Happy Holidays, Area 12!

If you are anything like me, you are probably buried up to your ears in preparations for the upcoming winter holidays (as well as recovering from Thanksgiving)! Handbell musicians in churches, temples, synagogues, schools, and community groups will be presenting concerts and participating in services, charity work, caroling, and many other things. Whew! I'm exhausted just *thinking* about it all! 

I hope you will take some time during this crazy-busy season to sit back, relax, and go see some *other* handbell musicians play holiday music. Check our calendar for events near you. 

See you in the New Year. Happy Holidays! 

Michèle Sharik

Chair

chair.area12@handbellmusicians.org

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! As I was deciding what to write about this month, it just seemed natural to talk about a few things I am thankful for in my life. First and foremost, I am thankful for my wonderful family and for God who continually blesses my life. Second, I am thankful for music which has always been an important part of my life. I am so grateful that I not only enjoy playing music but have been given the opportunity to enrich the lives of students and show them how music is truly a gift from God. One final thing, although I could go on and on, I am thankful for the struggles in my life. I know that sounds odd, but I know that most of the great lessons I have learned in life have been the result of some kind of trial or time of turmoil in my life.

I hope you have all had a wonderful start to your bell season. We are now entering the "go until you drop" time for bell choirs and anyone involved in music. It seems that every Christmas we get busier and busier and by the time the end of December comes around, we are so tired we can't remember what happened! I hope as we move forward into the season, you can all remember to take a moment and enjoy what you have worked so hard to accomplish. Be proud of your efforts, acknowledge your hard work and dedication, and thank those around you that have helped make it possible.

Have a wonderful, safe Christmas!

Don't forget to send in your event dates, and I hope to see you in Murrieta, CA at our

April 24-25, 2015

See last month's issue of The Twelfth Tone for a repertoire list and watch for registration information by postcard and on our website!

Blessings and happy ringing,

Los Angeles Metro Regional Coordinator

 

Dear Handbell Musicians,

 

The holiday season is here and the sound of bells ringing will be most everywhere! When people think of Christmas, they immediately think of bells. It surprises a lot of people to discover bell ensembles ring all year long - not just at Easter and Christmas! This is a perfect time to expose the public to the art of handbell ringing by playing at retirement homes, community events, on TV, in Christmas parades, schools, Rotary Clubs, the mall, and the list goes on.

Remember to involve the children! Even the little ones can ring the colored bells and the older youth can ring bells by playing from a chart. Christmas caroling for the shut-ins is easy with ring and sing type books. Be sure to check the calendar for a holiday concert near you. I wish you all a merry ringing season!

 

Rincerely, 

 

Northern California Regional Coordinator  

Howdy!

Barbara Walsh

Northern Nevada Regional Coordinator

nv.area12@handbellmusicians.org 

For information on Northern Nevada's concerts, events,

and other opportunities, click here. 

Plans are in the works for a new handbell event in the Las Vegas area! Stay tuned!

Hope everyone's busy ringing during this Advent and Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Alison Pruett

Southern Nevada Regional Coordinator

vegas.area12@handbellmusicians.org  

For information on Southern Nevada's concerts, events,

and other opportunities, click here.