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   The Twelfth Tone
 
Area 12 Newsletter
August 2014
In This Issue
Calendar
Area 12 Board
From the Chair
Southern California
Northern California
LA Metro
Central California
Nevada
Hawaii
Bay Area
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 Virtuoso is Back!

 

June 12-14, 2015

Raleigh, North Carolina

Conductor: Dr. William Payn

 

Virtuoso was created by The Raleigh Ringers as an opportunity for a small group of advanced ringers to participate in a professional performance experience under the baton of renowned conductor Dr. William Payn. The three-day event will include all aspects of preparing for and presenting a formal concert, culminating in a performance on a concert stage as special guests during The Raleigh Ringers' Spring Concert at Meymandi Concert Hall.

 

To request an application packet, email [email protected]. Deadline to apply is December 1, 2014.

 

For more information, visit

www.rr.org/events/virtuoso

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with music and accessories: gloves

gifts

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binders

bell tree items

Malmark products

 

 visit us at

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 612-208-1741

877 426-3235

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Advertising Rates for the 2014 Publishing Year

The Twelfth Tone is published the first of each month, except July, by Area 12 of the Handbell Musicians of America (The Guild). The Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication. The editor of this publication reserves the right to reject or modify copy.

Advertising Rates: 

We offer two different ad types

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Payment is due before publication. Submission DEADLINE is the 24th 

Please submit your ads via email to
Barbara Meinke, Communications Director

Make checks payable to
AGEHR Area XII
and send to:
Kathy Arnold, Treasurer
1228 Isabelle Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94040
Area 12 Bell Loan Program
cartoon bells  
 

     The election results are IN! Congratulations to the newest members of the Area 12 Board of Directors!
Sandy Haynes, Secretary
Sunghee Kim, Treasurer
      Thank you to Ruben Mendoza and Kathy Arnold for their super job in serving the last term in these positions and to Christine Anderson and Sandy Walker-Tansley for their willingness to also fill these positions. We are looking forward to working with them in other capacities in our area. 
    We extend a great thank you to all who voted in the election. Your votes help us keep your area running. Please feel free to contact any board member with your comments, concerns, suggestions, and offers to help!
Message from the Chair - Mich�le Sharik


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,
 

Mich�le Sharik

Chair

[email protected]

Communiqu� - Barbara Meinke, Communications

    Have you ever had a hard time just getting started? Though I didn't write an article for the June newsletter, and there was no newsletter last month, this month I am having a hard time getting started.
     So, what shall I do? I'll just start typing. Right now. We'll see where it goes! **pause to set the justification and font size...a good stalling tactic!**
     Sometimes I have this same problem with other projects, from deciding what to make for dinner, to writing a budget for an event, to planning the season repertoire for my bell and vocal choirs, to tackling a folder full of new music for an advanced ringing ensemble. Seems like it would be easier to go watch Big Bang Theory!
     BUT, I have a DVR to save that episode, and so I start. Start by getting out a pencil and paper (or hitting the edit button in my column!). I title my notes (think set the justication and font!). Maybe I put the date or some pre-decided goal down. Then it starts to come. What do I want to accomplish? What do I need to have and do to accomplish that? Who do I need to have on board with me? What can I delegate? What do I really want to do myself? Next thing I know I am "in the zone" and flying along. How did that happen? In the middle of summer? While suffering from serious jetlag? I just started.
      As you approach the fast coming fall season, I wish for you an easy start, one filled with inspiration, new ideas, and a sense of security. But if not, just start. You won't get anywhere by standing still!

Barbara Meinke
Communications Director

PS - Area 12 has some great places to start! Check out our fall workshop opportunities below!
SoCal - Kari Jacobs, Regional Coordinator

 

   I hope everyone has been having a relaxing summer! My three girls and I had a wonderful trip to Hawaii where we met up with my husband who is deployed for his 10 day port call on Oahu!!

  If you have not already registered for the Workshop with Timbr�, there is still time to take advantage of that great opportunity.

     Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming concerts in your area and set aside April 24-25 for the 2015 Spring Ring.

 

 Workshop with Timbr�

August 23, 2014
Escondido, CA
This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America 

Have a blessed summer!! 
 

Kari Jacobs

SoCal Regional Coordinator

[email protected]       

 

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

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NorCal - Nancy Schmitt, Regional Coordinator
Nancy Schmitt
 
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, 

 

Nancy Schmitt

NorCal Regional Coordinator  


For information on NorCal Region's concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here to go to the NorCal page.
LA Metro - Scott Leggett, Regional Coordinator
  

   I can't believe the summer break is halfway over already, but like many of you, I'm already spending time preparing for the September return of handbell ringing and getting the year planned. Speaking of plans, make sure to plan to attend the Fall Ringers Workshop on Saturday, October 4 at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. We have a full day of ringing and education opportunities scheduled and the sooner you register the better so we can tailor the education offerings to match your interest. You can review and download the information on the LA Metro web page. Also, as you plan your season, please use our web page and Facebook page to promote your events and share pictures. You can add your own events to Facebook and I can get your events listed on our web page. And if you are looking for ringers, we can post that as well! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
  

 Workshop with Timbr�

September 27, 2014
West Hills, CA
This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America 

 

LA Metro Fall Ringers' Workshop

October 4, 2014

Pasadena, CA

Ramona Miller, clinician

 Details and registration forms coming soon!

This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America 

 

Scott Leggett

LA Metro Regional Coordinator

[email protected]    

 

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

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CenCal - Lori Smith, Regional Coordinator
Lori Smith

Hello CenCal,

    Well, the Area 12 Handbell Conference at SLO is behind us, but I must tell you I had a great time. This was my first time "working" the event. I assisted Kathy Arnold at the registration desk, a great way to see everyone at least once! I visited with friends and met lots of new folks. In between name badge distributions, I rang through new music and learned something about drumsticks and djembes. Now, I'm hoping to see how djembes will be used in your upcoming bell concerts this fall!
 

Lori Smith

CenCal Regional Coordinator  

 

For information on CenCal Region's concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here to go to the CenCal page. 
Nevada - Barb Walsh, Regional Coordinator

Barb Walsh Headshot 

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

[email protected] 

 

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

Hawaii - Karen Carlisle, Regional Coordinator
Karen Carlisle

Aloha, Hawaii!

     Did you hear the news? The 2018 Area 12 Conference will be in HAWAII! They are coming across the water!
     But don't sit back and wait, we will have something here before then! We are working on a workshop again in October. Stay tuned for more details!
     I have been traveling this year for handbells and it has been so much fun! So many different things to learn! My first stop was Cincinnati Ohio, to the Master's Series Conductor's track. It was such a great learning experience watching these very talented people direct a group of ringers. The support of the ringers for the conductor's to be able to improve themselves is great to watch. My second trip was to San Luis Obispo for the Area 12 conference. The small quaint convention was an experience of new people coming together to learn a craft they all have in common. What great different classes we had and I got to ring for four days! How awesome is that? I also had the opportunity to visit with family.
     Now that our summer is coming to an end, our handbell groups are going to be starting up with great music played by great people as we share our talents with people all over. Enjoy!

Karen Carlisle
Hawaii Regional Coordinator

For information on Hawaii Region's concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here to go to the Hawaii page.
Bay Area - Julie Vaquilar, Regional Coordinator


   
Thank you to Julie Vaquilar for her years serving you and the board as the Bay Area Regional Coodinator!


 

We are now seeking a new Bay Area Regional Coordinator. If you are interested, please contact Mich�le Sharik

 

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

 

 

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