Hi there, Area 12!

     Wow, wow, WOW! That's what I have to say about our Conference at SLO! The comments I received from attendees were all positive -- y'all loved the classes, the venue, the concerts, and the clinicians! The percussion classes were especially popular. (I wish I had had time to take one!!) I hope the things learned at SLO, as well as all the other events in Area 12, will serve you all well as you get ready to start your fall handbell season. 

     I want to thank all of you who returned your ballots by the deadline. Congratulations to Sunghee Kim, treasurer, and Sandy Haynes, secretary! I look forward to the honor and privilege of serving with them!

     Please don't forget to click on the calendar link to see what concerts, workshops, and other events are being offered this fall in YOUR region!

My best,

 

Michèle Sharik

Chair

chair.area12@handbellmusicians.org

 

Dear Handbell Musicians,

 

     Most of the big ringing events from the summer are over and hopefully you are all finding time to relax before the fall season kicks off. Some of my bell choir had the honor of participating in the Wittenberg Handbell Festival in Wittenberg, Germany in July. We had been there in 2011 to help the Castle Church start a bell choir. It was wonderful to see and hear the progress they had made in three years.

     With the fall ringing season soon approaching, there is a ringing opportunity you won't want to miss. The Seventh Annual Redding Handbell Festival is October 11 and will be held at Simpson University Heritage Life Center in Redding. The festival kicks off Friday evening, October 11, with Ringin' in the Red Zone Bronze Choir, directed by Larry Sue, for all of you reaching for the stars of more advanced ringing. Then the main festival starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 11. Ellie Hodder will direct the massed bell choirs. There will also be classes to fit your needs: reading session of new music, ear training, basic ringing, bell maintenance, tricky rhythms, drumming, and a class on finding words or ways to help make your songs more meaningful to the audience. For registration, please visit the Northern California part of Area 12 website.

     Please remember to e-mail me with your upcoming concerts, workshops, or other happenings. Now enjoy the rest of your summer.

 

Redding Handbell Festival

October 11, 2014

Simpson University in Redding, CA

 This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America   

 

Rincerely, 

 

NorCal Regional Coordinator  

LA Metro Regional Coordinator

Here is a special reflection from Nevada region member, Sarah Bigelow. Thank you, Sarah!

Coveting My Neighbor's Bells

     I stood in the midst of 69 handbell ringers, casting covetous eyes upon my absent neighbor's bells. It pained me to see three bass bells lying idle. Could I possibly try a bit of bell weaving technique and play the whole bass line? I was one small voice in the center of dozens of ringers. Did I have the courage to stretch my ringing skills?

     The 12th Annual Sierra Spring Ring, directed by Barb Walsh and assisted by Derek Nance, was in full swing. Our hosts, the bell choir from South Reno United Methodist Church, had welcomed us and made us comfortable in their excellent facilities. Early morning set-up had been ably assisted by Barb's group, Tintabulations, northern Nevada's premier community handbell ensemble. That controlled pandemonium had resolved to a sanctuary full of intent musicians, working together to follow Barb Walsh's energetic and inspiring interpretations of the music. 

     As we began ringing the lovely and lilting melody of "Celtic Farewell", by Linda Lamb, I mentally rehearsed the specific weaving techniques I would need to put five bells into use. I watched our director's tempo, matched my movements, and decided to go for it! After all, if I couldn't keep up, other choirs surrounding me would be playing the same bells. No one would miss my notes, buried in the middle of the massed ring as I was. And where better to try a bit of weaving, where no one would notice?

     I was soon caught up in the music, carried off by the massed fullness of bells as we followed Barb Walsh's clear, precise construction of the piece. My bass bells made lovely counterpoint to the haunting melody. Moving back and forth as I wove, I felt as if I were a tiny cog in a huge pipe organ, helping to fill a cathedral with sound!

     It was a bit of a shock when the music ended, and I found myself back in the sanctuary, once again surrounded by 69 other hand bell ringers! Our day continued with more chances to challenge, stretch, and enrich ringing skills. Barb Walsh kept the schedule moving through massed rehearsals and classes, with welcome breaks for talking, visiting, and stretching tiring muscles. I joyfully rang bells, wove bells, and struck my neighbor's bells with mallets for several hours. That afternoon, during our public concert, once again I was moved by the organ-like swell of melody and harmony in the massed ring. I watched, entranced, as other choirs shared solo pieces. And when our Spring Ring music was over, I happily dove into the organized hubbub of break down, telling old and new friends good-bye until next year!

     The day held one last treat, a full concert performed by Tintabulations. They danced onto the stage with a catchy, syncopated processional, and the energy stayed high for the rest of the concert! It was wonderful to see how choreography could enhance the bell music. And, as always, the Tintabulation's musicality while playing each piece made it a joy to listen!

Barbara Walsh

Nevada Regional Coordinator

nv.area12@handbellmusicians.org 

For information on Nevada Region's concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here to go to the Nevada page.