Let's ring in the year with some handbell resolutions, striving to be better ringers by focusing on specific goals. Here are some ideas to make more positive contributions to your ringing group.

Resolution: Get to rehearsals early and be ready to ring on time.

Result:  Rehearsal time becomes more productive!

Resolution: Help set up or tear down rehearsal space. Sometimes we rely on the usual good-natured folks to do all the hauling.

Result:  Rehearsals start on time, people get to leave earlier, and group morale is boosted from everyone sharing responsibility!

Resolution: Prepare music before rehearsal. Even looking at music ten minutes a day can help!

Result: Directors can tell when people have worked on the music during the week.  Happy directors make happy ringers!

Resolution: Encourage your group to attend the Bay Area Spring Ring in Cupertino on May 2-3, 2014. Click on the blue link for info!

Result: Take classes about different handbell topics, learn about bell-trees, see solo performances of eight-in-hand ringing, and participate in mass ringing with composer and conductor Fred Gramann from the American Church in Paris!

Resolution: Organize your group to go to a Bay Area handbell concert. See our calendar section in the left column!

Result:  By watching other concerts, you can learn so much about performing and organizing a concert, meet other bell ringers, and enjoy the gratitude of performers appreciating your supporting their efforts!

Resolution: Join the Handbells Musicians of America.

Result:  Take advantage of The Guild's online resources, email newsletters, and the Overtones magazine, and find out about area, national, and international events.

These are just some of many ideas. You may decide to come up with your own goal. Maybe your group is willing to come up with goals for your group. Regardless, the start of a new year is an ideal time for reflection and action.

Happy 2014!