Classes at National Seminar cover all aspects of handbell musicianship.

Techniques for treble to bass, solo to ensemble, musicality, percussion, and rhythm; managing and building a handbell program; and more.

Click on the instructor’s name to learn more about them.

 

50 Shades of Damping

Michèle Sharik (Sessions 3 and 4)
There is so much more to damping than just “on” or “off.” This class explores the middle-ground between strict note value damping and LV free-for-all and demonstrates how the judicious use of the ringing and damping techniques you already know can raise your music-making to new heights.

 

Adaptive Notation: Evolving into the Digital World

Diana Montgomery (Sessions 8 and 9)
While adaptive notation has been in existence for years, it is now time to move away from the old system of scrolls and into the digital arena. This class will introduce participants to a PowerPoint-based system of adaptive notation. Participants will experience ringing with this notation and learn how to create it.

 

Advanced Bass Bells: Developing the Individual Ringer and the Section

Justin Wooten (Sessions 5 and 11)

This class will expand skills for bass bell players and directors, demonstrating techniques needed to elevate a bass bell section. Participants will expand their toolbox of techniques for bass bell ringing and learn how to incorporate low bass bells (2s/aluminums) into their ensembles.

 

All About That Bass: Digging Deeper

Leslie Lewis (Sessions 3 and 12)

This session will help ringers and directors decide when and how to “double down” so that they can use the lower octave bells in music that was originally written for a smaller range of octaves. We will also look closer at the philosophies of assigning bass bells, and how this might apply to the full ensemble.

 

Arranging Rock, Pop, and Jazz for Handbells

Ron Mallory (Sessions 2 and 5)

Performing pop, rock, and jazz – whether one of the great oldies or a new chart-topping hit – can be enjoyable for handbell ringers and audiences alike. But there are some interesting challenges involved in adapting this music for our unique instrument. We’ll look at several approaches to arranging pop, rock, and jazz music for handbells, as well as the process involved in securing permission to legally arrange and perform copyrighted songs.

 

Audition Skills for Ringers

Sharon Schmidt (Sessions 1 and 8)

Are you eager to join a community or college group but find that the audition process is new and scary territory? This session will step you through the entire process from signing up to dealing with the results.

 

Balloons

Stevie Berryman (Sessions 3 and 8)

Take a break from ringing, but not from improving your skills. Learn how $5 worth of latex balloons can provide a year’s worth of games for your handbell choir that teach coordination, dexterity, ensemble skills, and more. Participation is expected.

 

Basic Percussion Methods

Jack Burdwood (Sessions 1 and 11)

How do I play the tambourine? What is a vibraslap? Why can’t I play the triangle with a screwdriver? All these questions and more are answered in this crash course for all things percussion. This hands-on class covers the techniques, do’s and don’ts for various percussion instruments commonly used in handbell repertoire.

 

Basics Revisited: Your 100,000 Measure Tune-Up

Michèle Sharik (Sessions 5 and 6)

Whether you are a brand-new beginner or a veteran ringer, this class will teach or remind you what to do before you ever pick up a bell or chime. Learn ergonomic techniques to help you not only survive those long rehearsals, concerts, and day-long ringing festivals, but also do so without pain or soreness. Ringers will be introduced to the “Three S’s: Stance, Seat and Stroke,” and use these to focus on developing a relaxed ringing style to control the bell, ring dynamically, and make beautiful music.

 

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Kevin Mazimas Ko (Sessions 1 and 4)

Have you ever been called to be the substitute director for a rehearsal with late notice? Instead of canceling when the director is not available, after this class you will have 8 different rehearsal ideas for substituting in their absence. You will learn how to proceed even if you have not seen the music beforehand or had any preparation time.

 

Beginner Bass Bells: Molding the Individual Ringer and the Section

Justin Wooten (Sessions 4 and 6)

This class is geared toward the ringer or director new to bass bells that wants to learn the basics. Everything from bass bell techniques to what type of gloves work best will be covered in this class. In addition to working on individual skills, we will push toward creating the bass bell section that works well together as one cohesive unit. Please bring mallets specifically designed for bass bells.

 

Beginning Solo Ringing

Ron Bellamy (Sessions 2 and 5)

Ringers will be introduced to many of the techniques required to build a solo ringing foundation. This hands-on class will give ringers an opportunity to learn and rehearse skills like table-damping, switching, and weaving, and well as many others. Clearly marking music for future reference will also be covered.

 

Behind the Baton

Deborah Rice (Sessions 2 and 3)

Let’s go behind the baton to explore conducting tips for rhythmic accuracy and musical interpretations with your ringers. This session provides a check list for physical gestures including the importance of your anacrusis, managing fermatas, cues, dynamics, and critical listening applied to a selection of music.

 

Bell Trees Continued: Beyond the First Branch

Laura Blauch (Sessions 12 and 13)

Adding branches to your bell tree opens the door for more exciting repertoire but also creates new challenges. In this class, we will assemble additional branches using the traditional keyboard setup, learn how to move from one string to the next, and work to determine how to approach sticking patterns. Please bring mallets appropriate for C5 and up.

 

Between the Music

Pamela “P.L.” Grove (Sessions 1 and 7)

P.L. will share her tips and tricks for creating great concert spiel that will enhance your performance. Over the years, she has spent nearly as much time creating intricate stories and song introductions for concerts, as she has spent playing the music itself. She has written material for all of Velocity’s concerts, and segments for several handbell solo artists. In 2013, she wrote and delivered the rhetoric for the popular and dynamic Kiriku performance at National Seminar in Portland. Following the Kiriku concert, many people asked P.L. to develop a “how to” class on what to say in between concert selections, and so this class was developed.

 

Choosing Repertoire for the Classroom

Brian Seemann (Sessions 11 and 14)

Is this piece the appropriate level of difficulty? Will this piece engage my students? Does this piece fit into my curriculum? These are some of the many factors that go into selecting music for your school ensemble. We will discuss how to search for appropriate repertoire, tried and true suggestions of secular repertoire, and an overview of teaching materials available.

 

Class Composition: A Creative Collaboration

Kathleen Wissinger (Sessions 10 and 12)

Composing a piece in a cooperative classroom setting encourages your ringers to apply music theory, ringing skills, discipline, ear training, and musicality. We will focus on sequential steps that can lead a beginning group to create their own special piece of music and enrich their ringing experience at the same time. This is also applicable to more experienced groups as well. Bring an assortment of mallets!

 

Conducting 101: You’re the Leader, Now What?

Joy Toll-Chandler (Sessions 3 and 9)

Have you been called upon to move from ringer to conductor of your ensemble? This introduction to conducting will help first-time conductors learn essential skills like basic beat patterns, simple entrances and cut-offs, dynamics, and how to use each of your hands differently in your conducting. There will be a brief look at score preparation and how to use a baton. Ringers are welcome to help better understand their director. Please bring a baton if you have one.

 

Coordination Conundrums

Marie Loeffler (Sessions 10 and 13)

According to Valerie Stephenson, “All good ringing is based on training muscle memory.” This class will explore Valerie Stephenson’s collection of exercises adapted from ringing dilemmas in handbell literature. Using Valerie’s methodical and fun approach, we will discover how to develop the muscle memory needed to master complex ringing scenarios and ring a smooth musical line no matter how difficult the passage.

 

Developing Spiritual Community

Mitchell Eithun (Sessions 1 and 11)

Come into God’s presence with ringing. Together we will share ideas to encourage ringers to grow in their relationships with God and each other through community building and reflection. This class is aimed at ringers and directors in faith-based handbell ensembles.

 

Do Not Be Afraid: Theory is Fun!

Joy Toll-Chandler (Sessions 1 and 7)

No need to be frightened of music theory. In this class you will have fun learning the basics. Based on the game Bingo, participants will learn: Basic rhythmic values; Intervals and triads; Notes on the staff; Getting it all together; Other basics like dynamics and enharmonic notes. There will even be a game prize!

 

Easy Music Programming & Recording with GarageBand

Damien Lim (Sessions 1 and 6)

GarageBand is a free app that comes with the purchase of any iOS device. Learn how to make use of this app to enhance your music-making moments by learning the simple steps of music programming and music recording.

 

Engaging Students with Handchimes and Literature in the Elementary Music Classroom

Charlotte Herbstsomer (Sessions 3 and 4)

I love reading to my students. I love it even more when I can incorporate instruments into the story. Learn how to use handchimes or other melody instruments to create a full music and literature experience and help create a sound story for a favorite book.

 

Fascinating Rhythms: System of Ta

Susan Capestro (Sessions 2 and 5)

A simplified form of Konnakol, an Indian percussion language, is used to instantly recognize, easily decipher, and interpret rhythms that might otherwise appear daunting. Learn a philosophical and holistic yet practical approach to rhythm that aids in interpretation and shortens practice and rehearsal time. Participants do plenty of tapping, clapping, and laughing with musical examples and leave with ideas on how to learn and teach rhythms joyfully and effectively.

 

Fewer Hands Can Still Make Big Music

Kathleen Wissinger (Sessions 2 and 6)

A smaller ringing group does not necessarily mean smaller music. Careful repertoire selection, astute ringing assignments, and thoughtful adaptation of music allow a dedicated cohort of flexible ringers to make a big splash!

 

First Look: Strategies for Sight-Reading Success

Stevie Berryman (Sessions 1 and 7)

First contact with new music doesn’t have to be a minefield. In this class, ringers will learn multiple strategies for sight-reading music, and directors will learn strategies for introducing new music in a way that sets their choir up for success. Anyone can learn strategies for successful sight-reading.

 

Going Digital: Using Technology for Music in Handbells

Rick Holdsworth (Sessions 6 and 12)

This class will consider the advantages of using an iPad or tablet for your handbell music instead of a binder. We will review what equipment is required and what apps are needed. Time will be spent demonstrating apps’ functions and discussing the advantages of using digital music. The class will also cover some of the challenges when ringers change positions and what to do if some ringers still use paper scores. The HMA policy regarding the use of iPads and tablets will be reviewed, and information on how best to contact publishers for digital permission will be shared.

 

Handbells, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Mitchell Eithun (Sessions 4 and 5)

How much do computers know about handbells? This cutting-edge class will share the results of querying artificial intelligence systems about handbells, including generating art and concert programs. We will also analyze data scrapped from the HandbellWorld database to see what we can learn about handbell music publishing. (Description created with the help of AI.)

 

How Do I Conduct That? Keeping the Bell Choir Together When the Music Gets Weird

Joel Plaag (Sessions 8 and 13)

Some handbell music includes random ringing, different meters, or changing tempos. How do we keep our groups together when these passages appear? We will discuss cuing, tempo changes, unusual gestures, and using the conducting pattern to communicate effectively with our players.

 

Instilling Musicality in the Beginning Handbell Choir

Daniel Moore (Sessions 6 and 7)

In a director’s enthusiasm and zeal to get a new, inexperienced handbell choir to ring, the nuance of musicality is often left to the last minute, if addressed at all. This class will present a series of practical techniques and exercises to quickly enable, encourage, and focus the musicality of your beginning handbell choir, no matter the age level.

 

Intermediate Solo Ringing

Ron Bellamy (Sessions 4 and 7)

Ringers with a basic understanding of solo techniques, including table-damping, switching, and weaving will be introduced to a variety of skills that will take their solo ringing to a higher level. Ringers will learn and rehearse bell displacement, multiple bell techniques, finger damping, and table damping. Participants will also be introduced to traveling 4-in-hand, and we will discuss the role movement plays in a performance.

 

Introduction to Bell Trees: The First Branch

Laura Blauch (Sessions 9 and 10)

Bell trees are fun to play and can be used in many ways, with or without other instruments. In this class, we will set up the tree stand, put together the first “branch,” learn how to play some simple tunes, and explore various options for using your tree. Please bring mallets appropriate for C5 and up.

 

Just 2s and 3s: Rhythms Made Easy

Brian Seemann (Sessions 8 and 12)

Complex rhythms are easier once you realize that almost all rhythm is just a grouping of either 2 or 3. That crazy syncopated 16^th-note pattern? Just groups of 2s and 3s. That awkward 7/8 time signature? Just groups of 2s or 3s. Once you can identify these groupings, deciphering complex rhythms and time signatures becomes much easier. Please bring mallets to this class.

 

Keep Calm and Carillon

Mitchell Eithun (Sessions 9 and 14)

A carillon is a set of large tower bells played using a clavier. As the most public of instruments, music from these “singing towers” is heard from churches, universities, and civic buildings throughout the United States. Learn how a carillon is played, the brilliant music written for the instruments, and where to find one near you.

 

Left or Right? A Guide to Malleting

Jack Burdwood (Sessions 7 and 13)

This class provides guidance for deciding which hands to use in malleted passages. Learn a variety of strategies to approach these passages, both as a ringer and director, and try them out for yourself. Bring your mallets.

 

Music Activities: Bells and Chimes for Older Adults

Bruna Marinho de Almeida (Sessions 11 and 14)

In 2017, the global population aged 60 and over was 962 million, more than double that from 1980. It is important that we be prepared to work with an aging population. In this class, we will experience fun music activities, body warm-ups, stretches, and music repertoire perfect for older adults to help them play, sing, ring, and dance!

 

Music Theory and Why It’s Important

Ron Mallory (Sessions 3 and 4: Both Sessions Required)

Ever wonder why some pieces have lots of sharps and flats, while others have none? Curious why a composer chooses to write certain notes, and not others? This class will give a broad overview of scales, chords, key signatures, melody, harmony, rhythm, and more, as we look under the hood of some well-known handbell pieces to see how and why they work. We’ll also talk about why understanding these concepts is vital in your ensemble’s journey to better musicianship.

 

Musicality in Handbells

David Harris (Sessions 11 and 12)

One of the most cherished compliments a handbell director can receive is, “Your performance was incredibly musical.” What exactly does that mean?  What are some common elements of musicality? What is the conductor’s role in expressing musicality?  What about the ringer’s role? In this class, we will answer these questions and more.

 

Off the Table! Handbell and Handchime Activities for the General Music Classroom

Gillian Erlenborn (Sessions 4 and 10)

Looking for handbell and handchime activities for your elementary-aged students? Interested in games and lessons that can improve your young ringers’ focus during rehearsal? This class will give participants the chance to embrace their inner child and participate in several short activities that are ideal for the general music classroom. We will explore lots of resources and ideas on how to use handbells and handchimes in a non-traditional ensemble setting.

 

Plink, Plank, Plunk: 1 + 2 = Malleting

Damien Lim (Sessions 9 and 14)

Handbell ringing is a percussive art form. Explore handbell ringing from a percussionist’s view, and learn how to create music using sensitive dynamics, phrasing, proper malleting technique, and alternative options. Recommended for all ringers and rhythm-loving people. Please bring mallets.

 

Practicing at Home With or Without Bells

Ron Mallory (Sessions 6 and 14)

You’ve just finished rehearsing with your handbell group and it will be another full week before you can touch the instrument again, so there’s no way to practice on your own. It doesn’t have to be this way! There are many ways handbell musicians can practice at home, even if they don’t have their own personal set of bells. This class will be taught from the ringer and director’s perspective.

 

Problem Solving for Rhythm Challenges

Marci Nuoffer (Sessions 1 and 6)

This class will help ringers and directors learn how to attack challenging rhythmic sequences in a step-by-step approach. Participants will have the opportunity to look at sample sequences and practice working through them to find success.

 

Quartet Ringing Basics

Sharon Schmidt (Sessions 6 and 11)

You and three others can make music. This hands-on class introduces you to the basics of quartet ringing through exercises and simple selections created by Herb Geisler. These skills are applicable to small ensembles of all sizes, as well as solo ringing.

 

Refreshing and New Teambuilding Activities

Greg Urban (Sessions 4 and 14)

Tired of the same old silly icebreakers and get-to-know-you teambuilding games? Ready to refresh your bag of tricks? Come learn from an activity expert who literally wrote a book on adventure activities. We will engage in a few activities, and then discuss some intentional sequencing ideas, and facilitation tips and tricks.

 

Repeatable Changes

Sharon Schmidt (Sessions 3 and 4)

How do you play that tricky passage the same way every time? Once you have the basic skills of weaving, table damping, and changes to chimes or mallets, the next step is to figure out when to do what, and how to mark your score so that you can repeat the change. In this hands-on class, we’ll solve multiple problems and explore marking techniques. Bring your mallets.

 

Ringers Rehearsal Techniques

Beth Judd (Sessions 5 and 10)

A session designed to help ringers maximize their time in rehearsal. Tips will include effective score marking, analysis skills, and much more. This is a great class for both ringers and directors.

 

Roundtable: I’m Excited, Now Where Is Everybody?

Michael Glasgow (Session 8)

Recruitment and retention can be tough! This session addresses the ever-present, and often changing, challenges of getting and keeping ringers. We start with a fun icebreaker and then focus on recruitment concepts and suggestions for improving communication and messaging within your group, including digital and low-tech options.

 

Roundtable: Managing Performance Anxiety

Nikki Evans (Session 13)

Everyone has a bit of performance anxiety. In our roundtable, we will discuss what we can do to overcome performance anxiety and use it to our advantage.

 

Roundtable: Next Steps for Bells in Schools

Gillian Erlenborn/Bells in Schools Committee (Session 12)

Members of the HMA Bells in Schools Committee will highlight some of their past projects and discuss what they are currently working on accomplishing. Participants will be asked to share their thoughts about what the Bells in Schools Committee could set their sights on for the future.

 

Roundtable: The Care and Feeding of Your Handbell Clinician

Brenda Austin (Session 14)

Many organizations host an out-of-town clinician for their handball festival, workshop, or clinic. There are always questions about contracts, fees, expenses, needs of the clinician, etc. Let’s discuss what your clinician needs, or doesn’t need, so that you can set them up for success and help make your event a smashing hit.

 

Scavenger Hunt: Deciphering Handbell Notation

Lisa Arnold (Sessions 12 and 14)

Have you ever looked at a piece of handbell music, seen an unfamiliar marking, and wondered “How am I supposed to play that?” Participants will go on a scavenger hunt through provided music, searching for common and obscure handbell notations. Once found, we will review how to interpret and play each of them.

 

Shtick Happens

Stevie Berryman (Sessions 12 and 13)

What is shtick and when is it appropriate to use with your choir? We will discuss the essential components of appropriate shtick and how it can enhance a performance without making it awkward for your audience.

 

Spinning Around the Circle of Fifths

Michael Glasgow (Sessions 2 and 5)

This class demystifies the often confusing and misunderstood Circle of Fifths. Participants will learn some very basic music theory in a non-intimidating setting that uses puzzle-reasoning and come away knowing why sometimes it’s C-sharp and sometimes it’s D-flat. They’ll realize that notes like E-sharp and A-double-flat aren’t just nasty tricks from mean composers and understand what that Circle of Fifths thing is all about, without a bunch of memorizing required at all.

 

Stage Presence and Its Importance

Hillary Marotta (Sessions 2 and 3)

The public performance is the culmination of all that a handbell choir has learned. This class teaches the importance of and attention to details that allow performances to truly stand out and communicate the unspoken messages and musicianship of the art of handbell ringing. From the way we as ringers and conductors get on stage through the final note of the last piece, this class covers all the ways we communicate with our audiences and achieve the level of professional musicianship.

 

Take It Up a Notch: How to Advance Beyond the Basics

Jennifer Stack (Sessions 7 and 10)

Your group can ring with an appropriate stroke, read simple music, and track their part; however, they may be at different stages of their handbell journey. This class will identify skills that ringers need and give tools and techniques to take your group into level 2 music and beyond, in a way that leaves them feeling confident, not frustrated.

 

Take Me Out to the Bell Game

Lisa Arnold (Sessions 5 and 8)

Let’s have some fun while testing your ability to hear and replicate notes, chords, rhythms, and even phrases from a song. Using the rules of baseball, we’ll pick teams, and when you are up at bat you will choose the difficulty level from first base to home run. A player from the opposing team will play something, and if you can replicate it accurately, you will get on base and maybe even score a run for your team. This game is designed for participants of all levels to feel a sense of accomplishment as they collaborate and learn together, and can be used in school, church, and community settings.

 

The Struggle is Real! Rehearsal Techniques and Strategies for Developing Directors

Lynn Atkins (Sessions 7 and 9: Both Sessions Required)

This class will help new and novice handbell directors feel more comfortable in front of their handbell choirs while providing clear, effective instruction. Particular emphasis will be given to planning rehearsals, reviewing music, developing strategies for teaching rhythm, reinforcing consistent tempo, and helping ringers to fix mistakes, while promoting healthy handbell ringing technique.

 

There’s More Than One Way to Peel a Banana – A Hands-On Overview of Different Assignment Methods

Michèle Sharik (Sessions 11 and 13)

Do you find yourself with 5 or more octaves of bells, but only 8 ringers? People have solved this problem in many ways over the years. In this hands-on overview of different assignment strategies — Allured, Hilty, Ivey, KatSigning, and beyond — we will experiment with different ways to assign bells to ringers.

 

Training for Handbells: Building Strength, Endurance, and Durability

Justin Wooten (Sessions 12 and 13)

This class is an introduction to strength training for handbell ringers of all ages and experience. We will cover both lower body and upper body exercises that you can do in the gym or at home to help increase your strength and endurance for ringing handbells. With extended ranges and ever-expanding techniques, this class will help ensure that our bodies can keep up with the demands of the music and instrument.

 

Understanding and Integrating Jazz into Handbell Music

Travis Maslen (Sessions 6 and 9)

This class will focus on the history of early jazz, its components, and its functional and authentic inclusion into the handbell ensemble. Ringers will see how the several notes they typically ring function harmonically, and arrangers will examine functional and non-functional examples of authentic jazz choices. Be prepared to engage in all things jazz as we discuss the best options for incorporating jazz into the handbell ensemble.

 

Using Boomwhackers with Specials Needs Populations, Young Students, Seniors and Dementia Patients

Charlotte Herbstsomer (Sessions 11 and 13)

Do you teach classes with special needs populations or young students? Would you love to share the joy of music with seniors or dementia patients? In this class, you will learn techniques to use boomwhackers to make connections in fun and engaging ways with all ages and populations.

 

Wakeups, Warmups & Wrapups

Michael Glasgow (Sessions 3 and 9)

The main course of a rehearsal comprises score study, ringing techniques, conducting gestures, but what about the amuse-bouche, the appetizer, the dessert? This interactive class offers different ideas to get your group’s brains and bodies warmed up and explores ideas for starting and concluding rehearsals in positive, intentional ways.

 

When Left is Right: Weaving and Displacement

Pamela “P.L.” Grove (Sessions 2 and 8)

If you’ve ever played battery or bass bells, you know that four-in-hand is not always the answer for a tough passage in the music. Plus, you never know when your neighbor is going to need that E-flat right after you have played the D-sharp (enharmonically speaking, of course). This class will focus on solutions for ringing sections of music that require quick changes from one bell to the next. To weave or not to weave: yes, that is the question. But there’s more than one answer. Learning how to put the bells out of “order” can be a better solution than twisting yourself into a pretzel. Sometimes left can be right.

 

Unpublished Reading Session

7:15 PM – 8:45 PM, Thursday, July 11

Handbell Musicians of America will again be offering an Unpublished Reading Session at National Seminar. Conductor Ed Rollins will lead the session, to be held on Thursday, July 11, from 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM. This event provides a forum for unpublished works to be heard and help promote handbell composers. 
 
Interested Ringers should come to Room 14 (same location as ringing tracks) to participate. This is a first come, first served scenario, so please arrive early!

Interested Composers should review the information below regarding submitting a work for consideration:  

• 1 piece per composer may be submitted. 
• Composer must be registered for National Seminar and attend the Unpublished Reading Session. 
• 5-octave range of handbells and handchimes will be available. 
• 5 min piece, or 5 min excerpt of longer piece.  
• No additional instrumentation will be available. 
• Requests for participation to be made by email that must include PDF of piece or excerpt. 
• 1st 12 composers to apply will be accepted. 
• May 30 deadline. 
• Requests for participation to be sent to: [email protected]