Master Series
Thirteen conducting participants will be chosen and assigned one piece to learn and conduct under Dr. William Payn’s tutelage. Conducting participants and ringer-observers will form the choir that each conductor will lead. The event concludes with a final showcase concert where each conducting student will present their piece for an audience. An application is required to be considered as a conducting participant, including a recent (within the last 12 months) video of the candidate conducting, and information about the candidate’s music education and handbell experience.
If you are not quite ready to step to the podium, you have the opportunity to participate as a ringer-observer, where you will ring for the student conductors and watch Dr. Payn work first-hand. Ringer-observers do not need to submit an application – simply proceed to registration. Conducting applications must be submitted by March 31, 2023. Ringer-observer registration must be completed by June 1, 2023.
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.
Registration Fees
Conductors – $495
Ringer-Observer – $375
Registration includes all course materials, July 8 dinner, and July 9/10 lunches. Special offer for Master Series participants – save 10% on Master Series registration if you also attend National Seminar. Important – to receive this offer you must register for National Seminar first, as discounts cannot be applied after registration is complete. Register for National Seminar here.
Cancellation Policy
From February 15, 2023, through June 15, 2023, the total fee, minus a $150 administrative charge, will be refunded. From June 16, 2023, onwards, the total fee, minus a $150 administrative charge will be provided only should the space be filled by another participant. If the space is not filled, no refund will be provided.
Up to six composers will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with Sondra Tucker to hone their skills in composing and arranging. Students will have access to keyboards, three octaves of handbells, and ample time to work on their compositions. There will also be opportunities for group discussion and collaboration. Participants will be chosen in the order of when they applied. Each registrant will be asked to provide information about their background in composing and arranging, and should have at least one composition/arrangement in progress when arriving at the event. The event will conclude with a combined showcase with the Conducting Masterclass (open to the public) where a three-octave handbell choir will present the compositions.
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.
Composition Registration
Registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis. 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 30.
Registration Fee
$495
Registration includes all course materials, July 8 dinner, and July 9/10 lunches. Special offer for Master Series participants – save 10% on Master Series registration if you also attend National Seminar. Important – to receive this offer you must register for National Seminar first, as discounts cannot be applied after registration is complete. Register for National Seminar here.
Composition Registration
Cancellation Policy
From February 15, 2023, through June 15, 2023, the total fee, minus a $150 administrative charge, will be refunded. From June 16, 2023, onwards, the total fee, minus a $150 administrative charge will be provided only should the space be filled by another participant. If the space is not filled, no refund will be provided.
Up to eight handbell soloists will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with Linda Krantz. Under her tutelage, participants will hone their solo ringing skills, learning traveling 4-in-hand, blocking, and musicianship techniques. The event will conclude with a private showcase where the participants will perform for each other. An application is required to be considered for participation, which requires information about the applicant’s music education and handbell experience. The application requires a recent (within the last 12 months) video of the soloist. Each chosen participant will submit the piece they wish to work on during the masterclass. Solo ringing applications are due by March 31, 2023.
Solo Ringing Application
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.
Registration Fee
$495
Registration includes all course materials, July 8 dinner, and July 9/10 lunches. Special offer for Master Series participants – save 10% on Master Series registration if you also attend National Seminar. Important – to receive this offer you must register for National Seminar first, as discounts cannot be applied after registration is complete. Register for National Seminar here.
Cancellation Policy
From February 15, 2023, through June 15, 2023, the total fee, minus a $150 administrative charge, will be refunded. From June 16, 2023, onwards, the total fee, minus a $150 administrative charge will be provided only should the space be filled by another participant. If the space is not filled, no refund will be provided.