Pealing bells could be heard announcing the arrival of 2010! Happy New Year to each of you.  2010 promises to be another year filled with exciting ringing opportunities, unique handbell conferences, and outstanding  concerts.  As we regroup after the busy holiday season, I hope you will take advantage of the Spring Rings, workshops/reading sessions, and conference your Area XII board has been organizing for you. 

As we all know, the handbell community is a close knit and generous group of individuals.  Over the holidays, the Pleasanton Handbell Choir from the Church of Latter Day Saints, Livermore, experienced first hand the support of the handbell community.  Just days before they were scheduled to perform for a special Interfaith Service and several other engagements, Becki Adams, member of the choir and owner of their handbells,(pictured on the left) discovered four cases of her Malmark handbells, (G3-B4) and (G#6-G7), had been stolen from her car, which was parked in her driveway.  Her worst nightmare had been realized and she began to dispare over how she was going to have to disappoint so many people who were looking forward to hearing the choir and counting on them to participate in their Christmas  services. The Pleasanton Handbell Ensemble may have been silenced this Christmas Season if Lois and Dave Kail, in the true spirit of Christmas, hadn't offered them, without hesitation,  the use of their 4 oct. set of handbells. Needless to say this choir, pictured on the left, performed with extra joy and thanksgiving that they were able to fulfil their ringing engagements.  This story would have an even happier ending if their stolen bells could be found.  We ask that the handbell community be aware these bells may show up on EBay or Craig's list one of these days.  
(Pictures by Doug Duran, Contra Costa Times)

In last month's enewsletter in the article about Sonos' new DVD, "Ringing Up" I had a link to view "To a Hummingbird"  which was a clip from the new video.  Unfortunately Impact Media removed the video by the time the e-newsletter went to press.  However, the video can now be viewed on You Tube  if you Click Here 

In addition the DVD can now be purchased from Amazon by Clicking Here
I apologize for any inconvenience this caused you. 

Happy New Year,
Carol

For complete information on the audition process Click Here.

 

The 2010 Area XII conference in Davis is right around the corner, and there are many opportunities at the event, including performance.

Area XII is now accepting applications from handbell groups wishing to perform the Saturday night showcase concert at the conference. Any group affiliated with an Area XII member is welcome to apply.

To be considered for the concert spot, send an e-mail to chair@areaxii.org indicating your interest to perform a concert.  Groups will be selected by a panel based on the following criteria:

• Unique and interesting repertoire
• Exceptional performance ability
• Technical ability
• Musicality

While a DVD of your group's performance is not required, it is strongly recommended in order to give the panel a better sense of your group's capabilities. If a DVD is not available, a CD must be submitted. Once your initial e-mail indicating interest is received, you will receive a reply e-mail telling you how to submit your recorded materials.

Deadline for applicants for the Saturday night showcase concert slot is February 15, 2010.  The panel intends to finalize its decision by March 1, 2010.

Soloists and small ensembles are also encouraged to apply. Now is your chance to show off your group!  Don't miss out on this unique and exciting performance opportunity.

The nominating committee is now taking nominations for persons to be considered as candidates for AGEHR Area XII Chair-Elect, Treasurer and Secretary. Elections will be held by ballot in 2010, and two nominees will be selected as candidates for each office.
 
SUBMITTING NOMINATIONS:  Those wishing to submit a name (including your own) into nomination should: 

Nominations must be accompanied by a statement/letter of qualifications by the potential candidate. This statement may be used for the candidate's ballot profile. Letters may be submitted via pdf or via regular US mail to the chair of the nominating committee.
 
POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: The Area XII Board is a diversified and inclusive group of individuals who share an interest in our instrument, but without gender or ethnic restrictions. To continue this focus for future Boards, the Nominating Committee will concentrate on candidates with one or more of the following qualifications:

NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR:  William Kyle,
pastchair@areaxii.org

Please welcome the following new members to AGEHR Area XII. 

Julie Vaquilar- San Francisco, CA
Wendy Ciaramitaro- Concord, CA
                                   Susan Ciaramitaro- Concord, CA
                                   Hawaii Baptist Academy- Honolulu, Hawaii

Every Christmas excitement is generated by the custom of giving and receiving gifts.  As I watched my two grandsons this Christmas, they could hardly contain themselves as they anticipated Santa's visit.  Every Christmas since childhood, the giving of gifts has become the most important and meaningful part of the holiday.  These gifts come in all different kinds of packages and some aren't even wrapped. 

Many handbell choirs throughout Area XII gave the gift of their bell ringing throughout the holiday season that brought smiles to all who heard them.  Sharing your musical talents on the bells can be one of the most rewarding gifts you can give.  The sounds of the bells fascinate young children and they evoke joyous feelings in those who are lonely, in nursing homes, and hospitals.  Granted taking your music to nursing homes, concert venues, and church services requires much packing and unpacking of bells- setting up and tearing down, however, the expression of gratitude and appreciation from the person in the nursing home or patient in the hospital as the bells peal out makes all the effort of the ringers and directors worth it.

Every year I enjoy taking my solo bell ministry to nursing homes and this year I included a rehabilitation center.  A young man, who is a paraplegic as the result of a motor cycle accident, was in my audience and once I began to ring - he joyously sang every carol with me.  He indicated he was once a drummer and he was thrilled when my husband joined me on the drums.  Another lady who was bedridden had the time of her life directing each piece I rang.  It was probably one of the most difficult venues I've ever rung, but the appreciation in their eyes was the best gift I received this Christmas. 

Harmony Handbell Ringers and Rhythm Ringers from Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, pictured around the Christmas Tree,brought joy with their music  to 40 low income preschool children  at the Contra Costa Country Club  Christmas Party.  Interacting with the children and watching Santa fly in on his Sleigh with a gift for each child was an experience they will long remember.   The Harmony Ringers also provided carols at Quail Lodge, a retirement community.(Pictured on the right.) This quartet also Silent Auctioned themselves at a fundraiser for Options for Women.  The lucky bidder had them perform for a private party on Dec. 19.

 The highlight of the Christmas Season for both these choirs was participating in their church production of The Voice of Christmas which was attended by 6,000 people.  Dressed in their Victorian attire, they can be seen ringing in this event.  To view more pictures by this active choir click here




Attendees of the San Diego Zoo, during the month of Dec.,were greeted by carols rung by eighteen different choirs during the zoo's Jungle Bell event.     One of the choirs that participated was Exultation Handbell Ensemble pictured on the left.  As you can see Kristin Reksc, Alison Yoho, Beth Mays, Shannon Shaw and Debbie Shaw, have drawn a large crowd  of fascinated listeners. Between numbers they kept busy answering questions about the bells. They all agreed it was a great and fabulous experience.


 Sonos took their talents all the way to Japan for the holidays.  Over a two week period they gave concerts in fantastic concert halls throughout Japan.    The Japanese always enjoy coming up after the concerts and taking a closer look at the bells
Pictures of their tour can be viewed by clicking here

The Redding United Methodist Handbell Choir, pictured on the left,  presented a special holiday concert for their congregation as a thank you for their gift of handbells. 

These are just a few of the choirs that gave their gift of music over the holidays and shared their pictures with me.  I know there are many others who did likewise.  All of you, who shared your music,  are to be commended for making the holiday season a happy and meaningful one for others. 

The AGEHR National Office announced that only 15 slots remain for Distinctly Bronze West with conductor Jason Wells. This prestigious event is held in  Bremerton, Washington, February 25-28, 2010.  If you are a ringer that loves the thrill of performance, that is willing to be pushed beyond your comfort zone, they'd love for you to apply for those remaining spots. Registration forms are available on the AGEHR website. Click Here

Workshop/Reading Session

Feb.5, 2010- 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Feb. 6, 2010- 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Northminster Presbyterian Church
3235 Pope Ave
Sacramento, CA
Hosts: Mary Balkow and Mel Tully

Happy New Year, 2010!

I think we are  all breathing a sigh of relief that our holiday concerts are a memory of the past.  I'm sure many choirs did some kind of concert ringing, even if it was on a small scale.  I know the three events my choir did were enjoyed by all who shared our music. It's too bad there are so few days in December and so much to try to accomplish.

Have you made your New Year resolutions? My resolution is to live, laugh, love, be happy, strive to stay healthy and ring bells as often as possible!

 Many of you are starting rehearsals on your Spring Ring music and possibly making plans to attend the Davis Conference and other conferences throughout Area XII during the year. Be sure and check all the happenings in Area XII- I know there's something for everyone, even if you can only participate in one event.

Central Valley ringers, be sure to send me your event happenings, so I can share your venues with everyone in Area XII.

Please check out the details below for the Reading Session on Feb. 27, Bakersfield Spring Ring, March 20, 2010, and the Central Coast Spring Ring, April 17, 2010.

Happy Ringing,
Shirley

Reading Session-February 27, 2010
Trinity Lutheran Church
940 Creston Rd.
Paso Robles, CA
Mel Tully, Clinician

Time: set-up & refreshments 8:30 a.m.
Downbeat: 9a.m.-12 noon
Lunch:(Bring your own lunch) Light snacks & drink provided
Bell/Chime Maintenance Class-1 p.m. (For those interested)
End of Day should be between 2:00 & 2:30 P.M.

COST: $5.00 per ringer

 

It is hard to believe the busy holiday season is drawing to a close.  It has been a great time of sharing our bells with people far and wide.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to take my small handbell ensemble, Exultation! to ring at the San Diego Zoo. It was a wonderful time and a great opportunity to let many people experience handbells for the first time!  I especially want to thank Ruth O'Neil, our So Cal Regional Coordinator, for all her work in making the San Diego Zoo event a wonderful experience. Her preparations made this a pleasant and "easy" concert.  Thank You, Ruth!

 

Now we turn our focus to the Spring and all that comes with that.  Please remember our LA Metro Spring Ring and you need to turn in your registration form.  We are adding classes this year and I should be able to announce those soon.   

 

Don't forget to let me know what your choirs are doing and if I can be of any assistance.

 

Here is the perfect opportunity to advance your skills to a bronze level with this two day event beginning Friday March 12 from  7 p.m.- 10 p.m.  and continuing March 13, 2010  from 8:00-9:30 a.m. under the leadership of Larry Sue.  Los Altos UMC, 5950 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA will be the host of this event.  Cost is $20 per registrant.  Contact Debbie Shaw at lametro@verizon.net  Click Here for more Information

 

    Happy New Year from sunny southern California!  I've been humming, "The weather outside is frightful...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."  But I have a feeling the composer didn't live here.  Rather, "the sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and the palm trees sway...."  Having visited the midwest recently, I'll settle for the latter.

     All reports from the Jungle Bell event at the San Diego Zoo were very positive (except for the couple which got rained out, unfortunately!) The Zoo personnel were extremely helpful and generous. The atmosphere was relaxed and festive.  Ringers and audience alike had a great time.  Many thanks to all who participated.

     Now is the time to focus on our Spring Ring as well as the Festival at Davis.  Both are marvelous opportunities for growth and enrichment at every level.  Don't delay in ordering your music or in registering for either or both.

Ruth

               Las Vegas Twelfth Night

 

                                                           

    

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