Festival/Conference
June 23-26, 2022 | University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
Brian Childers
Massed and Tins Choirs
Brian's Bio
Brian Childers is an accomplished composer, conductor, and clinician. His choral, instrumental, and handbell works are performed throughout the world. He is in demand as a featured clinician at music conferences and workshops across the nation. In 2019, he was named Music Advisor for Handbell Musicians of America, a position designed to promote the great music in the AGEHR Catalogue.
Brian earned the bachelor of music degree in piano performance from Appalachian State University and the master of divinity degree in church music from the M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University. From 2012-2015, he served as Artistic Director of the Queen City Ringers, a Community Handbell Ensemble based in Charlotte, NC. He has served churches throughout the Southeast, building vibrant programs for choirs, handbells and instrumentalists at each.
Brian is married to Keely Childers, a professional counselor and has two adult children, Hannah and Spencer, both of whom served as drum majors in their respective high school and college marching bands. Brian is an avid runner and a rabid fan of the San Antonio Spurs.
Brian accepts commissions in the concert band, choral, handbell and piano genres. He enjoys partnering with others in creating and shaping music that is meaningful, expressive and timely. His first book, “Ringing Deeply” a devotional book for directors, and ringers, has been received with strong reviews and is now in its second printing. You can learn more about “Ringing Deeply” and Brian’s compositions and conducting schedule at BrianChilders.org.
Stephanie Rhoades
Copper and Bronze choirs
Stephanie's Biography
Stephanie Rhoades has been the Conductor and Artistic Director of Concert Bells of Fort Worth, an auditioned community handbell ensemble, since 2003. Ms. Rhoades recently joined the staff of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (Dallas) as Worship and Music Coordinator and Handbell Director. Over the past twenty-five years she has directed vocal and handbell choirs of all ages in churches across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
With a reputation as an effective and engaging teacher, she has been a clinician and guest director for numerous workshops and festivals across the US. In the past few years she conducted two events for Handbell Musicians of America: the All-Star choir at National Seminar in 2018 and Distinctly Bronze East in 2020. Recently she was invited to represent the US at the International Handbell Symposium which will be held in Nashville, TN during the first week of August 2022.
Ms. Rhoades holds a BA degree in music from Yale University and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. Her non-musical interests include teaching fitness classes, cycling, training for triathlons, and scuba diving.
Table of Contents
- Registration
- Opens March 1, 2022, Registration is now closed.
- Conference Fees
- Housing Information
- Cancellation Policy
- Scholarship Information
- COVID-19 Precautions and Policies
- Housing and Campus info
- Festival Repertoire
- Guest Conductors
- Festival Schedule [separate page]
- Course Offerings [separate page]
- Faculty [separate page]
- Opening Concert Info
- Closing Concert Details
- Sponsoring Festival Conference
- Why Should I attend Festival Conference?
- What is Massed Ringing?
- Ringing Divisions Explained
- Bronze Division Information [separate page]
Registration
Registration is now closed
Step 1: You or your group must have an HMA membership and use the membership number to obtain a group registration number.
All individuals, including those attending on their own or with a partial group, will need a group registration number to register as an attendee. Bronze orphan ringers do not have to complete a group registration. Bronze Orphan Ringers must complete and submit a bronze orphan application, and will receive a group registration number when the application is approved.
Step 2: Housing choices and class selections will be made by each individual completing an Attendee Registration. Individuals register themselves as an attendee using the group registration number to identify the group of which they are a member.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to insurance requirements, the University of Hartford will be providing all tables for the massed ringing floor. Therefore table rental is mandatory, but will be included at no additional charge. Total linear feet is needed to be provided during registration.
Taste of Festival Conference
Are you unsure about making the full, four-day commitment, but you’d like to see what Festival Conference is all about? The new “Taste of Festival Conference” is a one-day experience, offered on Friday, June 24 or Saturday, June 25, for just $75 per person.
This one-day pass includes the opportunity to participate in three classes of your choice, watch a massed ringing rehearsal, have lunch with attendees, and enjoy a mini-concert. You may also purchase a 2022 Festival Conference t-shirt for an additional fee, and even add a sponsorship donation, should you feel so inclined!
Schedule
Friday or Saturday
Conference Fees
| [for description of housing options see below] |
EARLY BIRD (MUST submit $200** |
AFTER MARCH 1 (+$30) |
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| RINGING ATTENDEE | |||
| Single (Park River) | $525 | $555 | |
| Double (Park River) | $495 | $525 | |
| Single (Hawk) | $495 | $525 | |
| Double (Hawk) | $465 | $495 | |
| Single (A/B Complexes) | $485 | $515 | |
| Double (A/B Complexes) | $455 | $485 | |
| NON-RINGING ATTENDEE | |||
| Single (Park River) | $435 | $465 | |
| Double (Park River) | $405 | $435 | |
| Single (Hawk) | $405 | $435 | |
| Double (Hawk) | $375 | $405 | |
| Single (A/B Complexes) | $395 | $425 | |
| Double (A/B Complexes) | $365 | $395 | |
| COMMUTERS | $320 | $350 |
Important Note about parking Parking will be available in the university parking lots for a one-time $25 parking fee per vehicle, and will be payable to the UHART Campus Safety Office. This fee applies to all vehicles, whether you are staying on campus or attending as a commuter. This is a change from previous festivals.
* EARLY BIRD Deadline for Deposits is January 31. Early Bird Registration and final payment will be in February.
** SCHOLARSHIPS: If you want to apply for a scholarship and can’t afford the $200 deposit right away, choose the ‘mail in a check’ option before the January 31 deadline, and indicate on your mail-in form that you are applying for a scholarship.
Housing Description
Following is a snapshot of the differences between the three dorm facilities we will be using. You can see more descriptions and pictures on the University of Hartford’s website here:
https://www.hartford.edu/student-life/housing/residence-halls.aspx#accordion-group-1-section-2-label
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Park River (See Upper Class housing) |
Hawk Hall (see Residential Learning Communities) |
A/B Complexes (see Neighborhood Housing Options First-Year students – we will be in the A & B neighborhoods) |
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● Very limited capacity. Suites will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis ● 4-person suites, sharing 1 common bathroom ● No more than 4 people to a suite—either 4 singles, 2 doubles or 1 double and 2 singles (not all configurations are guaranteed) ● Suitemates need to be specified upon registration. Individuals will not be assigned by the F/C Registrar ● Dorm is a further walk from dining area and Athletic Center ● No elevator ● Air conditioned
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● Somewhat limited capacity. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis ● Double-occupancy rooms, can be assigned as a double or single ● 1 M’s & 1 W’s restrooms with showers on each floor ● If signing up for a double, you must specify a roommate. Individuals will not be assigned by the F/C Registrar ● Elevator to all floors ● Close walk to dining area and Athletic Center ● Entire building is air conditioned
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● Double-occupancy rooms, can be assigned as a double or single ● 1 M’s & 1 W’s restrooms with showers on each floor ● If signing up for a double, you must specify a roommate. Individuals will not be assigned by the F/C Registrar ● No elevators, however, we will only be using the first two floors of each building ● First floor has wheelchair accessible rooms with private bath. These rooms are available upon request. ● Close walk to dining and Athletic Center ● All rooms are air conditioned
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Map of housing, click to enlarge
Linens/etc
Bathrooms
Cancellation Policy
Scholarship Information
Scholarships are available on a variety of levels. If you are in need of financial assistance in order to attend this event, please review the scholarship information and application directions on our scholarships page.
University of Hartford COVID-19 Precautions and Policies
In addition to the policy adopted by HMA Area 1 (above), We will be adhering to the University of Hartford’s requirements based on what phase we are as a state and nationally. The University of Hartford’s updated policies can be found at https://www.hartford.edu/healthy-hawks/offices-operations/campus-access.aspx
As of January 1, 2022, those policies include:
- All attendees will need to be fully vaccinated, which we anticipate will include boosters as well. Exemptions will not be granted.
- You will be required to upload a copy of your proof of vaccination card during registration.
- Masks will be required for all indoor spaces. No exceptions.
- Plexiglass available to guests in Commons Dining Hall to create barrier within guests if desired (not required)
- Sanitizer available in all locations for guests
- While on campus, you will need to complete the LiveSafe Health Survey (see link for details).
For the Closing concert: [Update 6/20/2022] Audience members will NOT be asked to show proof of vaccination before entering the venue. Masks will still be required indoors.
University of Hartford Campus
The University of Hartford (UHart) is a scenic and suburban 350-acre campus located at the juncture of three municipalities—the City of Hartford, and the towns of Bloomfield and West Hartford. The physical address is 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut. For detailed driving directions, visit https://www.hartford.edu/visitingcampus/getting_campus/default.aspx
Click the campus map to see the venues Festival Conference will be utilizing.
Festival Repertoire
All participants are expected to purchase and rehearse the repertoire prior to attending Festival Conference. Photocopies of music are NOT permitted on the ringing floor.
Massed
- Celebration on Azmon Brian Childers, Lorenz 20/1628L
- Come Lift Your Hearts on High, arr. Dan Edwards, Alfred/Jubilate Group 44601
- Dona Nobis Pacem, with cello, arr. Kevin McChesney, Choristers Guild CGB782
- This Joyful Eastertide, with trumpet, arr. Ron Mallory, Alfred 46234
Tins
- Acclamation in G Minor, Karen Thompson, AGEHR Publishing G23046
- I’m Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger, arr. Tammy Waldrop, Agape/Hope Publishing 2343
- Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart, arr. Sandra Eithun, Lorenz 20/1947L
Coppers
- Compassion, Jason Krug, Beckenhorst HB382
- Toccata on King’s Weston, Matthew Compton, Agape/Hope Publishing 2767
- Wade in the Water, arr. Benjamin Tucker, Alfred 45230
Bronze
- Celtic Queen, Catherine McMichael, Camelia Music CM0016
- A Festive Toll, Chris Burton, Beckenhorst HB640
- Let Everything that Breathes, Praise the Lord, Cathy Moklebust, Choristers Guild CGB1147
- Reflections, Karen Buckwalter, AGEHR Publishing AG36022
Rehearsal Notes
Rehearsal notes are important! They help manage expectations on both sides of the table.
Click here to download the PDF of massed and tins rehearsal notes from Brian Childers. (https://area1.handbellmusicians.org/files/2021/12/Area-1-Festival-Rehearsal-Notes.docx_.pdf)
Click Here to download the PDF of coppers and bronze rehearsal notes from Stephanie Rhoades. (https://area1.handbellmusicians.org/files/2022/01/Area1_FC22_Bronze_Coppers_Rehearsal_Notes.pdf)
Festival/Conference Faculty
Faculty for Festival Conference is listed on a separate page.
Opening Concert Performers
Shoreline Ringers is a community handbell ensemble based in southeastern Connecticut under the direction of Jane Nolan. The goal of the ensemble is to promote handbell ringing as a legitimate musical art form while educating audiences and increasing their knowledge and appreciation of handbell music through concert performances and educational programs. The ringers, some of whom are handbell directors at their own churches, are from throughout central and eastern Connecticut. They have a wide variety of ringing experience and have come together to learn a more advanced repertoire.
The ensemble was established in January 2006 and began performing concerts in June of 2006. They are currently performing at least 10 concerts a year between the Spring and Holiday seasons. Their equipment includes five and a half octaves of Malmark handbells and six octaves of Malmark handchimes and enjoy performing selections with added instruments such as percussion and synthesizer. Being community-based and not associated with a church allows the group more flexibility in music selection which ranges from classical to popular. Shoreline Ringers highlight a variety of techniques and rhythms in their ringing and promise fun for all.
In July 2021, Shoreline Ringers was honored to perform the opening concert at the Handbell Musicians of America’s National Seminar, in Glendale, AZ. Other notable performances in New England include a performance at the Isaac Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall as part of “Christmas Time In the City” produced by the Continuo Arts Foundation, and with Scott Haney and the “Joy for the Kids Concert” sponsored by WFSB Channel 3 in Hartford. They have also performed for the US Coast Guard Academy Band Christmas Concert and are repeat guest performers at “Christmas in Song” hosted by the Ocean House at Watch Hill Chapel.
In addition to concert performances, Shoreline Ringers has produced five CD’s: “A Decade of Bronze,” “The Bells of Christmas,” “Noels Ringing,” “Ring in the Holidays,” and “Shoreline in Springtime.” CD’s are available for purchase at their concerts, on the website, and via digital download on your favorite music sites.
Opening Concert Info
The opening concert will be on Thursday, June 24 from 8:00-9:30 PM on the ringing floor in the Chase Family Arena at the University of Hartford. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the audience for this concert is limited to the attendees of Festival/Conference 2022. It is not open to the public.
Closing Concert Info
COVID-19 INFO: [UPDATED 6/20/2022: Because the audience will be on campus for less than 24 hours, the University of Hartford does not require audience members to show proof of vaccination. As a precaution, however, masks will be required to be worn indoors at all times.
On Sunday, June 26, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, a Closing Concert will be held in the Chase Family Arena. This concert is free and open to the public and will feature music rung by all the participating ringers! At the conclusion of this concert, a free-will offering will be gratefully accepted to benefit the Bradford Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to handbell ringers and directors attending a regional or national conference or seminar.
If you would like to order a recording of the Closing Concert, you may do so online here.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Information about being a sponsor for Festival/Conference is listed on a separate page.
Why should I go to Festival Conference at Area 1?
…to learn new things! Everyone, even the most advanced ringers can learn something new. Maybe it will be in a massed rehearsal, at a class for basic ringing, advanced techniques, an open discussion, or origami, yoga, steel or african drums, ballroom dancing, ear training baseball, how to be a one person handbell choir (using the Acapella app), or even while chatting at mealtime.
…to meet other bell choirs, talk with other ringers and directors, and ring some of the best music available today under the most superb directors
…because if you have never experienced it before, you’re in for an unforgettable weekend with some of the nicest people, and the best bell ringing in New England.
What is Massed Ringing?
If you have never witnessed or participated in a Massed Ring, you are in for a spectacular experience! Imagine the floor of a college basketball arena, packed with 1000 feet of pad-covered tables, 3 choirs across, 10 rows deep, populated with 500+ handbell ringers, all ringing in sync under the baton of one director. The visuals are amazing, the sound is inspiring, and the encounter is unforgettable.
Most importantly, massed ringing is an opportunity for personal growth. In a situation where you have multiple choirs all ringing the same piece of music, you can feel confident to reach a step or two beyond your usual ringing comfort level, knowing that there are many other ringers who will cover for mistakes and fill in missing notes.
Every ringer should experience a Massed Ring, and there is no better place to do that than Festival Conference.
Ringing Divisions Explained
Tins – A division of massed ringing for beginning/emerging choirs that are generally ringing Level 1-2 music.
Coppers – A division of massed ringing for intermediate/more seasoned choirs that are generally comfortable ringing Level 2-3 music.
Bronze – A division of massed ringing for advanced skill-level choirs that are generally comfortable ringing Level 4-5 music.
For more information about the The Handbell and Handchime Music Difficulty Level System, visit https://handbellmusicians.org/music-resources/agehr-music-2/notation-guide/
Bronze Division Info for 2022
*YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO AUDITION!*
***WE WELCOME BRONZE ORPHANS, TOO!*
Please visit the special page we have for all things bronze division.