Dear Handbell Friends,

Wow, Spring has arrived! Colorful wildflowers dot the hillsides, trees are in full bloom, the creeks are babbling a song as the winter run offs cascade over the rocks, and the birds are singing, unfolding their wings, and diving high in the sky.  That intangible feeling of anticipation and excitement that accompanies spring was certainly present this past month at the four Area XII Spring Rings in Cupertino, Bakersfield, Long Beach, and Vista. Record attendance at each of the events brought the total participants to over 500 ringers! Many were first time registrants which infused new energy and enthusiasm into the events. 
Another 150 ringers are registered to attend the NV and Central Coast Spring Ring this month.    The Area XII Board thanks all the hosts, workers, and Regional Coordinators whose hard work made these events so successful.  A special thanks to all the participants who came so well prepared and helped make it  a fun day.  Reports on the individual Spring Rings can be found in the Regional Section.

Last month it was brought to my attention that some of your e-newsletters were not formatted correctly (especially aol customers) when you received them.  Another indicated they could only print one page.  At the top of each newsletter you will find a statement that says: Having trouble reading this email? Click Here.  If you click there, it brings the e-newsletter up as a web page which permits easier reading and  printing of the entire newsletter. 

The Area XII Board will be meeting this month, (April 16 & 17th) to finalize plans for the Davis Conference.  If you have any concerns, or questions, please bring them to the attention of your Regional Coordinator. 

Happy Easter!
Carol

Special Announcement: It is reported a pawn shop in Whittier, CA has a set of Malmark bells.  A detective is trying to determine if they are stolen bells.  If you know of anyone who has had their bells stolen please have them call Mary Hanson at 562-889-8151.

2010 Handbell Odyssey offers unique day long Tracks with outstanding clinicians.  Friday's Tracks include Church Music with Deborah Rice, Performance with Dr. William Payn, and All-Ring with Michael Glasgow.  Saturday: Directors with Dr. William Payn, Basics with Michele Sharik, Tools of the Trade with Michael Glasgow, and All- Ring with Deborah Rice.  Sunday: the Mass Attack.  The schedule for these track sessions along with details of topics covered in each track are now available on the Area XII Web site by Clicking Here. Check back periodically, as the Web site will be updated with the latest information.

Greetings, Bellringers!

I'm Martalina, one of two Area XII mascots made by Norma Rose.  I attended my first conference in Visalia where I "cased out" Area XII.  The following conference, I was placed up for adoption at the Silent Auction which was the beginning of great handbell adventures for me.   It's that time again when my brother, Bronzer, and I will be placed up for adoption and auctioned off at the Area XII Conference: 2010 A New Handbell Odyssey in Davis.  Ringers bid to be our host families for two years with the proceeds going to the Area XII Bells in Education fund to help purchase the missing bells in the set being donated to Area XII by the Marching Handbell Choir. 

I've spent a terrific two years in the SF Bay Area with my host ringer, Julie Vaquilar.  I created loads of scrapbook memories tagging along with Low Ding Zone, the SFSU Handbell Choir, and the Marching Handbell Choir at their concerts and parades. I set sail on the Bells of the Cascades Cruise X to the Caribbean, stayed in a Tuscan Villa with Bay Bells in Italy, visited North Carolina for the Capitol Area Handbell Festival, and most recently, traveled to Bremerton, Washington, for Distinctly Bronze West. Pictured on the right Julie and I take  a much needed break at DBW!  It was exciting to meet and have my picture taken with notable conductors such as Bill Payn, Dave Harris, David Weck, Monica McGowan, and Jason Wells. 

Along the way, I expanded my handbell knowledge to include bass bell technique, but only in theory! I'm still quite attached to my little bell and I'm quite proud to wear my very own Low Ding Zone shirt.  It was a real treat to don a cap and gown at the SF State International Business graduation ceremony.

I've had a great time and I'm looking forward to even more handbell adventures.  Please consider bidding on me to become my next host ringer  or simply stop by the Silent Auction tables to say "Hi". 

See you in Davis!

Note from Julie: Martalina has been a wonderful guest.  She never complains, travels well, and is always ready to take on any handbell experience. She was a good sport about having to stare at bass bells a lot these past two years, but probably wouldn't mind getting back to working on her four-in-hand technique. Martalina is highly adaptable and enthusiastic.  Please adopt!

This year, Norma Rose will once again spearhead the Silent Auction, and your donations are needed to complete the Marching Handbell Choir's donated bell sets! Don't wait until June, or even May to locate something special to donate. Donation forms can be downloaded from the Area XII Web site and should be mailed to Norma as soon as possible.

 

To find out more about the Silent Auction, click here.

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,
[email protected]

Please welcome the following new members to AGEHR Area XII. 

Ascensio Lutheran Church, San Diego
Malou Rogers, director

 On Feb. 25, 2010 fourteen Californians traveled to Bremerton, WA for the 2nd Annual Distinctly Bronze West Event.  This event is for advanced level handbell musicians who want the opportunity to work together on challenging repertoire and present a high quality performance.  The 2010 DBW was a milestone event with the passing of the baton to our new Maestro, Jason Wells.  Jason brought his trademark energy and passion to the podium in beautiful Bremerton.  The 90+ musicians from across the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong worked for 3 1/2 days on 11 demanding pieces and presented a final concert on Sunday afternoon.  The high point of the event was the recording of a CD during the concert.
     Beth Mays, of Redlands, was attending her second DBW event and said, "I felt Jason did a great job working with us.  I liked the challenge of memorizing "Fancye" (by Tim Waugh). It is always good seeing old friends and spending time with them."  I agree with Beth that the friendships you make at DB are special and the hard work is rewarded when you rise to the challenge of playing such demanding repertoire in a beautifully musical manner.
     Attending your first DB is always a special experience.  When Julie Vaquilar, of San Francisco, was asked how she felt about being accepted into this prestigious auditioned event she said, "I'm thinking it might be similar to the first time I waited to ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Walt Disney World.  Everyone came out of the ride saying it's a lot of fun.  The outside of the place looks somewhat classy, but I could hear screams coming from the inside of the tower."  Indeed, it is somewhat scary when you realize that you are expected to learn such challenging music as Level 6, "Tempest" by Kevin McChesney and a transcription of Khachaturian's "Waltz from The Masquerade Suite."  We also had the honor of playing the World Premiere of "Let All Things Now Living" arranged by Area XII's own Larry Sue. This level 5+ piece was challenging to learn but very fun to play.  It is loaded with many rhythms in 11/8 and we definitely grew as musicians playing this piece. 
     Barbara Meinke, of Lake Elsinore said, "As a first-timer, I was excited to be participating in such a high caliber ensemble and I was not disappointed in the experience! Ringing in Distinctly Bronze gave me the technical and musical challenges I was hoping for and Jason Wells brought out the best of both in all of us.  I particularly enjoyed tackling the complicated rhythms and exchanging problem solving ideas with the other ringers.  I would do it all again, and I hope to in October on the east coast!"
     The next DB event will be the 12th annual DBE held from Oct. 7-10, 2010 in the beautiful and historic New Bern, NC. The dates for the next DBW have not been announced yet. Watch for the announcement on the AGEHR website.

The above two pictures by Malia Johnson, Woodinville, WA

More photos from DBW can be viewed by Clicking Here

The 2010 Spring Ring in Cupertino on March 12-13 was awesome! Some participants even stated, "This was the best Spring Ring ever!" Many factors contributed to this being the best ever: incredible leadership by Monica McGowan, the lunch time solo concert by Ruben Mendoza, exciting and stimulating classes offered by many talented clinicians, the 240 ringers who participated with enthusiasm, the evening concert featuring mass ringers, well prepared individual ensembles, and the detailed planning by organizer, Dave Ruder.
     Guest director and clinician, Monica McGowan who is pictured on the right with Dave Ruder, is the artistic director of Twin Cities Bronze, a premiere ensemble from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.  This ensemble has the distinguished honor of performing at Pinnacle, an AGEHR National event in Nashville, TN this summer. Monica challenged Intense Ringer participants to play more than just the notes.  "Ring musically as one instrument."  Her amicable personality and sense of humor made five hours of rehearsal together an amazing experience.
     For the first time at Spring Ring, a concert was performed at lunchtime.  Soloist Ruben Mendoza dazzled the audience, ringing six selections with incredible ease and artistry.  "Plink, Plank, Plunk", arranged by our own Carol Smith and Jane Patty, displayed Ruben's dexterity and precision, as the entire piece was rung with mallets. A rousing standing ovation expressed appreciation for Ruben's talent and performance.  Ruben is the handbell director at Lafayette/Orinda Presbyterian Church and performs with SONOS Handbell Ensemble.
     Michele Sharik's "Basics Revisited" class was so popular that the classroom was jammed elbow to elbow with more than 70 participants.  Other inspirational classes included Conducting Tips, Change Ringing, Solo Ringing, Bass Bells, Articulations, Handchimes, and Moari Sticks.
     The evening concert presented a wide variety of music by mass ringers, Intense Ringers, ensembles, a trio and another impressive solo by Ruben.  As Bay Bells prepared to  perform, "Yellow Bird"  arr. by Gail Downey, Monica borrowed a big yellow stuffed bird from a young girl in the audience and placed the bird on the Bay Bell's table. The look of surprise on the Bay Bells' faces was priceless.  The little girl was quite relieved to have her bird returned after the song. "For the Beauty of the Earth" arr. by J.D. Frizzel provided an exhilarating close to the concert. Wil Mandac, our official photographer, did a fantastic job of capturing the happenings with his photos which can be viewed by
Clicking Here
Check them out!

Hope to see all of you at next year's Spring Ring on March 25-26, 2011.  Michael Glasgow will be the director and Michele Sharik will perform a solo concert during lunch time. Mark your calendars now!

Happy Spring and Easter!
Beckie

 

     The days, weeks & months are flying by and I feel like I'm always trying to catch up on whatever!

     Today, March 20th, was the 7th Annual Bakersfield Spring Ring, under the direction of Bill & Lee Waggener.  It was great seeing Bill & Lee and catching up on what is continuing to keep them busy.  I was able to take one of the classes offered and to enjoy sitting and listening to the rehearsals that lead to the concert at the end of the day, not to mention a little visiting with ringers I haven't seen in awhile.

   Approximately 98 ringers (including directors) were in attendance - their largest group to date.  A large audience attended the concert and enjoyed all of it.  Many were fascinated hearing the 'singing' bells; some sitting close by asked," what were they doing with those sticks!"  The two solo numbers, performed by Linda Krantz, were most enjoyable, as well.  Linda rang those bells with such grace and eloquence and a smile on her face.  She did share with a few of us that she never makes a face if she happens to make a mistake!

     Dianne Bryant did a great job organizing this event and we know one person doesn't make these events happen.  So a huge thank you to all who worked and participated in whatever way to make this event a success.

     Looking forward to the success of our 10th Annual Spring Ring, here on the Central Coast.  As of this writing, numbers are down, so we'll see how all this plays out. We're looking forward to having Nancy, as our Clinician and just the camaraderie of ringing with our 'ringing family' will be fun.

     As of this writing, it looks like we'll have room for another choir or two for the April 17th Spring Ring; so if you're interested, give me a call or send an email and we'll see how things are at the end of March.  I doubt I'll know in time to put anything in the newsletter, we'll have to wait & see.

     I had the opportunity to attend the Soundwave concert at the Methodist Church in San Luis Obispo a couple weeks ago and it was awesome.  The speed at which they rang those bells on several selections was beyond me, and they didn't have to have their eyes glued on the music.  Oh, to be younger!  Those that didn't attend missed a great concert.  It was nice seeing many bell ringers from the area.

    Due to medical emergencies, the Wesley Bronze Ringers had to cancel their Christmas concert last December.  Mark your calendars for April 25th, and attend their Candlelight and Bell Concert, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Fresno.  This concert will include some Christmas music and selections from this past Bakersfield Spring Ring and more.  Soloist, Joyce Lilyquist will perform two solo, as well.  See details listed below for more information.

    Please remember to send me information on your bell event(s), so it can be published in the 12th Tone and perhaps increase attendance.  Also, the Area XII Board will be meeting mid April, so if you have any questions, concerns you would like addressed, send me an email and I will see it gets to the right person. 

 

Happy Ringing

Shirley

 

Upcoming Concert- The First Christian Reformed Church of Visalia, 1030 S. Linwood Ave, Visalia invite everyone to their Handbells in Concert and Worship, Sunday May 2, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.  Contact Joan Natoli at [email protected]

 

April is here and we are in the midst of Holy Week and Easter and that brings many handbell performances. That also means that Spring Concerts can not be far behind. With so much music to prepare and perform it is nice to discover easier ways to stay in touch.  I have recently started a Facebook Group page for the LA Metro Region.  If you are on Facebook then you can become a fan of our group: Los Angeles Metro Region - AGEHR Area XII.  I will post announcements and other things from time to time.  You can post items that are relevant to handbells in our region.  We can network by asking for subs and offering to help.  We can get to know each other and build a stronger handbell community here in the Greater LA area.

 

The LA Metro Spring Ring was a nice success. Over 100 ringers attended the LA Metro Spring Ring. The addition of classes to the schedule was well received and we will keep classes for future Spring Rings.  If you would like to see more pictures from our Spring Ring, I have posted many of the pictures I took on our new Facebook Group.  Even if you are not on Facebook you can click this link and look at the pictures.  A special thank you goes to Larry Sue,  our teachers, and our host choir for making the day fun.

 

We are working on getting the LA Fall Ringer's Workshop scheduled and I have begun work on next year's Spring Ring.  We have had an idea to make the Fall Workshop easier to attend. To make this happen I need some help from you!  I am looking for places to host these events.  I would like to see Fall Workshops in several areas in September and October.  If you can host 2-5 choirs in you church or school please let me know! I am willing to help you learn how to host an event.  I would especially like to see an event in areas that haven't had one in a long time, such as in Ventura, South Orange County, and Santa Clarita Valley.  Please let know if this idea appeals to you.   The LA Metro Spring Ring has grown larger than most church facilities can manage.  This is a great problem to have.  Do you have a LARGE space at your church or school?  A gym or large activities center is what we are looking for.  I would really like to know about your space and if you are interested in having a bunch of great handbell people come to your place for an event.

 

The Area XII Board is meeting this month on April 16 & 17.  Please let me know if there is anything you would like me to bring to the board.   Don't forget to send me your Concert announcements and let me know if I can help you with your handbell needs.   Read below about a great concert coming up on May 2^nd in Orange. I have personally  attended this concert for the last several years and am never disappointed.  Cathedral Bells is one of very few advanced level handbell groups in the greater Los Angeles area.  This concert is worth the drive!  I hope to see you there!

The Cathedral Bells concert is right around the corner (May 2^nd, 4:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 185 South Center St. Orange 92866).   This lively, dedicated group of musicians, drawn from a radius of fifty miles and gathering weekly to rehearse, uses six plus octaves of bells and five and a half octaves of handchimes.  Ramona Miller is the Director of Cathedral Bells and she tells me, "The program for our concert is wonderfully varied.   Highlights:  classical (music of Handel, adapted for harp and bells, and of Bach);   original compositions for handbells, including  a return of "Horizons", composed by Dr. William Payn for Cathedral Bells, on the fifth anniversary of its premiere performance;   some "fun" secular music of the 40"s and 50"s;   a handbell solo and duet, and more!    Cathedral Bells often incorporates additional musical and percussive instruments into its music.   This concert will be no exception.    There is no charge - free will offering only.   Child care is available."

 

 

                SoCal - Michele Sharik, Regional Coordinator

Howdy!

We are excited to announce that the Annual Las Vegas 12th Night Handbell Festival will again be at the South Point Hotel and our clinician will be Tim Waugh.  HOWEVER THERE IS ONE MINOR DETAIL: the festival will be the 3rd weekend in January..Martin Luther King holiday.. SATURDAY and SUNDAY January 15 and 16, 2011.  Hotel accommodations will again be available for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday @ $85 per room, single or double occupancy.  Watch for more details later.  Contact Dixie Bailey, the registrar, if you have further questions.

I hope to see many of you  at our 8th Annual Sierra Spring Ring on April 24th.  It's not too late to register so come join the fun with vivacious Tessique Houston, our clinician.

Barb



            

    

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