Carol's Reverberations! 

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Dear Handbell Friends,

Today is not only April Fool's Day but the last day to get the Early Bird discount when you register for the Riverside Conference.  Don't let this opportunity to save some dollars slip through your fingers.  In addition today  is the deadline for choirs to submit requests to present a Showcase Concert at the conference.  The latest issue of Twelfth Tones and the Area XII website: areaxii 
 

have all the details for this great ringing event.  Check them out!!

With a Glorious Easter fresh in our minds, Bay Area choirs are now preparing for Spring concerts, Spring Ring, festivals and tours.  I encourage everyone to check out the concert opportunities listed below and support fellow choirs with your presence.  Taking your choir to another concert is a great way to inspire them and to see what other choirs are doing. 

Over 160 have registered for the Spring Ring in Cupertino on April 19th. Attending this event is a great way to meet an array of interesting people, sharpen your  skills, ring under a fantastic director, Doug Benton, and to shop for all your music needs at Handbell Mart.    As registrar for this event, I'll be there to greet each of you so please come introduce yourself to me.

Area XII Chair, William Kyle, announces the appointment of Ruth O'Neil as the new  Southern CA Regional Coordinator.  Welcome to the board, Ruth!  This Friday the Area XII board will be having their annual spring board meeting in Los Altos.  If you have any concerns or questions for the board please contact me before Friday.

Velocity celebrated the release of their new CD, Vintage and Vogue, on March 1.  Visit their website for more details.  Congratulations, Velocity! 

Happy Ringing!
Carol




 

Karen Leonard, a past president of AGEHR,  once paraphrased Pres. Kennedy by saying "Ask not what AGEHR can do for  you, ask what you can do for AGEHR". The Nominating Committee for Area XII is developing their slate of officers for  their next elections this spring. Positions to be filled are Chair Elect,  Secretary, and Treasurer.  The Chair Elect is a  six year commitment  and the  Secretary/Treasurer two years.  Bylaws require two candidates for each elected office.  We hope each of you  will give serious consideration to volunteering your special talents for one of these positions.  If you are contacted by a member of the Nominating Committee, it's because they or others in the handbell community have observed qualities of leadership in you that would be an asset to the board.  Area XII depends on its volunteers for leadership, and serving on the board is a way to make a difference.  It's your opportunity to help shape the organization and to give back what other volunteers have given you in past years. 

Four years ago I was approached by Dave Ruder to serve as your Bay Area Regional Coordinator.  I was very reluctant to fill this position as I felt I knew nothing about Area XII even though I had been involved in handbells for close to 20 years.  With some  hesitation, I finally accepted the appointment and it was one of  the greatest decision I ever made.  Being involved in the board opened a whole new avenue to channel my passion for handbells.  Writing is not one of my strong points, but communicating with Bay Area ringers each month through my newsletter  has not only  improved (at least I hope it has) my writing skills,  but  has provided a way  to  be in contact with so many interesting people who also share the love of handbells.   As a member of the Belmont Conference committee, it was exciting to be a part of the planning and decision making of this great event.   The new  friendships of the other board members and ringers in Area XII will be the most treasured benefit of this experience. It's been a very gratifying, rewarding and fun  four years, and  I thank  Dave Ruder  for  presenting me the challenge  of sharing my talents  with Area XII. 

The nominating committee would like to finalize their slate by early April. We are still in need of a few  candidates. If you or if you know of an individual who would make a good candidate please contact Dave Ruder at daveruder@comcast.net  I challenge each of you to find a place in AGEHR where your talents will best serve the advancement of handbell ringing.    This is your opportunity to make a difference!

Carol Smith, Bay Area Regional Coordinator

 

Intense Ring- April 18, 2008
 

 

   Spring Ring- April 19, 2008
 

Valley Church, Cupertino
 

Doug Benton, Guest Conductor
 

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Spring Ring Update:

So far 21 different choirs will be represented at the Spring Ring in Cupertino which includes over 160 ringers.  It isn't too late to register as there is still space available for more choirs or individuals.  Workshops and the Intense Ring require no advance preparation and are worth the price.  The Spring Ring will culminate with a concert at 6:15 p.m. which is open to the public. 

More information and registration forms can be found on the Spring Ring website which is: http://www.choraegus.com/handbells/2008SpringRing/index.html

Further questions may be directed to: Dave Ruder (408-732-0760, pastchair@areaxii.org) or Carol Smith, registrar (925-672-2920, bayarea@areaxii.org)

AGEHR Level 1 Handbell Certification

If you would like to take the Handbell Certification Exam, which will be offered at the Spring Ring,  you need to request to take the exam by April 3, at the very latest.  The tests need to be ordered two weeks in advance.  One of the Area XII Board members monitor the test.  This will be the second time the exam has been offered at the Spring Ring.  It is most valuable for  directors or advancing directors, but available to other handbell ringers.  Further information regarding the exam and a practice test is available at the National AGEHR website:
AGEHR

Intense Ringing with Doug Benton

So far 25 enthusiastic advanced ringers are gearing up to join Doug Benton in four and one/half hours of fun and frolic waving the heavy metal through the air.  There are still openings if you'd like to join the challenge.   There is no music to prepare in advance.  The cost is $25.  If you would like us to provide copies of both pieces, there is an additional $5 charge per piece.  You may already have a copy, however.  More information is available as well as registration forms at the Spring Ring website listed above.
 

Mark your calendars for a 3:00 p.m.departure for a  "Musical Journey Around the World"   with Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble on Sunday April 27 at  at the Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578  Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, CA.  First stop on this magical journey will be England and Ireland where you'll hear  regal and celtic music featuring the penny whistle.  After traveling on the sleek Eurostar under the English Channel we'll arrive in Paris just in time for some night life and to experience the "Can, Can".  From Paris it's on to Norway with it's beautiful kaleidoscope of villages, lakes, forests, palaces and a visit to the "Hall of the Mountain King".  Next we travel into the heart of Italy with its architectural treasures and the beautiful music of Albinoni.  The classical guitar of David Kail will serenade you as we explore the Spanish countryside.  This fantastic tour will also include Russia, Brazil, China and will conclude with a visit to Disneyland.  Don't miss this musical journey to some of the world's hottest vacation destinations.  For more information contact carolsmith2@comcast.net  A free will offering will be taken. 

This concert will also be presented Friday May 9, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, Tice  Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. 
 

The SFSU Handbell Choir, under the direction of Carolyn Harnly, will present two concerts this May. 

Saturday May 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
This will be a joint concert with the Valparaiso Singers
Location: Church of the Latter Day Saints
1105 Valparaiso Aveune, Menlo Park
Admission Free

Friday May 30, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Half Moon Bay Public Library
620 Correas Street
The choir will be joined for various pieces by Patty Bartscher (flute); Bruce Heiman (African Drums); members of the Coastside Chorale; and members of the Bells of Joy Handbell Choir from the Community United Methodist Church of Half Moon Bay
Admission is free. 

For more information contact Carolyn Harnly at charnly@sfsu.edu
 

                                 
                                   Conference Committee

                                           Registration:  Kathy Arnold  650-704-2345
                                           Classes/Showcase Concerts: P.L. Grove  510-336-9418
                                           Concerts/Vendors: Carol Smith 925-672-2920
                                          Scholarships/Music: Dave Ruder 408-732-0760
                                          Other Information: William Kyle  415-586-5400
 

The first Redding Handbell Festival will be held Saturday October 25, 2008 at the Simpson University Heritage Life Center, 2211 College View, Redding, CA.  Guest conductor will be Shosh Meyer.  9 a.m. is set up, 9:45 opening bell followed by massed rehearsal.  The event will culminate with a concert at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per ringer.  For registration information contact Nancy Schmitt at schmitt@awwwsome.com
 

Patty Marquart Scholarship to National Seminar 

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The National Seminar, which will be held in Orlando, Florida August 8-11, is one of the finest events planned by the national offices of AGEHR.  It features spectacular concerts by wonderful bell ensembles (Closing concert of International Symposium, Distinctly Teen, Pike's Peak Ringers, Kinjo Gakuen University Handbell Choir); an array of outstanding classes taught by well known clinicians, and four ringing tracks led by Tammy Waldrop, Monica McGowan, Mike Joy, and David Weck. (see: http://www.agehr.org for more information.

Area XII is offering a scholarship to first time attending Area XII directors.  This scholarship called The Patty Marquart Scholarship honors 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).

Applicants shall:

 

• Reside in Area XII
• Be attending their first National Seminar
• Be a member or associated with an organizational member of AGEHR
• Be currently or have contracted to be a handbell director in Area XII

Application forms will be available on the Area XII website or from Carol Smith at bayarea@areaxii.org  Application deadline is May 1, 2008.
 

BAY AREA SCHOOL HANDBELL FESTIVAL

Tuesday April 15 the Bay Area School Handbell Festival will be held at All Saints School, Hayward, CA. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Tessique Houston, Area XII Bells in Education coordinator will be the guest conductor. 

Music selections:

Division 1, "Chime Waltz" by Lynne Hollander, CP7016, Composers Music Company, Level 1+ (2-3 Oct.)

Division 2, "Joy Burst" by Bill Ingram, RO3251, Ring Out Press, Level 2, (3-5 Oct.)

Massed:  "Rise and Shine" by Dennis Robert, Composers Music Company, CP7033, Level 1+, (2-3 Oct.)

Contact dianruder@comcast.net for further information.
 

  Low Ding Zone, the World's First Bass-only Handbell Ensemble, will present two April concerts in collaboration with the Hope of Glory Gospel choir of San Jose and that means it'll be a time of ringing and singing with excitement and fun!  A free will offering will be taken.  For more information, contact Larry Sue larry@choraegus.com   Come join the fun!

Saturday April 5, 2008  7:30 p.m.
First Immanuel Lutheran Church
374 S. Third St.
San Jose, CA

Sunday April 6, 2008, 3:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church
3149 Waverly St.
Palo Alto, CA

(Low Ding Zone gives a special huge THANK YOU to the other venues that offered places and dates as they worked through the scheduling process.  They'll keep you in mind for the next time!)
 

Join Bay Bells on a musical journey across the United States.  Make stops along the way as we present unique interpretations of scenic spots, tranquil locales and bustling cities.  Be transported to your favorite American destinations by your favorite Bay Area Handbell Ensemble.

Two performances at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.

Sunday May 3, 2008
3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
500 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94040

Tickets available online at Bay Bells
or phone 650-903-6000 or directly from your friendly neighborhood Bay Bells Member.

$20 General Admission/$15 Students & Seniors
 

 The work of Manfred Bleffert is known in the States through the delicate tones of his gongs, glockenspiel, cymbals, and other percussion instruments.  For the last thirty  years, Manfred Bleffert has been working throughout Europe as a composer, musician, painter, and sculptor.

For the first time, Manfred will offer courses in Northern California.  Participants will forge their own instruments and work with them in ensemble improvisation. His approach to playing these instruments (especially the gongs) is similar to a handbell choir, in that the ensemble forms one instrument with many separate pieces.  Through practical and contemplative work, participants will gain deeper insights into the nature of music and sound.  Each course will be a transformative experience!

Registration is now open. 

Summer Music Training  will be offered    7/28/08 - 8/16/08
Instrument Building and Music                 7/28/08 - 8/01/08
Classes will meet M-F from 8 a.m -12 noon and  at Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm, Santa Rosa. Class size will be limited to 30 participants.

For more information  see http://www.manfred-bleffert.net or contact

Tim Allen
707-332-4408
timothyallen1@mac.com
 

  The National Office of AGEHR announced the results of their recent election.  Lee Afdahl is the new President Elect and will take office October 1, 2008.  Mr. Afdahl is presently the Director of Music and organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester, Minnesota. New at large members of the board are Philip Roberts, Handbell Editor for GIA Publications, and Stephanie Wiltse, director of the Community Choir, Embellish.  They will join John Pfeiffer current Pres. Elect and at large members Ruff Lorenz, Mike McCrary, and William Waggener to complete the board.

Debbie Rice, President, and at large directors, David Weck and David VanderMeer will be completing their posts on the board.  Congratulations to Debbie for her excellent leadership.  I hope you will send letters of appreciation to our board members, who devote many volunteer hours to furthering the art of handbell ringing. 

A new Director of Membership for the guild has also been hired.  The National Office welcomes Catherine (Katie) Schlegel who is a very energetic and engaging person with great creative ideas.  Catherine, as well as all the new board members, will bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the AGEHR board. 
 

     I found out recently that the Chinese symbol for music (yue) and for happiness, cheer, laughter and joy (le) are the same.  Now musicians have always known, intuitively that music means happiness!  Music makes us happy, plain and simple. 
   
     In many cultures, Chinese included, music has offered a strong connection to established society.  Music is often listed under both art, science and even politics.  Wow, does that conjure up the imagination!  Refined music, whatever that means, was used to reinforce state-sanctioned norms of behavior and reconcile the Chinese empire with the cosmic order.  It's true of other cultures as well.
    
     Anyway, I find that I function better when music is in the background, even as I write this article.  It is calming and soothing.  It is known to be hardwired into our basic mental, emotional, and intellectual equipment.  In fact, music is one of the ways that humans communicate with each other: language, mathematics, fine arts and music.
    
    What does all this mean?  Can you imagine the happiness that would be taken out of life without music?  Music is the joy in a worship service.  Added to film, a sports event, driving a car, exercising or whatever, it changes and charges the atmosphere and fills it with an emotion that would be dull and drab without it.
    
    Use your handbell music (or any other for that matter) to provide joy.  Let your body language express that joy when you play.  Enjoy making "happiness" together when you rehearse and when you perform.  It should be a happy occasion at all times.
   
   "Smile, you're making (or listening to ) music!"
 

  The First Annual Siskiyou Summit Handbell Conference will be held May 2-3, 2008 at the Ashland Middle School,  Ashland, Oregon with guest clinician Cathy Moklebust; conductor, percussionist, and arranger/composer extraodinaire.    The 2008 Conference will Focus on Percussion  with Percussion 101 classes taught by a percussionist,and  a vendor booth offering standard and world percussion instruments.  The schedule for the conference provides for 3 class sessions in addition to the massed ringing sessions.  Class instructors include: Barbara Brocker, Nancy Hascall, Cyndy Patterson, Diane Barnes, Shosh Meyer, Chris Matthews, and Anita Snook

Repertoire includes:

Massed:  "Bwana Asifiwe"   Arr. Moklebust  L3  3-5 Oct.
             "Be Still, My Soul"  Arr. Moklebust  L3  3-5 Oct.

Tins:      "Calming Peace"     Moklebust  L2
             "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"  Moklebust   L2
             "Variations on a Theme" by Brahams  Arr. Helman    L2

Coppers/Bronze:
             "Riu, Riu, Chiu"    Moklebust     L4   3-7 Oct.
             "It is Well with My Soul"   Moklebust   L3    3-5 Oct
             "Prelude to the Deum Laudamus"  Arr. M.L. Thompson

For more information and registration forms contact Diane Barnes, Conference Coordinator at dkbarnes@jeffnet.org

 

April 5, 2008  7:30 p.m. Low Ding Zone in concert with Hope of Glory Gospel Choir of San Jose.  First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 374 S. Third St., San Jose, CA. Free will offering  Contact Larry Sue at larry@choraegus.com

April 6, 2008  3:00 p.m.  Low Ding Zone in concert with Hope of Glory Gospel Choir of San Jose.  Grace Lutheran Church, 3149 Waverly St., Palo Alto, CA.  Free will offering.  Contact Larry Sue at larry@choraegus.com

April 13, 2008  3 p.m. "Dancing Bells"- The 30th Annual Handbell Concert given by The Ringing Belles and LVS of the Walnut Creek UMC, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave, Walnut Creek, CA.  Free will offering.  Contact: Jane Patty at JaneEPatty@aol.com

April 15, 2008 Bay Area School Handbell Festival, All Saints School, Hayward.  Contact Steve Meyer at GGBCBR@aol.com

April 18, 2008  7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.  Intense Ring with Doug Benton, Valley Church, Cupertino, CA  Contact Carol Smith at bayarea@areaxii.org

April 19, 2008  Bay Area Spring Ring, Doug Benton, conductor.  Contact: Carol Smith at bayarea@areaxii.org

April 27, 2008  3:00 p.m.  Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble in concert.  Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, CA.  Free will offering.  Contact carolsmith at carolsmith2@comcast.net

May 9, 2008  7:30 p.m.  Canto Bello Handbell Ensemble in concert.  Grace Presbyterian Church, Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA  Free will offering.  Contact carolsmith2@comcast.net

May 3, 2008  3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.  Bay Bells in the Big Country.  Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA  $20 General Admission /$15 Students and Seniors.  Contact: www.baybells.org/tickets

May 17, 2008  7:30 p.m.  SFSU Handbell Choir in concert. Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1105 Valparaiso Avenue, Menlo Park, CA. Free.  Contact charnly@sfsu.edu

May 30, 2008 7:00 p.m.  SFSU Handbell Choir in concert. Half Moon Bay Public Library, 620 Correas Street, Half Moon Bay.  Free.  Contact charnly@sfsu.edu

 

June 13-15, 2008  Area XII Ringers' Conference, conductor Deborah Rice, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA  Contact:  http://www.areaxii.org

July 27-31, 2008  Zephyr Point Handbell Conference at Lake Tahoe.  Mary Balkow and Dr. Jim Smith, directors.  Contact Barbara Walsh at nevada@areaxii.org

August 4-8, 2008 13th International Handbell Symposium, Orlando, Fla.  Contact: AGEHR at agehr@agehr.org

August 8-11, 2008 National Director's Seminar 2008, Orlando, Fla.  Contact: AGEHR at agehr@agehr.org

October 2-5, 2008  Distinctly Bronze,  New Bern, N.C. Contact agehr@agehr.org.

October 25, 2008  Redding Handbell Festival with Shosh Meyer conductor. Simpson University Heritage Life Center, 2211 College View, Redding, CA.  9 a.m. set up, 9:45  a.m. opening bell followed by massed rehearsal.  $10 per ringer.  Contact Nancy Schmitt at schmitt@awwwsome.com