Greetings!   

   

Area 12 Chair

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I am always amazed at how difficult it can be to make music with handbells, and how the rest the world's musicians don't really understand how hard it is. I was impressed by this yet again when I was recently asked to substitute at the last minute for another ringer. The individuals in the group had the music ahead of time, but we were not able to practice together until the night before the event. I suspect many in the group didn't even have access to bells to practice their parts separately.

The great thing about "subbing" is that it actually helps you to become a better ringer. Sure, it's a bit scary, but there is no greater feeling than to know you were able to step in at a moment's notice and play an entire concert with only one rehearsal.

Because our instrument doesn't always allow for ringers to practice at home, like a violinist or a flute player, I believe it really is an exceptional skill to be able to sub well.

Here's a challenge for you as a handbell musician to help take your ringing to the next level: volunteer as a sub for a local handbell group this fall. Not only will your ringing improve, you will make new friends and improve your confidence as a ringer. 

[email protected] 

Hi there, Southern California!

Lois and I are working to make sure her transition into the Southern California Regional Coordinator position goes smoothly. She'll introduce herself in next month's Twelfth Tone, so be sure to check this space then.

'Tis the season - once again - for Jungle Bells! Bell choirs from all over the SoCal and LA Metro regions will play at the San Diego Zoo to ring in the holiday season surrounded by peacocks and flamingos. We will post the schedule on the SoCal page of Area 12's website as soon as it is finalized. It promises, as always, to be a "roaring" good time (and I'm not "lion"!).

Is your group playing this Advent or Christmas season? Whether it's a special event, a concert, or your church's Christmas Eve service, do be sure to let Lois or I know and we'll post it on the Area 12 calendar. Many people travel during the holidays and want to know where they can see bells. Help us help them find you!

That's it for now. Have a great October! 

-Mich�le

As always, watch our Facebook page for the latest SoCal handbell news.

SoCal Regional Coordinator
[email protected] 

Area 12, Handbell Musicians of America

http://www.areaxii.org/Areas/SouthernCalifornia

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The Southern California Region is all of Imperial & San Diego Counties, and most of Riverside & San Bernardino Counties.

 

Hello, Bay Area Ringers!

I hope all is going well with your preparations for your holiday season, concerts and services.

Be sure to let me know dates to post your events on the calendar. 

As always, check the Area 12 calendar and the Bay Area web page for upcoming local concerts.   

Julie Vaquilar

[email protected] 

Friend us on Facebook!   

Dear Handbell Musicians,

It feels good addressing you all as handbell musicians instead of ringers and directors because as of October 1 the National Office has made it official that ringers and directors alike will be referred to as handbell musicians!

For you handbell musicians looking for a fall festival you need not look any further. The Redding Handbell Festival kicks off Friday, October 12 with the Ringin' in the Red Zone Bronze Choir. Rehearsal will be from 6-9 pm at Simpson University Heritage Life Center, under the direction of Larry Sue.

The main Redding Handbell Festival begins at 9 am Saturday, October 13 at the same location, with Mary Balkow directing the massed bell choirs. Along with the massed ringing, the day's events includes classes: percussion instruments, bell maintenance, basic ringing, basic bell tree training, beyond basic bell tree training, boomwhackers and other whacky instruments, and a reading session of new music. The festival concludes with a free public concert at 4:30 p.m. There's still room for you to join us, so please refer to the Northern California web page for more details and a registration form.

As always, if you have a workshop, concert, or any other bell event that you would like mentioned in this enewsletter and on our web site, please contact me with your information.

Ringcerely,

Nancy Schmitt
[email protected] 

In National news, AGEHR founding member and past president Nancy Poore Tufts from Ft. Washington, Maryland, passed away September 16, 2012 at the age of 102. To read more about Nancy's life and her contributions to the handbell community, visit the National web site's special memorial page in her honor.

And here are a couple of reminders of National events:

• Be a part of the Handbel Musicians of America virtual handbell ensemble by submitting your video upload by March 1, 2013. The piece, Misterium, composed by Area 12's own James Meredith, consists of 135 musical segments to be recorded separately by individuals and small groups of players from around the world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of this special event premiering next July.
• Distincly Bronze West returns this February, with Fred Gramann conducting. Make sure you watch the National web site for audition and registration information later this year.
• The National Master Series returns this February with courses in conducting, composition, ringing techniques, theory, and basis training for directors. The event returns to Tucson, Arizona and includes noted instructors Michael Glasgow, Bill and Carolyn Mathis, William Payn, Arnold Sherman and Area 12's own Michele Sharik.

National events are a great way to increase your knowledge of the instrument and test your skills at a more advanced level. 

To find out more about these exciting National ringing and learning opportunities, go to the National web site.