorRepertoire(Choirs are to purchase music and learn prior to the festival)Jubilation Fanfare Sandra Eithun GIA G-6774 [L2+]Crown of Thorns, Crown of Glory Cathy Moklebust Choristers Guild CGB668 [L3]Now the Green Blade Riseth Kevin McChesney Agape 1892 [L3]Shades of Forest Green Tim Waugh Ring Out! Press RO2115 [L3]Song of Peace Arnold Sherman Red River RRHB0046 [L3+]For Brochure & Registration Form, go to www.fummwa.nccumc.netClick on 2012 Handbell FestivalFor further information, contact Mark Gourley (919) 920-3305.Choralconductor1982@gmail.com.10

Back to BASSicsNed Davis, Virginia Chairnededavis@cox.netNo article was received for this issue ofThe Bell-O-Gram.Composition Contestsponsored byby Al Reese, BRAVISSIMO! Event CoordinatorAREA III WELCOMES ENTRIESFROM ALL COMPOSERS FOR ACOMPOSITION TO BE PREMIEREDAT THE SPRING 2013 FESTIVALS.In 2012, 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 ringing classeson advanced ringing techniques and problem-solving.We’ll also hold some facilitated discussions and sharing ofideas relating to concert programming, publicity and allthe non-ringing things that go into concert preparation:venues, fees, logistics, and stuff you may not have eventhought about yet.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.Save the date now on your calendars, and please plan onparticipating in BRAVISSIMO! on June 8 and 9, 2012. Formore information, please contact me at aloreese@cox.netor 757-416-2478.GENERALGUIDELINES•••••••••••Two compatible scores:for 2-3 octaves, and for 3-5 octavesLevel 1+ to 2 (2-3 Oct) andLevel 3 (3-5 Octaves)Optional: Unison Voice/Solo InstrumentOptional: 2-5 Octaves of chimesTwo to Four minutes for performanceOriginal and unpublishedSUBMISSION DEADLINEApril 1, 2012PRIZE$850For complete rules andfurther information, please click this ador contact Lynn Bogovich atlbogovich@comcast.net or 410-991-3693.11

So Long, Farewell...by Carol Smiley, Metro DC Chaircjs1955@cox.net...auf wiedersehen, adieu... My term asMetro DC Chair is coming to an end, and anew chair has been appointed to succeedme.Jerry Hill, who has been the Virginia District Chair for theMetro DC Area, will be yournew Metro DC Chair. If youhave been to a festival inthe past two years, you haveseen Jerry working at theregistration table at Ocean Cityand Hampton and Richmond.He and Marilyn Converse, ourMaryland District Chair, havebeen a great help to me and Iwish them well in the future.dcI have so enjoyed serving Area 3 and meeting so many greatpeople at our festivals and Directors Seminars. I hope tocontinue seeing you at our events. Special thanks go toDebbie Henning, Lynn Bogovich and Linda Simms whosupported me as Richmond Festival Chair after the death ofmy husband. I couldn’t have done it without them.I’ll plan to see all of you at Area 3 events in the comingyears. Keep on ringing!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, workshopsWelcome Back!by Marilyn Reese, North Carolina Chairmlrncbells@nc.rr.comThis issue brings to a close my two-yearcommitment as North Carolina StateChair of Area 3 of Handbell Musicians ofAmerica. What a mouthful! I have lovedrepresenting our state and its wonderfulringing population. We are a diverse, colorful, knowledgeseeking,wacky, positive-attitude, full-steam-ahead, fun-lovinggroup of people. We are young, we are old(er); we arenovice, we are accomplished; we are church-related, we areschool-related; we are male, we are female; we are city, weare country; we are quiet, we are loud; and we are unitedthrough our musical art of handbells.I have traveled the state attending concerts, festivals,returning left-behind items, helping choirs find instruments,looking for directors to fill vacancies and spreading the goodnews aboutncthe good things the Guild (Handbell Musiciansof America) can offer. Your district chairs met with me toprovide input on what we can do for you. At the Area level,my van found its way to board meetings in the Washinton,DC, area; Directors Seminars in Roanoke and Frederick; andfestivals in Ocean City, Hampton, and Richmond. Mentoringchoirs at Area 3 events has been most rewarding. A standoutchoir was one at the Blue Ridge Festival in April. It wasa middle-school choir from Winston-Salem who blessed uswith manpower, handing out bulletins, and serving otherswith open hearts. I reconnected with my first church inManassas (VA), and filled in the history of their bells as acharter ringer. I roomed with a friend and member of thatchoir at Blue Ridge last year, and learned that her husbandnarrowly escaped the Pentagon on 9/11. We spent much ofthe night catching up on friends and church members (andare making plans for future get-togethers). How great it is toreconnect with those we hold special in our lives!The rewards of this position are worthy and wonderful. Ilove meeting you all and getting to know you; so I haveagreed to continue for another two years under the capableleadership of our new Area Chair, Lynn Bogovich. To furtherthis idea, I am asking each of my North Carolina membersto email me in the next two months (yes, I will be checking;I have a list and am checking it twice!). Tell me about you,your group(s) and what you are doing, your successes, yourprograms, your upcoming events small or large (I can’tattend if I don’t know about them), your needs, your wants.Just a couple sentences, so that we can connect. My goal isto hear from everyone. The next North Carolina column ofThe Bell-O-Gram will list your district chairs, who will serveat the local level as resources and mentors.The Guild has so much to offer us all if we take advantageof it, if we participate, if we reach out. Are you aware ofhow many talented bell people we have in North Carolina:composers, clinicians, highly skilled community choirs, andresources? Ask other bell folks in your community to attenda festival or event with you. There are ringer events anddirector events. Ask ringers and directors to join the Guild(see North Carolina on page 17)12

Living the Guild’s MottoLydia Hazeltine, Delaware Chairarea3delrep@yahoo.comNo article was received for this issue ofThe Bell-O-Gram.Ready to go to the Beach?Debbie Henning, Ocean City Event Chairarea3delrep@yahoo.comAre you ready to go to the beach? The Ocean City Festivalwill be held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center inOcean City (MD) on March 9 and 10, 2012. Massed choirswill be under the direction of Debbie Rice, former Chair ofArea 3 and a past President of AGEHR. Genesis Choirs willbe under the direction of Ed Tompkins, former Area 3 Boardmember. Both Debbie & Ed are from North Carolina.Kerry Dietz and the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble have puttogether the following classes:Bass Bell Bucket Brigade (Maggie Montgomery)Battery Powered (Ann Y. Schmidt)The Beat In Your Feet! (Linda Simms)Boomwhackers (Carol Feather Martin)Composing & Arranging (Linda Lamb)Dough Roller Walk-Off! (Kerry Dietz)Family Feud (Debbie Henning)How The *&% Do you Expect Me To Do This? (Carol Feather Martin)I Don’t Wanna Work, I Wanna Bang The Drum All Day (Kerry Dietz)Line Dancing (Amy Archibald)Morning Warm-Up (Larry Henning)Repertoire: O.M.G.! (Old Musical Gems!) (Linda Simms)Repertoire: 2-3 Octaves (Ann Y. Schmidt)Sport Stacking (Sue Spilecki)Solo/Ensemble Repertoire & Techniques (Linda Lamb)Synergy In Presentation: Part 1 & Part 2 (Larry Henning)Trouble With Trebles (Amy Archibald)Arrive early because two classes will be offered on Friday lateafternoon. (I am hoping to have massage therapy offered allday. Stay tuned!)Fraught with Perilby Linda Lamb, Maryland Chairkenlamb1944@msn.comIt’s that time of year again – time to gatherthe forces and begin rehearsals for the fall.The questions, of course, are: Who willshow up? Will the ringers return that ranglast spring? Will there be new people? Willthey be able to read music? Will they have even touched ahandbell before? Do they know their right hands from theirleft? Will I still be sane by Christmas?Planning for the new year is fraught with peril. All of theabove questions apply, as well as the biggie: “What willwe ring?” As well as, “When will we ring?” And maybe forsome, “Where will we ring?” That last question appliesto community groups seeking venues for concerts as wellas church groups deciding whether or not to ring outsidetheir worship services or school groups thinking in terms ofmdtraveling. “Will we go on tour?” “Will we attend a festival?”“Will we ring at a nursing home?” The list goes on and on.So what are directors to do? It’s a good thing to startthinking ahead the minute you finish up in the spring,knowing full well that your plans may be all for nothingif the number of ringers changes, or their level of abilityis higher or lower than you predicted, or if the marriedcouple in the adult group plans an extended trip that beginssometime around December 1. “The best laid schemeso’ mice an’ men gang aft agley,” as Robert Burns said.Or,translated from the Scots, “often go awry.” We can allmost likely demonstrate that at any given time, especially asit pertains to handbell groups!Things to do: contact people. Write e-mails. Writepostcards. Make sure your announcement is in the churchnewsletter or community newspaper. Talk to parents if youhave a youth group. Talk to the youth directly. Talk to theadults in your group. Find out if people plan to ring againthis semester. Be on the lookout for prospects. If peoplesuddenly show an interest in handbells – maybe some youngmen help as “roadies” after a performance, putting awaytables, bell cases, etc. – find out if they know anything aboutmusic and suggest they might be interested in joining thegroup in the fall. If they say they don’t know anything abouthandbells, tell them you’ll teach them!Each September, I have a Bell Boot Camp. It usually lastsabout three weeks – one session per week, and leads intojoining a regular ringing group. In the past, the attendeeshave all been youth, but I hope to enlist some adults this fall.Hopefully, some of the recruits will be one of the “roadies!”Choosing music is also fraught with peril. Music thatis written for 2-3 octaves or 3-5 octaves leaves room forgrowth. If you have a two-octave group that suddenly hasone more ringer, consider adding some bass notes. It isn’tnecessary to ring the optional note in both treble and bassin order to expand from two- to three-octave ringing in apiece written for 2-3 octaves. Pick whichever section adds(see Peril on next page)13

Peril (continued from previous page)the most interest to the piece and put the new ringer(s) there.Or, put an experienced ringer in the new spot and assign anewbie to one of the easy-to-see positions, such as B4/C5,or D/E5, or E/F6. These notes are at the edges of the staffand usually aren’t buried in thick chords. (One of the mostdifficult positions to see is A/B5, which is right in the middle ofthe treble staff, and often in the middle of big chords.)“If life deals you lemons, make lemonade,” so the saying goes.If you only have a few ringers, consider some 12-bell music.There are many collections of those. And consider transposingthem down an octave to avoid so much high-frequencyringing! In other words, if the piece is written for F5-C7,have the ringers pick up F4-C6 instead. Likewise, if writtenfor C5-G6, pick up C4-G5. Read the notes as written, just ringwith bigger bells. The collections written for F5-C7 follow astandard left-hand-space-note/right-hand-line-note pattern,and are usually easier for ringers who’ve always had standardassignments. If you use the C5-G6 versions, consider havingan adventurous ringer take C5 and G6, leaving everyone elsewith standard assignments.If your few ringers are especially adventurous, you might tryhaving them ring duets, trios, quartets, etc. These can befound at such web sites as www.handbellworld.com orwww.sonologymusic.com/store/index.php.So, everything falls into place and you have the perfectnumber of ringers in each group, but rehearsal time is limited,and learning enough music takes more time than you have.Scheduling is fraught with peril!This fall, I plan to have my youth and my adult groups playone title each at the same worship service. There will beless pressure on each group to learn two pieces, and theycan concentrate more on musicality. Perhaps I’ll find outthe title of a hymn for that Sunday and have the two groupsaccompany. The youth could use chimes and the adults coulduse handbells for double the sound. Books of hymns usinga simple technique are available from Cantabile Press. Searchfor the “Ring Along Series” on www.handbellworld.com.Planning performance dates is also fraught with peril. Do youjust announce when the handbell groups are going to play,or do you canvass all the ringers, asking their planned outof-towndates, and try to choose accordingly? For youth, it’sa good idea to check the school calendar. Most are availableonline at the school boards’ websites. Note times yourrehearsals could be cancelled for reasons such as holidays.For instance, my youth rehearse on Sunday evenings, so longweekends could affect that. My adults rehearse on Wednesdayevenings, and once a year, their rehearsal time is preempted bythe annual church business meeting. Try to avoid schedulingperformances immediately after interruptions to rehearsals.Last but not least, keep it enjoyable, not stressful. Ringinteresting music, of a difficulty level that your group canperform well and feel competent in doing so. Be on thelookout for suitable music when the new releases hit yourmailbox. And don’t forget those “golden oldies” that everyoneloves to ring and everyone loves to hear! Remember, ringersjust want to have fun…Reflections from aScholarship Winnerby Kathy Aspenwall2011 Recipient of Area 3 Scholarship to National Seminar“Exhilarating,” “insightful,” and “life-changing” are the firstthree adjectives that come to mind at the close of the HandbellMusicians of America National Seminar in Minneapolis. I firstmust give thanks to Area 3 for the fabulous opportunity toattend this Seminar on scholarship.As a first-time attendee, I was overwhelmed by the spectrumand depth of offerings. My original goal was to broaden ourchurch’s handbell ministry by going into the community,focusing on helping seniors ring. To that end, I enrolledin the Handbells/Handchimes with Special PopulationsCertification Track, and was surprised at not only the variedapproaches but also the successes that have been pioneeredin this field. We learned how to have “instant music-makingsuccess” and also how to work with performing groups. Ouroutreach ministry will incorporate using handchimes “instantmusic” as we visit senior centers.Among the othercourses offeredfor the newCertificationprogramwas MichèleSharik’s RingingTechniques. Westudied, listened,practiced, anddemonstratedour knowledge;Michèle stressed“healthy”ringing, which Kathy poses with Bell-O-Gram Editoris important to Michael J. Glasgow at the closing banquet.all of us. Herinstruction required some personal changes to break oldhabits, but I already realize a positive difference. Later on, Itook advantage of the one-on-one coaching she offered: whatan incredible experience! Thanks, Michèle.From bell maintenance to change ringing to new literatureto conducting, there were classes for everyone. I validatedmuch of my previous knowledge and also learned new ideasand information to better myself as a handbell musician. RimaGreer’s Performance Technique class became my “life-changingmoment” when I realized how important it was for us tocommunicate not only musicality, but personally, with ourlisteners. Realizing the challenges, but armed with tools, thisis now one of my highest priorities as both director and player.The classes and concerts were great but that’s not what madethe Seminar special to me. It was the fellowship and people:the lunches and dinners, the evening talks. The opportunityto meet staff, composers, presenters, fellow musicians anddirectors in four fast-paced days was exhilarating. If you lovehandbells, I encourage you to participate next summer inCincinnati. It’s already on my calendar.14

THE SIXTEENTH ANNUALMID-CAROLINASHANDBELL FESTIVALSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011SARDIS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH6100 SARDIS ROADCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINAWILLIAM GRIFFINGUEST CONDUCTOR!!!!!!!TRUMPET TUNE IN D MAJORLAMB OF GODON CHRISTMAS NIGHTO LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEMJohnson-GriffinBeckenhorst HB 363Cathy MoklebustChoristers Guild CGB 254arr. Michael HelmanAGEHR AG 35193arr. Cathy MoklebustJeffers S 9430BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS IS THE SKY arr. Jane McFaddenBeckenhorst HB 402-2!!!!!!!For information, contactNadja Sefcik-Earl704-522-1149 e-mail: nadja@carolina.rr.comEndorsed by THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ENGLISH HANDBELL RINGERS, INC.15

Reflections onby Melissa ByrdSonorous music filled the room, its spindly fingersstretching out to the far corners. To the vast audience, theconductor looked like she was just aimlessly flailing herarms about. But the attentive ringers interpreted every slightmovement. As the final hushed notes of the song reverberatedthroughout the room, the audience did not even dare tobreathe. The song that the choir played was Compassion,an original composition by Jason Krug. It was one of thethree songs that were performed by me and 17 others inMinneapolis on July 17.Distinctly Teen was a three-day handbell festival exclusivelyfor teenagers, filled with ringing, classes, concerts, and moreringing. Though our poor arms were tired by the concert onSunday night, we rang the music that we had practiced fordays to the best of our abilities. It seems all of our tediousrehearsals paid off, for we received unexpected thunderousapplause at the concert. I was anticipating having an awesometime at Distinctly Teen, but I never thought that it would besuch an unforgettable experience.For most, it all started on Friday afternoon with auditions.Since I arrived early, however, I had the opportunity to attenda class and a lunch concert before auditions. After that,the rest of the time was packed with fun. Being in – as mychaperone put it – “Handbell Heaven” was one of the bestthings that had happened to me all summer. It gave me anopportunity to connect with people from all over the nation.I will never forget my director or my fellow ringers. I wasnot expecting the talent that was in my choir. It was trulyphenomenal to ring with teens of that caliber.When I flew home, I really missedeveryone that I rang and talkedwith. To all the other teens outthere reading this, you need tocome next year!!! You will notregret it. Getting to ring songslike Compassion, as well asPirates of the Caribbean by KevinMcChesney and Exultate by JoshBauder with other teens from allover the country is an incredibleopportunity!Distinctly Teen was not just a funexperience, it helped me to realize that music is powerful.It helps us put aside our differences so we can connect withour fellow ringers, our audience, and even ourselves. Whenthat beautiful and emotional song ended and the audienceapplauded our hard efforts, it was one of the best feelingsin the world. To have the gift to be able to share music withothers is priceless, and I am immensely grateful that I had thechance to do so through Distinctly Teen.abcdefghDo you think that fish are smart animals? Ingeneral, I mean?I know you’re already thinking ofunnecessarily creative ways to answer thatquestion, so let me simplify the question:do you think that your average handbellmusician is smarter than your average fish?ijklmnopqrstuvwxyzThe answer is a resounding “yes,” of course(ohpleaseohpleaseohplease, dear God, let the answer havebeen a resounding “yes”...). But consider this question:do you think that your average handbell musician is moreconnected to his or her fellow ringers than the average fish isto its fishy friends?I think the answer to that, in general, is a resounding “no.”While driving in the car this month and feeling particularlysilly, I started talking about all of the article subjects that Iwould not want to see come across my desk as the editor ofThe Bell-O-Gram. And I said, “you know, like some randomarticle about how the writer discovered how amazinghandbells are while they were SCUBA diving with tropical fishor something...”And then it hit me: we should be inspired to better ourselvesand our instrument...and fish are an amazing inspiration!Letters: Let’s Hope Something’s Fishyby Michael J. Glasgow • michael@michaeljglasgow.com16When I made my sarcastic comment, it brought to mind aschool of dozens of fish swimming together in the ocean.They don’t talk; they don’t make any sound, really. So howdo they know exactly when the school is going to changedirection, and more importantly (rather, impressively), how dothey all do it in perfect sync, sometimes several times in a row?I started reading up on this online. One very satisfying – andexciting – response to the question was that the phenomenonis “emergent behavior.” Rather than being the property of anyone fish (or bird, for that matter), the behavior emerges as a“property of the group itself.” The reflexes are fast, to be sure.But more importantly, the school/flock of animals is incrediblyin sync because each one is attuned to the behaviors of theothers.If you watch an ensemble like Sonos or Vivace play, you cansee the ringers carefully watching each other (I daresay evenmore than they watch the conductor). As with birds and fish,there is no actual “leader,” just animals incredibly in touchwith what the others are doing, and with reflexes that allowthem to respond with nearly instantaneous immediacy.I encourage you to do a quick exploration of the term“emergent behavior,” and then ask yourself and your group atthe next rehearsal: how would a school of fish ring this piece?(After they finish practicing their scales, of course.)

North Carolina (continued from page 12)so that all of these opportunities will be open to them also.Choose just one thing to do.Let’s build! Plan to attend a festival in the next year. Checkout www.areaiii.org, the “Events” page at www.agehr.org, thisissue of The Bell-O-Gram (particularly the “What’s Shakin’” liston page 9!) and Overtones national magazine.I challenge each Guild member to sign up one new memberin the next two years (your bell-ringing friend, the churchnext-doorchoir, a church of your denomination in the sameor nearby town, your school; the contacts are endless).Incentives are out there. If a director brought a new memberto the Directors Seminar, they received a $25 gift certificatetowards use at a future Area 3 event.I hope that some of you made plans to attend the five-stateArea 3 Directors Seminar in Maryland in August. What a greatchance to meet others and exchange ideas. I host a NorthCarolina get-together during the event: last year in Roanoke,we had 21 directors from Elizabeth City to Asheville. Whatan exciting (and excited) group – it was hard to get a word inedgewise! Plan to join us in August 2012, in Fredericksburg,VA, for the next Area 3 Directors Seminar. Mark yourcalendars for a weekend in a fabulous historic area.Many thanks to Linda Simms for her steady leadership of Area3 during the last two years. She is off to even better doingsfor the Guild. Linda’s passion is to see bells and chimes inschools. Please contact me with any schools you know thathave these instruments (or want them!), whether they areGuild members or not.E-mail me. Let me know what you need from yourorganization. Bells are a uniting influence that we can sharewith each other and the world. Plan an event. Dream big,think big (Charlotte Bronze is a brand new communitychoir!), or dream small, think small (plan a half-day ring witha few choirs). But just do it: take a step! We are all betterfor reaching out and joining together to promote our art ofringing bells. See you around!Virginia Handbell ConsortA Community Handbell EnsembleConcert, Festivals, and WorkshopsPO Box 64591, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23467Voice Mail 757-456-1312www.VirginiaHandbellConsort.comvhc@virginiahandbellconsort.com 17

New in TownArea III Welcomes 26 New Members!MARYLAND (2)Immaculate Conception Church, ElktonSt. Paul United Methodist Church, SykesvilleMETRO DC (10)Katherine Hallock, Fairfax, VADavid Murphy, Wheaton, MDAnna Nevius, Rockville, MDRobert Snider, Owings, MDCharles Wight, Deale, MDBurke Presbyterian Church, Burke, VACentreville United Methodist Church, Centreville, VAManassas Baptist Church, Manassas, VATetragloria, Arlington, VAWestwood Baptist Church, Springfield, VANORTH CAROLINA (9)Jewell Brown, Winston SalemDerrick Everhart, AshevilleRenee Keese, CaryKaren Lecky-Springer, GreensboroSusie Mahnke, TryonSarah Sheffield, Indian TrailBuffalo Presbyterian Church, GreensboroFirst Presbyterian Church, CharlotteGroce United Methodist Church, FairviewVIRGINIA (5)Marie Bliss, NorfolkLeslye McDade-Morrison, HeathsvilleThomas Warren, RichmondChrist Episcopal Church, WinchesterGrace and Glory Lutheran Church, PalmyraHelp us stay in touch with you! If you have moved or your information has changed, please contact the NationalOffice (1-800-878-5459x112 or membership@agehr.org) to ensure that we have your most current information.Advertising in the bell-o-gram is an awesomeway to reach more than 1000 readers, all with aninterest in handbells!The readership is alerted via e-mail when themagazine is published to the Internet (four timesa year), and each issue affordsopportunities for high-resolution,full-color ads — linked directly toyour website at no extra charge!The November issue, coming upnext, begins a new publishing year.Depending on your planning, youmay be able to take advantage of abooking discount of 20%.If you are interested in receiving rates, dimensionsand mechanicals, please see the info at right, andcontact editor Michael Glasgow at 919-845-0303or michael@michaeljglasgow.com.the bell-o-gram is published in November,February, May and September by Area III of theHandbell Musicians of America, a non-profitorganization dedicated to advancing the musicalart of handbell and handchime ringing througheducation, community and communication. Theeditor reserves the right to reject ormodify copy and ads.THE DEADLINE FORADVERTISING RESERVATIONSFOR THE NOVEMBER ISSUEIS AUGUST 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