Friends and Family Handbell Camp 

Family Handbell Camp is back! Join us in June for 2 1/2 fun-filled days of ringing, learning, sunshine, and fun! Ringers and non-ringers of ALL ages are welcome. 

When:  Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00 AM EDT – Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT
Where: Camp Wightman, Griswold, CT

Registration and Details

Pre-registration and deposit deadline for Early Bird access is March 31.

Early bird registration for those who pre-registered opens on April 9.

Registration ends June 8th! 

Click here for event details and online registration

What is family handbell camp like?

Cost:

2024 Rates (early bird rates listed):

  Individual Individual Plus 1 Family (Max of 4) Commuter
Members  $250  $450  $600  $125
Non-Members  $295  $495  $645  $170
After April 8, add $25 to each rate        

 

Early bird rates require a $100 deposit (regardless of individual or family.)

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are available on a variety of levels for members of the Handbell Musicians of America and the ensembles they direct. If you are in need of financial assistance in order to attend this event, please review the scholarship information and application directions on the scholarships page of the Area 1 website.

Schedule

Onsite camp registration will take place Friday morning from 9-11 with rehearsals and workshops starting at 11 am sharp.

Friday: Rehearsals for all groupings with rest and community building periods (games, exploring the camp, nature walks, scavenger hunts etc.) during the day  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served. 

Saturday: Rehearsals for all groupings, workshops, lake time for swimming, and rest/community building periods.  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served.  Evening bonfire and S’mores.

Sunday: Pack up and final rehearsals, sharing concert.  Breakfast and a quick snack will be served.  Depart the camp by 1pm.

Contacts:

Jenn Stack

[email protected]

Repertoire

Track descriptions:
                                   Never Rung: For those who have not ever rung a bell, or those who are very new to ringing and want to have the most support with learning to ring.  Directed by Jenn Stack
                                   Tins:  For those who have been ringing in a church or school setting.  This group is best for those used to marking their music with their notes (color coding, letter naming etc)  You are newer to ringing, but feel confident with making the ringing stroke, damping your bell, and can read music that has been marked with some confidence.  You want support with your ringing,  Music is at a level 1 or 2.    Directed by Ginamarie Williams                                
                                   Coppers: You have more experience ringing.  You are able to execute techniques such as martellato, handling accidental notes like sharps and flats, and feel confident reading music.  You are confident in your ringing, and do not need much support.  Music is level 3. Directed by Dan Moore
                                   Bronze: You are able to sight read music confidently, have been ringing for many years, and likely ring in a community ensemble. You can execute all handbell techniques without support and you love a challenge! Music is level 4 or higher. Directed by Andy Wallace
 
There will be 2 pieces per group (Bronze, Copper, Tins, Never Rung), but the good news is you’re not expected to learn it in advance!  Music will be given to you at camp, and you’ll be given time to mark it all as needed. Our fabulous directors will support each group in polishing the pieces for our Sunday sharing concert.