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Our National
Organization
The monthly enewsletter. Click logo to subscribe Registration is open!
For 8th - 12th grade
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Message from the Chair - Mich�le Sharik
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Since moving to California in 2002, I've laughed at the old adage "April showers bring May flowers" because here things bloom all year! But it really does apply to handbells, doesn't it? We had so many events in April, many of which watered the seeds for our programs, getting us ready for concerts in May! Click the calendar item over there on the left and make a point to attend another group's concert in May. I guarantee it will be an oasis of peace in your otherwise busy schedule. And please don't forget to register for the Handbell Hop! We've got so many great tracks for all levels of ringers and directors, and two top-notch conductors to boot. I can hardy wait to go!
My Best,
Mich�le Sharik
Chair
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Communiqu� - Barbara Meinke, Communications Director
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This month I am featuring some tips from Kendra Scott on making your ensemble more visible, specifically for those of us on Facebook.
DID YOU KNOW?
Facebook will show users what events are going on near them, even if they haven't previously "liked" a page, but it bases its free advertising on how popular your ensemble's page appears to be. The tips below can be done for all your favorite handbell ensembles, not just your own group! At concerts you can also ask your audience to get out their phones and "like" or "check in", and THEN turn them off for the performance.
So, if you feel like doing a little homework, have a few hours, minutes,or seconds to spare, read the following, put in a little time, and do what you can from this list. Every little bit helps!
If you have a Facebook account -
Go to your ensemble's FB page, find the "LIKE" button, and click it!
- Got a second? Just below the group's cover photo, you will see a bar of choices, one of which is "More." Click on it and select the word "Events". Look for the button "Subscribe" and click it! This will inform you on Facebook every time a new event is created. Having subscribers will make Facebook think you are important!
- Got another second? Looking below on the events page, you'll see upcoming events and past events. On the right side of EACH event there is a button called "Interested". Click it - the star should turn into a check. Click it AGAIN to drop down the list and select "GOING" (because of course you are!)
- Got a couple minutes? Great! If you're still on the Events page, click on the event title. This takes you to that event page. Underneath the event banner, at the top, you should see a series of buttons. "GOING" should be first (hopefully not just interested). Next to it is the "INVITE" button. Click it, and choose "share" and the share window will pop up. Type something: "Wonderful handbell concert this weekend, I can't wait! Bring the kids!" in the area that says "Say something about this...", and then click the blue button on the bottom right that says "POST".
- Got a couple more minutes? Back on the Event page, click the "INVITE" button again, this time choosing "choose friends." This will pull up a list of your Facebook contacts and you can select those you think might like to go to that event. After clicking the circles next to each contact you want to invite, scrolling down the list to catch them all, click the bottom right blue button that says "SEND INVITES".
- You've done all so far, so what's two more minutes? Go back to your ensemble's main FB page, and next to the "LIKE" button you clicked is the button that says "Message" and a button that just says "..." Click "...", and then click on "INVITE FRIENDS". This will bring up another list of your friends and family, whom you can individually invite to be Facebook fans of your ensemble. They'll receive posts and notifications about announcements and events. More fans will make the page look more important which will make it more likely Facebook will show it to all your fans, old and new! Win-Win!
If you don't have a Facebook account, some folks in your ensemble do, so have one of them create a page for your ensemble and ask the others to work the list!
Happy Facebooking!
Barbara Meinke
Communications Director
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Area 12 Ringers' Festival Conference
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Handbell Hoppers!
One, two, three o'clock,
four o'clock, rock!
If you've not registered for the Handbell Musicians of America Area 12 Conference you need to go online or contact our Registrar, Kathy Arnold, to get on the "play list" for this jukebox!
June 16-19
The DoubleTree by Hilton
Modesto, CA
Whether you are behind or in front of the bell table,
consider taking the Thursday Track, "Leader of the Pack".
This track is spear headed by guest clinician for Division A, Kimberlee Strepka, followed by a line-up of leaders from Area 12. If you are a seasoned director, or stepping in front of the bell table for the first time, check out the full track description here.
Gain a new perspective; learn a new technique or polish up a golden oldie. Dinner is included with this track.
There are additional classes on Friday and Saturday to expand your position as director as well, from recruiting to music selection through an "All-Ring" Track. Those days include lunch and a concert too!
Room Rate Discount through May 26
at the Double Tree, Hilton of Modesto
We have a block of rooms set aside at a discounted rate of $99.00 per night/up to four per room. That bargain rate is good for June 13 through June 20, allowing you an early arrival or an extended stay. The booking window for this event is through May 26, at which time room rates increase and availability is limited. So, CLICK HERE to book now at the bargain rate and anyone needing a roommate should contact Kathy Arnold, Conference Registrar.
Anyone needing help to register online, or wishing to add tracks after they've registered can certainly do so by contacting Kathy Arnold, Conference Registrar. She can take care of getting you signed up and/or making any changes to your schedule, including those who applied and have now been accepted as "Bronze Cruisers" Conference Choir Ringers!
Join us at the Hop! You will have a grand experience and a renewed enthusiasm for ringing in or directing a bell choir!
Click HERE to review all the opportunities and
This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America
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Northern Nevada - Barb Walsh, Regional Coordinator
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Howdy!
As I write this, it's snowing here in Reno. This Saturday (April 30) we're having our 14th Annual Sierra Spring Ring. Last year we had a group from the other side of the Sierras in Auburn miss the Spring Ring because of the snow. That same group along with a couple of groups from Grass Valley and some people from Harmony Ringers in Las Vegas will be driving over mountain passes and I certainly hope the weather will change so they can attend!
I doubt we'll be worrying about snow for our May 24th event - our umpteenth annual Young Ringers' Festival. This event is targeted for elementary and middle school aged ringers. Dr. Jim Smith has composed the two pieces we'll be using, "Reno Boogie" and "Joyful Processional" and the music is free for those attending the event. The event will be held at South Reno United Methodist Church from 10:00-1:00 with a public concert at noon. The clinician is yours truly and the cost is ONLY $1.00 per ringer. If you would like to attend this event, please contact me.
Barbara Walsh
Northern Nevada Regional Coordinator
For information on Northern Nevada's concerts, events,
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Hawaii - Karen Carlisle, Regional Coordinator
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Northern California - Nancy Schmitt, Regional Coordinator
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SAVE THE DATE
October 22, 2016
Redding Handbell Festival
Simpson University
Redding, CA
Ringin' In the Red Zone Bronze Choir is attached to this festival and is for those ringers wanting to stretch their ringing abilities by playing more difficult music. Rehearsal will be on Friday, Oct. 21 and again Saturday morning prior to the main festival.
Red Zone Director: Barb Walsh
This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America!
As always, I look forward to receiving your concert, workshop, or festival information.
Ringcerely,
Northern California Regional Coordinator
For information on Northern California's concerts, events,
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San Francisco Bay Area - Kendra Scott, Regional Coordinator
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Hi, Bay Area!
It's concert season! Without an audience, a concert is just another rehearsal. So check out the events calendar for the details and support your local ensemble!
Tapestry Walnut Creek on May 6, Clayton on May 7, and Livermore on May 14
Velocity Oakland on May 8
Bay Bells San Jose on May 13 and Mountain View on 14
Choir of Bells Sunnyvale, May 15
Westminster Concert Bell Choir Tour Cupertino on May 17 and Monterey on May 18
SFSU Handbell Choir San Rafael on May 22
And don't forget to share your love of handbells on social media! The more you use Facebook, the more it works for us! "Like" ensembles' pages, click "Share" "Like" and say you're "Interested" or "Going" to Events. The more visible you make your concert, the more Facebook shares it with the community!
Finally, have you registered for the Handbell Hop yet? Don't miss out!
Bay Area Regional Coordinator
For information on San Francisco Bay Area's concerts, events,
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Central California - Christine Anderson, Regional Coordinator
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Hi, CenCal!
I just returned from another great Spring Ring, this time in Arroyo Grande. Leonard Lutz did a great job organizing the event, with Paul and Sue Allen as clinicians. I loved seeing the enthusiasm for handbell ringing and the friendships formed during this ringing weekend.
It's not too late to register for the Handbell Hop in Modesto - we always have such a great time ringing, learning, and finding new and old friends. If you're still thinking about it, please do register!
Is there any interest in a specialized workshop in CenCal for solo and ensemble ringing? Please let me know. Area 12 can help :-)
Hope to see you in Modesto!
Christine Anderson
Central California Regional Coordinator
For information on Central California's concerts, events, |
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Southern California - COULD BE YOU!, Regional Coordinator
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On April 16th, 120 ringers from SoCal and beyond gathered in Oceanside for our annual Spring Ring. By all accounts, Alex Guebert did a fabulous job leading us in rehearsals and preparing us for our final concert. We had so many people come to hear the concert that we had to put out extra chairs and ran out of programs!
Save Friday and Saturday, April 28-29 for next year. We'll be at the same venue (St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Oceanside) and our clinician will be Stevie Berryman, director of the Houston Chamber Ringers.
See you then!
 So Cal Region is looking for a coordinator! Won't you please raise your hand?
Southern California Regional Coordinator
This email address IS being monitored!
For information on Southern California's concerts, events,
and other opportunities, click here.
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Los Angeles Metro - Scott Leggett, Regional Coordinator
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Hello, LA Metro!
Though we missed having our LA Metro Spring Ring this year, the good note is we have secured the same venue and the artists from Timbr� to lead the event next spring! Mark your calendar now for Spring 2017 and look to our August issue for details!
Plans are also being finalized for a fall ringers workshop, so please stay tuned for that announcement very soon.
May is always busy with concerts and LA Metro is no exception. Check out the events page on our web site. To highlight what's available for your enjoyment, there are TWO concerts in our region by the Westminster Concert Bell Choir on May 20 in Newport Beach and May 22 in Pasadena. Check out the sidebar for details. The Crown City Ringers perform on Mother's Day, May 8, in Pasadena, and LA Bronze has two concerts, one May 15 in Hacienda Heights and the other May 22 in Torrance.
Lastly I hope you have registered for the Handbell Hop, it's going to be great fun!
Scott Leggett
Los Angeles Metro Regional Coordinator
For information on LA Metro's concerts, events,
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Southern Nevada - Alison Pruett, Regional Coordinator
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Hi, Southern Nevada!
We all struggle with what to do when someone's going to be gone for a concert or a Sunday when we're supposed to play in church. There are many ringers in southern Nevada who would be very willing to jump in if they only knew you needed someone. A few weeks ago I started a Facebook group entitled "Southern Nevada Handbells." This is a group anyone can join and post requests for subs, offer to be subs, or even post handbell events you want to promote. I hope this will work to bring ringers in southern Nevada together and to help each other out when needed. Click the button to "Like" our new page!
Ring on!
Alison Pruett Southern Nevada Regional Coordinator
For information on Southern Nevada's concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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International Symposium 2016
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