Handbell Commons and Exhibiting Partners
Handbell Commons is home to our Exhibiting Partners and the hub for all social activities during the event. You can enjoy shopping, silent auction, Happy Hours, daily grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, pop-up prize drawings, and more!
Please see tabs below for Showcases, Exbibiting Partners, and information on becoming an Exhibiting Partner. Showcase descriptions will be added at a later date on the Classes and Tracks page.
We encourage you to attend these Exhibiting Partner Showcases, which include presentations and reading sessions.
Showcases in alphabetical order by Exhibiting Partner name.
What’s New in Pop?
Nick Hanson & Brian Seemann
8-Bit Handbell
Thursday, July 11, 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Nick and Brian share what’s new in the 8-Bit Handbell catalog this year. From oldies-but-goodies to recent hits, this showcase is sure to have something for your ensembles to include throughout your concert season.
Something Old, Something New
Brian Childers
AGEHR Publishing
Thursday, July 11, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
New Releases from Alfred Handbell
Sondra K. Tucker
Alfred Handbell
Friday, July 12, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Join Alfred Handbell Editor Sondra Tucker to read and ring new and best selling music, including small ensemble all the way to full choir pieces. Alfred Handbell has music to fit every need.
New Music from Beckenhorst Press
Jason Krug
Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
Friday, July 12, 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Come ring some of Beckenhorst’s newest handbell titles from some of the handbell world’s favorite composers! Music for Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas, and everything in-between, plus secular titles in a wide range of styles.
Choristers Guild Showcase
Mitchell Eithun, Sandra Eithun, Cathy Moklebust
Choristers Guild, Inc.
Wednesday, July 10, 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Please join us to explore a variety of recent publications from Choristers Guild for ensembles both large and small. Ring under the direction of composers Mitchell Eithun, Sandra Eithun and Cathy Moklebust. Explore the variety and diversity of the Choristers Guild catalog. Hope to see you there!
Something Older… Mostly Newer… All Terrific!
Kathryn Jurado
From the Top Music
Saturday, July 13, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Join us to ring a mix of brand 2024 new releases plus a few amazing titles that were released during the “Covid” period. Enjoy wonderful music from your favorite composers such as Brian Childers, Hart Morris, Michael Mazzatenta, Derek Hakes, Sondra Tucker, Kurt Meyer, Fred Gramman and more! Some are settings of hymn tunes perfect for worship; others include rhythmic and exciting concert-style titles; plus there are a few amazing original works. All are Level 3 and will be great to read, enjoy, and select for your upcoming events. We are very excited to welcome Kathryn Jurado to the podium to lead this session!
New Music from Grassy Meadow Music
Jason Krug
Grassy Meadow Music
Wednesday, July 10, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Come ring some of the newest titles from Grassy Meadow Music! Whether handbell solo, duet, 8-bell or 12-bell ensemble, or full choir, there’s something for all handbell musicians!
The Diversity of Handbells: Small Ensemble and Solo Music
Alison Pruett, Nikki Evans, Ingrid Daniel, Michèle Sharik, Carol Scheel
Heitz Handbells & Music
Thursday, July 11, 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Overwhelmed with the amount of music composed during the year? Listen to selected compositions that tickle your fancy, stretch your abilities and touch your heart. Participate in new small ensemble music. Music given away and chocolate to keep your energy up during the class.
There’s Always Hope
Brenda Austin, and various handbell composers
Hope Publishing Company
Thursday, July 11, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Join Editor, Brenda Austin, as you read and ring Hope’s recently released titles. The session will be packed with great music from a variety of levels and styles. Several of our composers will make an appearance to conduct their music. Walk away with one copy of your 3 favorite pieces to erase at your leisure.
Jeffers Publications
Jeffers Handbell Supply, Inc.
Friday, July 12, 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
A showcase of the newest releases from Jeffers Publications.
Keeping Your Handbells and Choirchimes in Top Condition – The Dos and Don’ts of Ringing
Kathy Ebling Shaw
Malmark Bells, Inc.
Friday, July 12, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
This hands-on class will survey ringing techniques and how to perform them properly so you won’t damage your instruments! A great review for ringers and directors.
What the Music Means to Me
Michael Glasgow
Wednesday, July 10, 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Being a composer of choral, handbell, and orchestral music is far more than Michael’s job; he considers it a gift to help bind hearts together through the universal language of notes and rhythms. Everything Michael composes has a story to tell and a purpose to serve; he’s never sat down and said, “Now I’m going to write something to publish and sell.” Rather, each piece is created to honor or remember a cherished friend or family member, celebrate a blessing, mark an occasion, or fulfill a commission, which affords Michael the sacred honor of helping others commemorate similar people and events in THEIR lives.
In this reading session, Michael will share some of his favorite stories behind the origins of several of his works, as well as “where are they now?” glimpses into the journeys some of his pieces have taken. Join us for a unique opportunity to share the funny, moving, sweet stories that afford an intimate look into the muse of this creative composer and arranger.
The Mallet Makes the Difference: Making Good Choices
Greig Ashurst
Schulmerich Bells, LLC
Saturday, July 13, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
The Greig Ashurst Artist & Legato Series Mallets by Schulmerich are specifically engineered to meet the demands of today’s professional handbell musicians. Come join us as we explore the different mallet options available, and how to choose the correct mallet for a particular style of music.
Vreana’s Reading Session: Self-Published Works
Mareike Davis
Vreana
Wednesday, July 10, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
If you are looking for new music that you won’t find in any handbell publisher catalogs, join us as we sight-read independently published works! Repertoire will include pop songs, sacred music, and other genres for full ensembles.
Our Exhibiting Partners
Come to Handbell Commons to visit these outstanding Exhibiting Partners with more to come!
Exhibiting Partner Options
Exhibiting Partners are an important part of National Seminar, and they can be found in Handbell Commons, the activity hub of the entire event! This year’s National Seminar is being held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT from July 9 – 13, 2024. Attendees can visit companies and individuals who provide equipment and services to the handbell community, while spending time with friends, colleagues, and fellow musicians. Exhibiting Partners have the option of presenting a hands-on showcase in our designated showcase room that is fully stocked with handbells and handchimes, generously loaned by handbell manufacturers.
Exhibiting Partner Costs
- One booth is $325 for HMA Business Members.
- One booth is $475 for non-members, which includes a one-year HMA Business Membership.
- Each additional booth is $300.
- A showcase* may be added for $50.
*Important – There is currently a wait list for showcases.
What Is Included with Exhibiting Partner Registration
- one 10′ x 10′ booth
- one 8′ high back drape
- two 3′ high side drapes
- one 8′ x 24″ x 30″ topped and skirted table
- three folding chairs
- one wastebasket
- one booth ID sign
- wireless internet access
- standard electrical outlet access
- 1/8 page ad in Overtones magazine or the event program guide
- Exhibiting Partner badge provides entry to concerts
Exhibitor Schedule in Handbell Commons
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
10:00 AM – 4:15 PM, Exhibitors move in and set-up
4:30 PM – 5:45 PM, Welcome Happy Hour in Handbell Commons with exhibits open
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Exhibits open
2:30 PM – 4:45 PM, Exhibits open
Thursday, July 11, 2024
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Exhibits open
2:30 PM – 5:45 PM, Exhibits open (Happy Hour in Handbell Commons at 4:45 PM)
Friday, July 12, 2024
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Exhibits open
2:30 PM – 5:45 PM, Exhibits open (Happy Hour in Handbell Commons at 4:45 PM)
Saturday, July 13, 2024
8:30 AM – 1:15 PM, Exhibits open
1:15 PM, Exhibitors begin to pack up
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Decorator tear-down
Required Information from Exhibiting Partners for Participation
Handbell Musicians of America requires Exhibiting Partners to submit names of staff who will be at their booth(s) in Handbell Commons. For the purpose of this event, anyone who will be at your booth assisting in any capacity is considered a member of your staff. Each Exhibiting Partner booth registration includes two staff members (1 booth = 2 staff, 2 booths = 4 staff, etc.). Staff will be issued a badge for Handbell Commons. Badges are required to be worn by everyone in Handbell Commons, including attendees, Exhibiting Partners, faculty, HMA staff, etc. If you will be having more than your allocated number of staff members from your booth registration, you may add them for a fee, by contacting Marie Clyatt-Larson, [email protected].
Cancellation Policy
Refunds, less a $150 administrative fee, will be made for registration cancellations received in writing via email (send to [email protected]) until June 15, 2024. Cancellations made after June 15, 2024, for any reason (including medical issues, family emergencies, etc.) are not refundable.