Please see the tabs below for masterclass descriptions and registration information.
The Conducting Masterclass is limited to thirteen conductors, who will be assigned one piece to learn and conduct under Dr. William Payn’s tutelage. There will be a handbell choir of ringer/observers to perform all pieces, and the event concludes with a final showcase concert where each conducting student will conduct their piece for an audience. An application is required to be considered, along with a video from within the last 12 months of the candidate conducting two pieces of contrasting styles. Dr. Payn will be retiring as a Handbell Musicians of America teacher after this event, and we anticipate the interest to be high for this session. We encourage applicants to thoughtfully complete their applications and provide video that effectively showcases their work (recorded from above and behind the choir performing, facing the conductor). Conducting applications that include video links are due by February 26, 2024. Invitations to proceed with registration will be sent by March 18, 2024, to those who are accepted.
Conducting Application
About the Instructor
As music director and conductor of Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley Chorale for over twenty years, one of Bill Payn’s major contributions to the Susquehanna Valley has been consistent quality performances enriched by a balance of traditional classical music with innovative new choral/orchestral works. He has “raised the bar” for introducing inventive and unique programming with a vision to inspire and engage audiences of all ages. With over 50 compositions to his credit, Payn’s choral and handbell works represent distinctive, original music performed regularly throughout the world in major church and concert venues. In 2016 he retired as former chair of the music department, professor of music, and director of choral studies at Bucknell University where he led his choirs to international recognition. His Emmy-nominated Bucknell Candlelight Christmas production continues to be aired every holiday season on public television throughout the U.S. Payn received a bachelor’s degree in church music/organ from Westminster Choir College and master’s and doctorate in organ and harpsichord from West Virginia University.
Ringer/Observers for Conducting
There is an opportunity for 13 handbell musicians to participate in the Conducting Masterclass as Ringer/Observers who will ring the compositions for the student conductors, and have the opportunity to watch and learn from Dr. Payn as he mentors the conductors. No application is required, and interested participants should simply proceed to registration. There is currently a waiting list for Ringer/Observers, as the spaces have been filled. Ringer/Observer registration closes April 1, 2024.
From a Past Conducting Student
“I have had the privilege of attending the conducting masterclass for many years, and it has become a very special event for me. I first attended as a fairly inexperienced director. Not only did I receive personalized instruction on building my skills, I was also amazed at how much I learned by observing the more advanced conductors. Each year, I have been given new challenges and have continued to progress, always in a very supportive environment. Most special of all, I have made wonderful, lifetime friendships!” –Laura Blauch
Registration Fees
Conductors – $375
Ringer-Observer – $275
All registration fees include a group dinner on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund, minus a $100 administrative charge, will be issued for cancellations made prior to June 1, 2024. Cancellations made after June 1, 2024, may receive a refund of the fee minus a $100 administrative charge if the reserved space can be filled by someone on the waiting list. If the reserved space cannot be filled, no refund will be provided.
Eight composers will have the opportunity to work with Sondra Tucker to hone their skills in composing and arranging. Participants must have at least one composition or arrangement in process on arrival, which they will focus on for the event. Keyboards will be available and ample time will be provided to work on compositions/arrangements. The composers will be part of group discussions and collaborations. Composition registration closes May 1, 2024.
About the Instructor
Sondra Tucker is a well-known composer for handbells, choir, organ, and flute ensemble. She is in demand as a conductor and clinician and has led denominational seminars for PCUSA, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Methodist Church, ELCA, and the Southern Baptist Church. She has also served on the faculty of numerous Handbell Musicians of America local, Area, and national events. Her compositions are published by most major church music publishing houses. Tucker’s music degrees are from the University of Arkansas and the University of Memphis. Additionally, she self-publishes flute ensemble music under her own QuickSilver Publications imprint and handbell titles under her Casa Publications.
From a Past Composition Student
“My time spent in the Master Series for composition with Sondra Tucker was priceless! I had four days of direct access to one of the best handbell arrangers in the industry. As a composer, I am comfortable writing for band and orchestral instruments, but I needed support regarding handbells. Sondra’s daily guidance helped me compose a new work, “Shadow Mountain Portrait,” performed by a five-octave ensemble. The ensemble also provided feedback from the ringers’ perspective. For those of you wanting to create music for handbells with input from a pro, I recommend you join the composition masterclass.” –Travis Maslen
Composition Registration
Registrants will be asked to provide basic information about their background in composing and arranging and should have at least one composition/arrangement in progress when arriving at the event.
Registration deadline is April 1.
Registration Fee
$375
Registration includes all course materials and a group dinner on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Composition Registration
Cancellation Policy
A full refund, minus a $100 administrative charge, will be issued for cancellations made prior to June 1, 2024. Cancellations made after June 1, 2024, may receive a refund of the fee minus a $100 administrative charge if the reserved space can be filled by someone on the waiting list. If the reserved space cannot be filled, no refund will be provided.
Eight solo ringers will have the opportunity to work individually with Linda Krantz to hone their skills in solo ringing. Group discussion and collaboration among participants will also occur. The session concludes with a private showcase where the solo ringers will perform their pieces with piano accompaniment for each other. An application is required to be considered, along with a video link of the applicant solo ringing. Videos should be from the last 12 months, and recorded from in front of the applicant to allow for a clear view of their ringing and bells on the table. Solo Ringing applications that include video links are due by April 1, 2024. Invitations to proceed with registration will be sent in May to those who are accepted.
Solo Ringing Masterclass is for:
- Soloists who just want to polish up an existing piece.
- Soloists who want help to block a piece using Traveling-4-in-hand that they want to play (but haven’t yet).
- Soloists who want me to take a piece they already know and relearn it with Traveling-4-in-hand.
Apply for Solo Ringing Masterclass
About the Instructor
Linda Krantz’s love of music and her passion to perform is rooted in her childhood church in Glendale, California, where she still resides. From an early age, Krantz shined in the church choir while devoting herself to piano under the tutelage of a master church organist. This fertile ground led to her mastery of handbells, an innate musical gift she generously shares throughout the United States and beyond. Krantz is a founding member of Jubilate, a four-in-hand handbell quartet a founding member of L.A. Bronze, a community handbell ensemble, and a member, and past board member, of Handbell Musicians of America. She plays Malmark English Handbells on 3+ octaves.
From a Past (Virtual) Solo Ringing Student
“I have used the techniques that were taught to me during this masterclass in many areas of my handbell solo career. The class is geared toward any person who wants to improve their skills in solo ringing and musicality. I thank HMA for offering this type of class. I thank Linda Krantz for her expertise in solo ringing and bringing this expertise to others who want to improve their skills.” –Donna Countryman
Registration Fee
$375
Registration includes all course materials and a group dinner on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund, minus a $100 administrative charge, will be issued for cancellations made prior to June 1, 2024. Cancellations made after June 1, 2024, may receive a refund of the fee minus a $100 administrative charge if the reserved space can be filled by someone on the waiting list. If the reserved space cannot be filled, no refund will be provided.