San Francisco eNewsletter
Regional
Coordinator
Carol Smith
May 1, 2007
AGEHR AREA XII San Francisco Bay Area
Carol M. Smith, Regional Coordinator
E-mail:BayArea@AreaXII.org
AGEHR Area XII web site: http://www.areaxii.org
Dear Handbell Friends,
With so many exciting bell events to participate in this past month, I felt like
I was in "bell heaven"! I journeyed with
The Area XII Board to Sacramento the weekend of April 13-14 for the board
meeting and to
participate in the Tim Waugh workshop sponsored by Riverbells Community
Ensemble. Over 50 ringers had
a great time learning about time, space, energy and plascisity as Tim challenged
us all with rhythmic games and exercises which he then related to ringing
techniques. Tim's creative way of teaching had us all energized by the end of
the day. This outstanding and well organized workshop sent each of us home with
new ideas to share with our fellow bell ringers.
On April 15, I was one of many handbell ringers who attended
Pam (P.L.) Grove's senior recital at Mills College. This very historic
as well as
innovative concert, which astounded all of us, brought the art of ringing to a
new level and handbells to the forefront as a major musical instrument in
college curricula. P.L. told
her story of pursuing her dream of a degree in handbells through recorded
narration which beautifully seamed the musical pieces together. P.L.
demonstrated amazing talent as a ringer, soloist, director, ensemble ringer,
composer, and arranger. The musicality of each piece was unsurpassed and her
solos "Grazioso" and "Commemoration of the Spirit" brought me to tears. Many
talented Bay Area ringers were members of the "Recital Ringers" who beautifully
performed P.L.'s arrangments and compositions under her direction.
Congratulations, P.L., on an outstanding recital and for making your goal of a
degree in handbells become a reality. We are truly fortunate to have such a
gifted musician and handbell visionary in our midst.
Pam's memorable recital was followed the next weekend by the "Intense Ring"
with Jason Wells. Jason exudes energy and enthusiasm and within minutes has his
ringers ringing with an intensity they didn't know was possible. The workshop
was spent working on "Capriccio" by Kevin McChesney and "Let All Things Now
Living" by Cathy Moklebust which was performed at the Spring Ring the next
day.
It was exhilerating to ring with others who share the same passion for
handbells and to be challenged to take my ringing to the next level.
Over 160 ringers experienced Jason Wells' infectious enthusiasm at the Bay
Area Spring Ring Sat. April 21. in Cupertino. Jason is truly inspiring and
obtains awesome musical results from the mass choirs. The closing number at the
concert , "Fantasy on Kingsfold" by Dean Wagner, with it's singing bell
technique, left the audience gasping. Solo numbers were presented by St. John
the Divine, Peoples Church, Low Ding Zone, Bethany Church, Bay Bells Handbell
Ensemble, Immanuel
Lutheran, Valley Ringers, Intense Ringers, and yours truly. Again we thank
Dave Ruder, Valley Ringers, and Bay Bells for organizing another memorable
ringing event for Bay Area ringers. Wil Mandac has captured the highlights and
participants of Intense Ring and Spring Ring with his great pictures which are
posted at the following web site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildabeast71/sets/72157600118572265 Check
them
out!
Next year's Bay Area Spring Ring will be
held April 19, 2008 with Doug Benton guest director. Mark your calendars now!
The jazz handbell duo of Cliff Reilly and Lee Kusmer made history this week as
handbells were part of a seven person live ensemble who played an original score
by noted Bay Area composer, Jon Richmen for the screening of a 1920's Swedish
silent film called "The Phantom Carriage at the San Francisco Film Festival. The
Castro Theater in San Francisco was sold-out- packed with abaout 200 film
lovers. The handbells weren't merely sound effects but were used as an integral
part of the scored melodies. It's great to see that handbells are beginning to
be taken seriously by orchestral composers. Congratulations Cliff and Lee for
helping bring handbells to the mainstream.
Many Bay Area ringers will be traveling this weekend to Medford, Oregon for the
27th and final Rogue Valley Handbell Fesitval organized by Marcy Winters. This
festival will feature multiple mass directors who have directed the festival
over the past 27 years. They include Doug Benton, Arnold Sherman, Dr. Jim
Smith, Larry Sue from Area XII, and David Weck. Sub group directors include
Shosh Meyer and Area XII past chair, Dave Ruder. Other Area XII clinicians
include Kathy Fink, P.L. Grove, and Dian Ruder. The event will conclude with a
massed concert on May 5 at 8 p.m. at North Medford High School. Safe travels to
all those attending.
There are still many concert opportunites
during May and June. Check out the calendar below and support your fellow bell
ringers with your presence.
Happy Ringing,
Carol
SCHOLARSHIP TO NATIONAL SEMINAR 2007
The National Seminar is one of the finest events planned
by the national offices of AGEHR. It features spectacular concerts
by wonderful bell ensembles (Raleigh Ringers, East Texas Handbell
Ensemble, Bronzeworks and more); an array of outstanding classes
taught by wonderful teacher; and four ringing tracks led by Mike Joy,
Kermit Junkert, Mary Kay Parrish and Tim Waugh. (see:
www.agehr.org/
learning/seminar.asp for more information)
Area XII is offering a grant to first-time attending
Area XII directors. This new scholarship is called the Patty
Marquart Scholarship in honor or one of Area XII's giants. The
funds will include registration fee and room at half the double
occupancy rate (so find someone to share the other half of the room!).
But HURRY! The Area XII Board has just approved this
grant. You must send in your Patty Marquart Scholarship application
by June 1, 2007 for the July 18 - 21, seminar in Dallas, TX. Applications are
available from your local Area XII regional coordinator or
DaveRuder@comcast.net.
Applicants shall:
a) Reside in Area XII.
b) Be attending their first National Directors Seminar.
c) Be a member or associated with an organizational member of
AGEHR.
Be currently or have contracted to be a handbell director in Area XII
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ARSIS YOUTH HANDBELL ENSEMBLE COMING TO WALNUT CREEK
On Monday August 6, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. , the Arsis Youth Handbell Ensemble, from
Tallinn, Estonia will give a concert under the direction of Aivar Mae, at the
Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave, Walnut Creek. This
Arsis Youth Handbell Ensemble has grown out of the Arsis Handbell School,
founded in 1999 after the Estonian Ministry of Education issued a license and
permit to Arsis to found a private music school. The Arsis Handbell School is a
school where the children learn music by using handbells. They have four
lessons a week- a handbell ensemble, piano, music history and solfeggio. Each
of the members of the touring group are graduates of the school and have earned
their place in the ensemble by audition... competing with about 200 graduates.
This is the Youth Ensemble's first tour of the USA, following on the heels of
the adult handbell ensemble, Arsis, which has done handbell tours every few
years since 1995. Arsis appeared in Walnut Creek five years ago and amazed
their audience with their musicality and virtuosity.
There will be a free will offering to help defray their expenses. For further
information contact Carol Smith at
BayArea@AreaXII.org.
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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LOS GATOS- SPRING RING
Annual Spring Ring to be held Sunday,
May 20, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the Presbyterian Church of Los
Gatos, 16575 Shannon Road, Los Gatos, CA. FREE!!
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RINGER NEEDED TO SUB FOR CONCERT- MAY 20TH
HELP!!! I need a ringer for the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos Spring Ring
who is able to ring readily
at a level 3+ and can ring B6, C7, with B7, C8 as shelly's. Would prefer to
have someone who could make at least one Tuesday evening rehearsal (6:00-7:30),
but I would be willing to meet at ringer's convenience to have one or more
rehearsals prior to concert on Sunday, May 20th at 4:00. Please email me at
norrose@verizon.net or contact at home
at 408-354-9148 Norma Rose
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OPUS SPRING CONCERTS
Opus' Spring Concert,entitled "Rags to Ripp'n", promises to be just that!
The repertoire will provide the listener with different types of
rhythmic textures expressed in the mix of traditionally classical and
sacred music to "out of the box and off the table" secular music. Titles
such as "Allegro Giocoso," "Prelude on Herzliebster Jesu," and Nocturne
No. 3 Liebestraum," are contrasted by "Danza Festivo," "Ragtime," and
"Take Five," not to mention those "off the table surprises!"
These fourteen musicians, including the Opus Quartet, from the Modesto
area will perform on five octaves of Malmark handbells, four octaves of
Suzuki tone chimes, and a selection of Whitechapel handbells.
Performances are Sunday May 6, 2007 3 p.m. at the Central United Methodist
Church, 3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton and Saturday May 12, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the
Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2310 Woodland Ave. Free will offering.
Contact www.opushandbell.org
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RINGER'S FEAST --JUNE 23-24
It's not too late to register for Ringer's Feast June 23-24 on the beautiful
campus of Pomona College, Claremont, CA. This great event, sponsored by Area
XII,
will give you an opportunity to ring with other handbell enthusiasts under the
direction of Monica McGowan, director of Twin Cities Bronze. Individuals as
well as full choirs are welcome. An informal concert will conclude the event.
For registration information visit the Area XII web site at
http://www.areaxii.org
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DEADLINE FOR AGEHR AREA XII COMPOSITION CONTEST 2008 JUNE 1, 2007
JOIN THE FUN --$1000 -- TO THE WINNER-- HAVE YOUR MUSIC PLAYED IN 2008 AT THE
AREA XII CONFERENCE AT RIVERSIDE, CA.
Composition Contest applicants must be:
Resident of Area XII
Member or associated with an organizational member of AGEHR in good standing.
Only one composition will be chosen. Any of these categories may be used:
Tins/Division A piece: 2 - 3 octaves, Difficulty Level of 2 or 3
Coppers/Division B piece: 3 - 5 octaves, Difficulty Level of 3 or 4
Bronze/Division C piece: 4 - 5 octaves, Difficulty Level of 4 or 5
Massed piece: 2 octaves with significant optional notes for 3,4,5 or more
octaves or for 3 octaves with significant optional notes for 4, 5 or more
octaves Difficulty Level of 2, 3 or 4
All compositions may or may not add additional secondary instruments.
The winning Composition Contest entry shall be considered for publication.
If the Area XII Composition Contest Committee deems no piece acceptable, no
prize shall be awarded.
All compositions must be received by the Composition Contest Chair on or before
June 1, 2007.
For Composition Contest rules and how to enter contact: David Ruder,
Composition Contest Chair, at
DaveRuder@comcast.net or 423 Palo Verde Dr.
Sunnyvale, CA
94086. In addition more information is available on the Area XII web site:
www.areaxii.org/
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HANDBELL WORKSHOP WITH VELOCITY
Sounds A' Pealing Handbell Choir is sponsoring a workshop for beginning,
intermediate and advanced ringers on Saturday May 19, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA.
Velocity Handbell Ensemble, P.L. Grove, Michael Raposo, Jeannine Schwartz and
Joel Gingrich will be the clinicians. All participants are encouraged to bring
their complex musical questions to class for possible solutions. Three
different Tracks will be offered. Andante Track for beginning to intermediate
ringers will focus on proper ringing techniques, handbell physics, notation,
basic weaving, use of mallets, and musicality. Allegro Track for intermediate
to advanced ringers will offer tips for bringing artistry to their ringing and
bringing their musicality to the next level. Vivace Track will be for advanced
ringers and those looking for a challenge. Class participants will be exposed to
solo ringing, multiple and advanced four-in-hand techniques and
will begin some work in preparation for team leading the afternoon ensemble
ringing class. The afternoon will offer coaching in ensemble ringing.
Cost of the workshop is $20 per person with lunch included. Contact Brenda
Atchinson at 415-259-9463 or
BrendaA@fpcsr.org or
http://www.fpcsr.org/mus/handbellweekend.htm
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SCHOOL HANDBELL FESTIVAL
Steve Meyer and All Saints School ringers were the wonderful hosts
of the annual school handbell festival last week. Dave Ruder
directed approximately 80 ringers in a variety of massed and Division
A and B music. The ringers had a wonderful opportunity to interact
with seven bell teams in the ringing and in the traditional handbell
Olympic games. Winners were announced at the final concert before
the entire All Saints student body and a large contingent of parents,
teachers and friends. All thoroughly enjoyed hearing the Ringmasters
of the Golden Gate Boys Choir perform three exciting numbers at the
final concert as well. We all appreciated Mr. Meyer's efforts to
gather these high school boys from various schools around the Bay
Area and present them on this occasion.
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==
BAY BELLS IN CONCERT
On the third weekend of May, Bay Bells will perform music from the
last fifty years of award-winning movies. Academy Award winning
films from each decade during that time will be represented.
Additionally, some of the arrangements were written specifically
with Bay Bells in mind.
On Saturday, May 19, 2007, there will be programs at 3:00 and 7:00
at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave., San Jose, CA.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors, and may be
purchased from a Bay Bells member, online at baybells.org/
upcoming.html, or at the door.
On Sunday, May 20, 2007, Bay Bells will perform as part of the
concert series hosted by the Foothill Presbyterian Church of San
Jose. The concert will be held at Foothill Presbyterian Church, 5301 McKee
Road, San Jose, CA
at 3:00 p.m. The program is open to
the public, and a free will offering will be taken. Suggested donation $10.
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BAY AREA CALENDAR OF CONCERTS AND EVENTS
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Opus Handbell Ensemble
Spring Concert "Rags to Ripp'n"
Sunday, May 6 at 3:00 PM
Central United Methodist Church
3700 Pacific Avenue in Stockton
Free-will offering
(209) 466-5046
www.stocktoncentralumc.org <http://www.stocktoncentralumc.org/>
(209) 527-2214
www.opushandbell.org <http://www.opushandbell.org/>
-------------------
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Spring Concert "Rags to Ripp'n"
Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 PM
Modesto Church of the Brethren
2301 Woodland Avenue
(209) 527-2214
www.opushandbell.org <http://www.opushandbell.org/>
--------------
Handbell Workshop sponsored by Sounds A' Pealing Handbell Choir
May 19, 2007 8:30 to 4:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA
$20 per person, lunch included
Contact Brenda Atchison at BreadaA@fpcsr.org
------------------
Bay Bells Goes to the Movies
"and the winner is..."
May 19, 2007 TWO SHOWS: Matinee: 3:00 p.m., Evening: 7:00 p.m.
The Historic Hoover Theater
1635 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA
$15/$10 student & seniors
Ask about Preferred seating and Group Discounts
Tickets available at the door or online at
http://www.baybells.org/upcoming.html
----------
Bay Bells in Concert
May 20, 2007 3:00 p.m.
Foothill Presbyterian Church
5301 McKee Road, San Jose, CA
$10 suggested donation
www.baybells.org
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Velocity "Vintage and Vogue" Concert
May 20, 2007 3:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church 1510 Fifth Ave
San Rafael, CA
Free will offering (suggested donation $10)
brenda@atchinson.com
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Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos Spring Ring
May 20, 2007 4 p.m.
Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos
16575 Shannon Rd., Los Gatos
FREE
Contact: Norma Rose at norrose@verizon.net
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Tapestry in concert (Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble and Heartsong Women's
Chorale)
June 1, 2007 7:30 p.m.
Walnut Creek UMC
1543 Sunnyvale Ave, Walnut Creek
Free will offering
BayArea@AreaXII.org
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St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Choirs
June 3, 2007 3:00 p.m.
1601 Mary Drive Pleasant Hill, CA
Free will offering
Patti Tenbrook at ptenbroo@pacbell.net
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Tapestry in Concert (Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble and Heartsong Women's
Chorale)
June 10, 2007 4:00 p.m.
Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church
49 Knox Drive
Lafayette, CA
Free will offering
BayArea@AreaXII.org
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Michele Sharik, Handbell solo artist
June 16, 2007 7:00 p.m.
Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
13601 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
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Tapestry in Concert (Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble and Heartsong Women's
Chorale)
June 24, 2007 4:00 P.M.
St. John's Episcopal Church
5555 Clayton, Rd, Clayton
Free will offering
BayArea@AreaXII.org
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A Ringer's Feast
June 23-24, 2007
Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Monica McGowen clinician
Registration information at
http://www.areaxii.org
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Michele Sharik, Handbell solo artist
June 30, 2007 6:30 p.m.
Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church
1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill
Suggested donation $10
Canned goods for Food Room of Hillcrest Congregational Church
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AGEHR National Director's Seminar 2007
July 18-21, 2007
Dallas, Texas
Contact: http://www.agehr.org
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Solo/Ensemble Extravaganza (SEE)
July 26-29, 2007
Villanova University, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.steproject.com/SEE.html
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Arsis Youth Handbell Ensemble from Tallinn, Estonia in Concert
August 6, 2007 7:30 p.m.
Walnut Creek UMC, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave, Walnut Creek
Free Will Offering (Suggested donation $12/ Seniors $8)
Contact Carol Smith at
BayArea@AreaXII.org
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Michele Sharik, Handbell solo artist
September 30, 2007 4:00 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center
46501 Gualala Rd.
Gualala, CA 95445
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Contact: Jeanne Jackson at jackson2@mcn.org
---------------
Methodist Mass Ring with Dorothy Straks conductor
October 27, 2007 1 p.m. with concert at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Merritt UMC, Oakland
Registration before Sept. 28- $10 per ringer or $75 per choir
After Sept. 28 $12 per ringer or $90 per choir
Contact Bruce Pettit at
goldengateumc@sbcglobal.net
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Oakland Handbell Festival with Sondra Tucker conducting
Feb. 23, 2008
Contact: Pam Grove at plgrove@jps.net
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2008 Bay Area Spring Ring
Sat. April 19, 2008
Doug Benton, conductor
Contact: DaveRuder@comcast.net
----------------
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