Central California eNewsletter Regional Coordinator Shirley Werner

AGEHR Area XII web site: www.areaxii.org

Dear Handbell Friends:

Can you believe January is over? Where, oh where does the time go? Here in my area, we’ve had some very cold mornings, but nice afternoons. Love this Central Coast area.

Choirs in this area are working on Spring Ring music and getting ready for that big day in March, as well as working on individual music for their own churches. I’m so amazed at what my choir is accomplishing and how willing and dedicated they are to whatever I ask of them. (At least, so far!)

The calendar is filling up with obligations and personally, I’m sorta branching out trying to volunteer at church for a couple different things. One of these days I’ll totally retire and there has to be some interesting direction for me to venture into where I can be useful.

Hey, churches here on the Central Coast or South Bay:

I received a note from Beth Gonzales, director of Pacific Bronze. They are looking for venues to play in church or concert from March 31 – April 2^nd. She has a really fun group this year and they would like to do a concert on both Friday and Saturday evenings, plus church on Sunday morning. They don’t charge, but would accept a concert freewill offering, although not required. If anyone can host this group, please contact Elizabeth Gonzales at engbronze@yahoo.com.

Don’t forget to let me know what’s going on in your area – or, if you’d like to host an event, let me know that as well. I’ll help where I can. Also, if your mailing address changes or your e-mail, don’t forget to tell me, so my list is correct.

Happy Ringing

Shirley

Tim Waugh Update:

Many of you may know that Tim Waugh, a well-known handbell clinician and creator of the infamous cup game, has suffered from PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) for many years. On January 12^th he had both of his kidneys removed and on January 30^th, had the transplant surgery. His surgery was successful and he is recovering in ICU at Duke University Hospital. The handbell community certainly wishes him a speedy recovery and he appreciates your prayers on his behalf. You can check his recovery progress at http://kidneykronicles.blogspot.com.

On a Sad Note:

The handbell world is mourning the loss of Marilyn Kielniarz, who was president elect of AGEHR. She passed away on January 30, 2006 from cancer. Marilyn taught Music Theory and Dalcroze Eurhythmics at many of the national Seminars and wrote many articles for Overtones on these subjects. In addition to her work with the Guild, she was active as an organist, conductor and ethnomusicologist (Indonesian gamelan). The handbell community will certainly feel the loss of her leadership and musical talents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn’s family.

HANDBELL WORLD HAPPENINGS

CHRISTINE ANDERSON COMES TO THE BAY AREA:

Sunday, February 5, 2006, Christine Anderson, renowned handbell soloist, will be ringing one selection for the First Presbyterian Church, 1667 Miramonte Ave, Mountain View 10:30 a.m. service. This will be followed by a solo concert at 3:00 p.m. in the FPC sanctuary. A cookie & coffee reception will follow. A free will offering will be taken to help defray her expenses. You don’t want to miss this!

2006 SPRING RINGS

March 11, 2006 is the Central Coast Spring Ring. Dave & Dian Ruder will be the clinicians and this will be held at the United Methodist Church in Arroyo Grande, CA. Cost will be $15.00 per ringer if paid by the March 3^rd deadline. After that the cost will be $20 per ringer. The Arroyo Grande United Methodist Church youth handbell choir, Campanillas Alegres, will be hosting a fundraiser lunch for an additional cost of $6.00. Reservations for lunch has to be paid in advance and the deadline is March 3^rd as well. This group will be touring the Washington, DC area just after Easter and monies from the lunch will go towards their expenses. . They will be ringing at a United Methodist Church in Delaware and in Virginia. Contact Shirley Werner, shipley712@charter.net and get your name on the list as space could be limited.

Music chosen is as follows:

“The Star Spangled Banner” Arr. Bartsch, JH S99040 Level 2+ Jeffers Handbell Supply

“Within the Darkest Night”, Derek Hakes, AG36028 Level 2 – 3-6 oct bells w/opt handchimes – Lorenz Corp

“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”, Cathy Moklebust – CGB250 Handbell score, 3-5 oct, Level 3 – Choristers Guild

Division A (Level 1-2)

“Cherry Blossom Song”, Arr. Stephenson, GP2021, 3 octaves, Level 2- Genesis Press

“Ringing Victoriously”, Michael Mazzatenta, AG23025, Level 2+ The Lorenz Corp

Division B (Level 3-4)

“Celtic Farewell”, Linda Lamb, AG35210, Level 3- Lorenz Corporation

“Cantad Al Senor” by Hart Morris, 97-6817, 3-5 octaves w/2 oct handchimes. Concordia Publishing House

Each choir is encouraged to perform a solo of their choice. NOTE: This music is to be prepared ahead of time to the best of your abilities before coming together on March 11^th.

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LA Metro Spring Ring will be March 18, 2006 and the clinicians will be Lee & Bill Waggener. This will be held at Grace Church of Glendora, 1515 S. Glendora Avenue, Glendora, CA . Cost TBA. Contact person is Shirley Heckman lametro@areaxii.org.

Specific information, repertoire and registration forms are available on the Area XII website: http://www.areaxii.org. Click on LA Metro on the left side of the screen and you will immediately see the Spring ring information.

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Southern California Spring Ring also to be held on March 18, 2006 with William Kyle as the clinician. Will be held at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA. Cost is $85.00 per AGEHR member choir; $105.00 per non-member choir; $20.00 per individual AGEHR member and $30.00 per individual non-member. Contact Micki Mennet-Martin, socal@areaxii.org

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March 25, 2006 is the Bay Area Spring Ring with Dave & Dian Ruder, Clinicians. This will be held at Valley Church, 10885 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA. Contact Dave Ruder, daveruder@comcast.net

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Bakersfield Spring Ring: The Bells of Praise Handbell Choir at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA will be hosting their 3^rd Annual Spring Ring Handbell Workshop on Saturday, March 25, 2006 with

Clinician Bill Waggener. This event will begin with set up at 8:30 a.m. and Concert at 4:00 p.m. The Registration Fee is $15 per person. Contact: info e-mail Valarie Pfeiffer at tedpfeif@pacbell.net or Roberta Kessinger at rgkessinger@sbcglobal.net

Music chosen for this is as follows:

“Here I Am Lord” arr. Dan Schutte, MHPC5087 – Hope Publishing

“It Is Well With My Soul” Arr: Thompson - MHP2278 - Hope Publishing

:Crown Him with Many Crowns”, Arr. Smith, V. – MCGB161 – Choristers Guild

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”, Arr: Sherman – MRRHB0054 – Red River Music

“Beach Spring Stomp”, Arr: Honore, Jeffrey – MCO977133 – Concordia Publishing House

“Blessed Assurance” Arr: Dobrinski, C. – MLSHB90018 – Lake State Publications

The titles of the music selected for the workshop (level 2 & 3) will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration form.

To receive your registration form and any other information you may need, contact Valerie Pfeiffer at tedpfeif@pacbell.net or Roberta Kessinger at rgkessinger@sbcglobal.net.

Belmont Conference Update!

The latest count for the Area XII Ringers’ Conference in Belmont on June 23-25, is 285 registrants. There are still no registrants for the Young Ringers’ Conference. If you have a youth choir, please encourage them to

participate in this very fun event. Josh Meyer is a great youth clinician and will give them an experience that they won’t soon forget. Don’t miss out on this great event, get your registration forms mailed.

This event will take place on the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University and Shosh Meyer and Fred Gramann will be the conductors. For more information contact http://www.areaxii.org.

You will have the opportunity to listen to concerts by six community choirs: BAY BELLS, CANTO BELLS, OPUS, RIVERBELLS, SONOS and VELOCITY – and all this is included in the registration price.

If you are going to the Conference, think about donating one or more items to the Silent Auction. In the past, the funds raised from the Auction have purchased sets of bells and chimes for the school loan program. The money raised this year will be designated to a similarly worthwhile project. Anything that might appeal to attendees at this event would be welcome. Because AREA XII is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donations are deductible for IRS purposes. If you have any questions, please contact Norma Rose, Silent Auction Coordinator, at (408) 356-6156 Ext. 54 or norrose@verizon.net.

OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT BELMONT CONFERENCE

Q) Is the campus wheelchair accessible?
A) Yes

Q) Can guests come to the BBQ on Sat. night and what is the price of the ticket?
A) Guests are welcome and tickets for the BBQ can be purchased at registration for $15. We need some advance notice that guests are planning to attend the BBQ so tickets should be purchased at registration.

Q) Can guests purchase tickets for the Sonos concert on Sat. night?
A) Yes, there will be a limited number of Sonos concert tickets available for guests and they too can be purchased at registration for $15. If there are still tickets available on Sat. night they will be sold at the door.

Q) Can I attend as an individual if my choir is not coming?
A) Yes! Please indicate on your registration form you need a group to ring with and the registrar will place you with a choir that has an opening.

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FUNDRAISERS

We need you to share your ideas of fundraisers. We all need more money for our handbell funds – if you’re lucky enough to even have a handbell fund.

In the December/January Twelfth Tone, Karen Curry shared some ideas that have worked. (To read everything she shared, refer to The Twelfth Tone). There is the Greenery Sale. This is the selling of fresh Christmas greenery.

Another idea is Bell Sponsorships. This involves directly asking for individuals and businesses to donate through face-to-face requests.

Then there’s the Jingle Bell Sale. String a large jingle bell on a ribbon, tie it into a necklace and sell at Christmas time.

Another group bakes and sells fresh strawberry and lemon meringue pies on the day before Mother’s Day. They charge $10 per pie and having sold around 110 pies, generates about $1,000.

Another fundraiser idea is the selling of fresh picked Owari Satsuma Mandarin Oranges from the grower in Lemon Cove, CA for $5.00 per box and you sell them for $10.00 per box. You have to take orders ahead of time. For more information on this idea, contact: http://www.mandarinman.com.

How’s about a Super Bowl Sub Sandwich Sale. Take orders ahead of time, make up the sandwiches and have them individually wrapped and marked and they are picked up after church on Super Bowl Sunday or whatever time you designate. Having them paid for at the time of order will make it easier on you.

During the holidays you could have a Christmas Handbell Concert and serve fingerfoods with coffee and punch. All choir members can provide a goodie or two and solicit the help of church members.

There’s always the idea of having a rummage sale or doing a simple dinner at church with a free will offering – or doing Lenten or Advent Soup Suppers.

Send me your ideas and let’s make a list and see what works.

Remember, if something special is happening in your area, please let me know so I can help advertise your event. If you need help in organizing an event, let me know that as well and I’ll do what I can to guide you as well as advertising.

If your e-mail address changes, be sure to let me know so you get your e-newsletter. Or, if you prefer not to receive it, let me know that as well.

There are handbell happenings all over California. Check out the information listed in The Twelfth Tone and at the Area XII web site. In addition to meeting great people, and having fun, you’ll return home having learned something new.

Till next month…………