On Sunday, June 29 five of our handbell choir members, Sally, April, Martha, Margaret, and Jill, performed at the biennial Handbell Festival/Conference at Worcester State University! This was put together by the Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1. It featured over 350 handbell musicians performing at the same time, also known as “Massed Ringing.” There were smaller ensembles that also played, ranging from
beginner to advanced levels. Sally said, “This year’s conference director, Stevie Berryman, was phenomenal. She instructed us, taught us, corrected us and applauded us. I said it two years ago, and I’ll say it again – I have so much more to learn, but I was led and challenged this weekend, and I walked away exhausted and exhilarated!”

Along with our performance, the conference featured many different classes and workshops that attendees could take. These ranged from music reading, to processionals, to the science of handbells, to extra ringing tracks, and more! Margaret shared, “The Festival was awesome! We played a diverse selection of music — pieces inspired by Christmas carols, an Indonesian folk song, and a Gospel tune. The songs ranged in spirit from fun to mournful to majestic. The classes were also great.

We learned about ringing techniques, ways to bring more handbell music to our congregations, and ideas for encouraging more people to try handbells.

My favorite part was playing alongside my mentor Jane for eleven hours of rehearsal! Her encouragement, assistance, and presence gave me the confidence to play challenging music and improve my artistry.”
And Martha said, “It was a wonderful weekend in Worcester with talented directors and bell ringers. This year I was able to have an experienced bell ringer as a mentor. What a difference. I learned so much and have more confidence. Can’t wait for the next festival in 2 years! And a special thank you to our wonderful director, Jill Boday, who organized many rehearsals prior to the festival so we could be more prepared. It made a big difference heading into our first rehearsal at the festival. Jill gives so much of her time and talents and I’m truly grateful.”

The Handbell Choir plans to perform on July 13. Following this service, we will have a short handbell and chime “petting zoo.” This is the time to try ringing a bell and a chime. This will also be at the conclusion of
Vacation Bible School, so I hope to have a small group of children playing chimes that day as well! I will incorporate a lot of music, including handchimes, during our Vacation Bible School week, July 7-11. Join us!