Festival/Conference 2025 Pages
Course Numbering System
100s Ringing Techniques
200s More Ringing – Solo, Festival Choirs, Berserkers
300s Theory, Analysis, and other study classes
400s Conducting
500s Repertoire Reading Sessions
600s Handbell Education
700s Non-bell classes
800s Bell Maintenance
Any class number that ends with “T” is a track, and you are required to sign up for all sessions of the track.
101 Handbell Techniques from A to Z
Sessions F.2, F.4, S.8
Susan Lee
Recommended for Tins and Coppers
Beginning with the basic ringing stroke, this class will review all the handbell techniques you’ve ever heard of, and perhaps introduce you to some techniques you haven’t encountered yet. Emphasis will be on executing the techniques correctly, musically, and safely – for both you and the bells.
102 Stopped Sounds
Sessions F.2, F.4, S.6, S.7
Evie Sessions, Pete Larson
Recommended for Tins and Coppers
Are you ready to expand your skill set beyond simple ringing? In this hands-on technique class, we will go over many different ways to play and damp bells. You will practice marts, plucking, malleting and more, while the instructor provides individualized attention to help you develop your technical skills and musicality.
103 Weaving Fundamentals
Sessions F.2, F.3, F.8, F.10
Susan Ewing, Emlee Kohler
Recommended for Tins and Coppers
Do you struggle with changing bells? Don’t know where the bells are after you have made a change? End up cutting one note short in order to drop that bell and pick up a different one? Weaving can solve all those problems. This class will begin with a review of basic weaving skills and move towards being able to weave a simple melody.
104 To Weave or Not to Weave – Advanced Weaving
Sessions F.4, U.3
Lisa Arnold
Recommended for aspiring Coppers and Bronze
It’s one thing to know HOW to do something, but yet another to actually apply the techniques you’ve learned ON-THE-FLY, in the heat of the moment. In this class, we’ll focus on solutions for passages in the music that call for quick bell changes – using real-world examples – and figure out together what works best. The solution may be different for each person… and that’s OK! Feel free to bring your own examples. NOTE: participants must be comfortable with weaving and some Shelley/4-in-hand.
105 Jumpstart Battery
Sessions S.2, S.8
Kim Whitehead
Recommended for Tins/Coppers
Is your “engine” running weaker than usual? Well, not anymore! Let’s get you hooked up to the Battery and (re-)charge your knowledge of what it takes to be a great battery ringer. “Am I melody? Am I NOT the melody? How do I fit in? Or should I stand out?” This interactive class will cover multiple aural and visual techniques that will be beneficial to both the ringer and observer, and attendees will be running stronger than ever so they can ‘rev things up’ in their own groups!
106 Intro to Treble Techniques
Sessions S.7, S.8
Susan Ewing, Evie Sessions
Recommended for Tins/Coppers
Have you ever wanted to learn how treble ringers make music with all those bells on the table in front of them? This course will cover the basics of two common treble techniques – Shelly and Four in Hand. We’ll spend time discussing the two techniques, when they are used, and most importantly, learn how to ring them both! This class is open to anyone who would like to improve their current treble skills or learn these techniques, which are most commonly used by ringers from C6 and up.
107 All About That Bass – But Safely
Session F.4
Emlee Kohler
Recommended for Tins/Coppers
Ringing low bass bells (B3 and below) takes special care for both the ringer and the instrument. In this session we will cover some of the unique concerns of ringing the big bells like: preparation/assignments (including what to do when you only have 2 ringers to cover 3 positions), bell changes/runs, when to hold ‘em and when (AND where!) to damp ‘em, and general ringer safety. This is a hands-on class, please bring gloves.
108 All About That Bass – But Strategically
Sessions F.3
Emlee Kohler
Recommended for Coppers/Bronze
This class will discuss advanced bass bell, typically B3 and below, techniques. Emphasis will be placed on how to create assignments, where to place the bells on the table, and troubleshooting difficult musical passages to enhance musicality. Depending on interest, some time can be spent discussing how to best cover notes with both full choirs and fewer-than-the-normal-number-of-ringers.
109 All About That Bass: Digging Deeper
Sessions S.6, U.4
Leslie Lewis
Recommended for Coppers/Bronze
In this class we will dig deeper into the realm of possibility by looking at when and how to double down so we can use the expanded sets of bells and chimes with the golden oldies in our libraries. We will also take a closer look at assigning the bass bells (many of the philosophies apply to the entire range of bells).
110 Bell Trees
Sessions S.7, U.4
Peter Grossman
Appropriate for all levels
Always wanted to use bell trees in your music, but didn’t know where to start? This class is for you! In this hands-on class, we will go over the basics of how to set up a simple bell tree, what equipment will help you be successful, and how you can integrate bell trees into your music. This is a great way to start on your bell tree journey whether you are a ringer or a director!
112 Watch Windows
Sessions F.3
Fred Gramann
Appropriate for all levels
Explore Fred’s approach to achieving secure tempo changes for handbell choirs using examples from the festival repertoire. You’ll experience a simple method which is unique to handbell musicians for memorizing small sections of the music, making it possible to watch the director at tempo changes.
201 Getting Started Solo Ringing
Sessions F.10, U.4
Karen James
Beginning Solo Ringing- How do you go from ringing your two assigned bells in a choir to ringing a melody line by yourself? We will look at all the basic information to begin your solo ringing career: table set-up, ringing and damping techniques, repertoire resources, equipment, rehearsal techniques, accompanists, and presentation. This will be a hands-on class.
202T Next Level Solo Ringing Track (3 Session Track)
Sessions F.2, F.8, S.6
Linda Krantz
Join Linda in this 3-session track to learn the skill of traveling 4iH (T4H), the art of choreography and the joy of playing with more fluidity and less motion. Linda will walk you through the mechanics of learning how and where to use T4H, and we will conclude the track with an opportunity to actually do some blocking of solo pieces. Prerequisite: must have a working knowledge of the ring/push style of 4iH as well as be able to weave.
203T Coppers Festival Choir (3 Session Track)
Sessions F.4, S.2, S.8
Cheryl Townsend
For Coppers level ringers who want an additional ringing challenge, this Coppers Festival Choir Track is a three-session opportunity to rehearse and perform a challenging level 2+ or level 3 composition at the final mini-concert. Attendance at all three sessions is important for musical continuity. This is a great opportunity to try a new ringing position. Music will be provided at the first session of this track. Please bring gloves and a music binder.
A sheet music fee of $5 for this track will be charged at the time of registration.
204T Copper Plus Festival Choir (3 Session Track)
Sessions F.3, F.10, S.7
Carlene Ruesenberg
For ringers in the Coppers division who feel ready for a challenge to rise up to Bronze. This Coppers+ Festival Choir Track is a three-session opportunity to rehearse and perform a challenging level 3+ or 4 composition at the final mini-concert. Attendance at all three sessions is important for musical continuity. This is a great opportunity to try a new ringing position. Music will be provided at the first session of this track. Please bring gloves and a music binder.
A sheet music fee of $5 for this track will be charged at the time of registration.
205T Bronze Festival Choir (3 Session Track)
Sessions F.2, F.8, S.6
Sandra Winter
Can’t get enough ringing? This Bronze Festival Choir Track is a three-session track opportunity for advanced, experienced ringers who want more! The class will rehearse and perform a challenging level 5 to 6, five octave composition at the final mini-concert. Attendance at all three sessions is important for musical continuity. This is a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try a new ringing position. Music will be provided at the first session of this track. Please bring gloves and a music binder.
A sheet music fee of $5 for this track will be charged at the time of registration.
206 Bell Berserkers
Sessions F.2, F.8, U.3, U.4, U.6
Various
Can’t get enough? Come learn a new piece in a high-energy environment. In one class, you and your cohorts will learn a new piece of music (level 3 or higher), and get it as close to performance-ready perfection as you can, including all the musicality and artistry. Bring your gloves and a smile. Leave satisfied with a fun piece of music to keep. Each session will prepare a different piece of music.
A sheet music fee of $5 for this course will be charged at the time of registration.
301 Sight Reading Made Easy(ier)
Sessions S.2, S.8
Jean Degan
Feel more prepared and make your director happy! We will look into a few tricks to help you to sight read faster and as accurately as possible. Time to have fun with sight reading!
302 Marking Your Music
Sessions S.2, U.6
Carly Kinney
Have you ever forgotten to pick up a bell in time for a bell change? Have you ever heard your director say, “it’s marked piano there-please play piano” at the same place every rehearsal, and you’re still not playing piano? Have you ever put a marking on your music that just didn’t make sense to you at the next rehearsal? If you’ve answered “yes” to at least one of these questions, then this class is for you! We’ll explore ways to make markings in your music that are consistent and concise so that you can easily remember from rehearsal to rehearsal what you are meant to do, and you can go beyond the notes and make music.
303 Musical Expression through Body and Face
Session F.8, U.6
Holly Cerullo
Whether you are playing sacred music in church or a movie theme in your community choir, you need to portray the feeling of the piece appropriately. We will explore and practice ways to express the music through your expression and appropriate movement.
304 Ringing with Confidence
Session F.2, S.6
Holly Cerullo
Don’t let size, strength, or physical challenges keep you from ringing to your full potential. Let’s explore and share methods and adaptions to help you become the ringer you want to be.
305 Object Lessons
Sessions F.4, S.6
Stevie Berryman
With some imagination, ordinary objects can become excellent tools for teaching key concepts of bell-ringing theory and technique like stroke, grip, posture, and weaving. Come ready to play, and you’ll learn how to bounce, catch, and juggle your way into advanced ringing skills!
Participation and movement are encouraged in this high-energy, high-rewards class featuring
some of Stevie’s favorite games chosen from years of teaching handbell ringing with a unique, play-based method.
306 Basic Music Theory
Sessions S.2, S.7
Samantha Beschta
You identify and ring your marked notes at the right time. The music sounds beautiful, but do you still have some questions about the structure or the sound of the music? Music theory and notation is such a daunting topic, and often confusing. This will be a safe space to ask any and all questions that you may have been embarrassed to ask before.
In this class we’re going to go through some basic identification of parts of the score as well as music theory that will help you better understand what you’re ringing and reading and why it sounds the way it does. Bring your festival music as we will be using examples from it for discussion.
307 Music Theory: Beyond the Basics!
Sessions S.2, S.7
Madeline Carey
All throughout history, composers have used the same music theory concepts and structures to create a vast variety of pieces that we love. In this class, we will combine music theory and music appreciation by studying various intermediate level music theory elements and explore their artistic and symbolic impact based on their role in a musical work. The course will focus mainly on handbell compositions and arrangements
308 Fascinating Rhythms: System of Ta
Sessions S.2, S.7, U.3
Susan Capestro
A simplified form of Konnakol, or Indian percussion language, is used to instantly recognize, easily decipher and interpret rhythms that might otherwise appear daunting. Learn a philosophical and holistic yet practical approach to rhythm that aids in interpretation and shortens practice and rehearsal time. Participants do plenty of tapping, clapping and laughing with musical examples and leave with ideas on how to joyfully and effectively learn and teach rhythms.
309 Rhythm Exploration
Sessions F.4, U.6
Kimberlee Strepka
If you find yourself needing a bit of help when it comes to understanding, feeling, (or teaching) rhythm in the handbell rehearsal, then join me for a overview of the history of notation, note value systems, the importance of movement and spatial acuity in rhythmic performance, rhythm exercises, and understanding mixed meter and swung rhythms. All exercises have been developed from a wide variety of handbell literature.
310 Handbell Artistry Isn’t Just for Experts
Sessions S.6, S.8
Kimberlee Strepka
Handbell “artistry” can be an ambiguous concept. Some may describe it as a by-product of many years of practice, performance, and perfecting one’s skill. Or maybe it’s something that happens collectively in an auditioned, advanced ensemble. But as beautiful as our instrument is, its potential for musicality is wholly dependent upon the ringer’s ability to move it artistically through space. Anyone at any ringing level can begin to learn how to move with intentionality, precision, and expressive energy. Participants will discover their personal movement preferences that help or hinder their musical growth, experience “Bound Flow” and how it creates precision in ringing, and explore and encourage the use of expressive rather than functional energy in music making. Missed notes will feel less discouraging in the learning process when music embodiment becomes the goal. If you are new to ringing, either with or without other musical experience, or if you are a handbell director looking for fresh ideas for teaching beginners, this class is for you.
311 How to Become your Director’s Favorite Ringer
Session F.3, F.10
Diane Burke
Yes- chocolate is definitely one of the best ways…but there are so many more! In this class, we’ll explore some strategies for ringers to maximize your musical and social preparation for rehearsal, your methods of comprehension and advancement during rehearsal, and the follow through that leaves everyone feeling empowered and energized for the next one. It’s not much of a secret- directors love ringers who are dedicated, and who embrace each challenge with a strategy and a smile. Let’s consider some of the ways to take the next step in your ringing experience…your director will thank you!!
312 Change Ringing
Session F.10, S.7
Fred Gramann
Experience where handbell ringing comes from and learn several beautiful change ring sequences which are useful for worship, demonstrations or concerts which only require three ringers and six bells (no tables, no foam, no music!).
313 Score Study: Get to Know your Festival Music
Session F.8
Madeline Carey
Bring your Tins and Massed music for a workshop to understand these amazing pieces even more deeply.
314 Score Study for Handbells
Sessions F.2, F.3, F.10
Kimberlee Strepka
Score Study for Handbells addresses a wide variety of score study skills that create a deeper understanding of the possible ringing challenges within a piece of music. Excerpts from multiple handbell pieces are used to discuss ringer challenges, musical movement, musical “influencers,” and recognizing opportunities for contrast. The class will participate in an analysis of Jason Krug’s “Sussex Carol,” and an example of rehearsal notes created through score prep will be provided.
315 It Doesn’t Have to be Difficult
Sessions S.8, U.3
Martin Winter
Have you ever thought ‘I wish we could wow our audience but we don’t play hard enough music’. Well yes you can. This class takes a look at some level 1 and level 2 pieces that can create the wow without being really difficult by clever use of techniques or by straight forward (for the ringers) interpretations that can sound really impressive.
401 Conducting for the New or Curious – Beginner Conducting
Sessions F.2, F.4, S.6
Andy Wallace
This class introduces basic conducting techniques for new and aspiring directors. Participants will learn basic conducting patterns and gestures, how to read scores and handbell notation, rehearsal techniques, and develop effective communication with their ensembles.
402T Intermediate conducting (2 Session Track)
Sessions U.4, U.6
Gina Williams
A conductor is a communicator of music who enables the performers to express the composer’s intentions. We must bring the music to life from the printed page. This is a two-session track designed for directors or ringers with some previous conducting experience. We will explore some ideas about how to communicate through gesture, technique, and teaching. Bring a baton if you use one (one will be available to borrow if you want to experiment), and a smile! 😉
403T Advanced conducting (3 Session Track)
Sessions F.3, F.8, U.4
Karen E Leonard
Conducting is much more than keeping a beat and waving your arms in a predictable pattern. Certainly, some of that is necessary, but how well your group plays depends on much more from the conductor. This class will incorporate the elements of Score Study and Rehearsal Techniques into bringing the music off the printed page and into the listeners ears. You are welcome to use a baton or not – if not, why not? Several will be available to try out. Bring questions, ideas and a willingness to try something new!
404 Rehearsal Techniques for Conductors
Sessions F.10, U.3
Karen Leonard
What things do I want my ringers to learn to make rehearsals go more smoothly and to make my life easier? Our goal as handbell ringers and directors should be to become handbell musicians. How can we use each rehearsal to advance that goal? Come to get some ideas on how to empower yourself – whether a ringer or director – to be a better handbell musician!
405 Take It Up A Notch
Session S.2
Jennifer Stack
This class is for directors who would like to learn how to plan repertoire and rehearsals that will increase the confidence levels and musicianship of their ringers. Find strategies for 5 minutes, 1 rehearsal, 1 season or the whole year! This class offers both an opportunity for hands-on preparation as well as roundtable discussions. Take your group to the next musical level with intention this season!
406 Starting a Bell Choir
Session F.3
Kim Whitehead
Do you love bells and want to share that love with those around you? Are you in a new position at church or school where there are bells but you’re not sure where to start? Have you always wanted to teach others about the coolest investment ever?! Come and learn tips and tricks on starting a new handbell or chime ensemble, and see how YOU can make a positive impact in your community!
501 Rep Reading: Pop/Rock
Session F.3
Gina WIlliams
Let’s have some fun sight-reading arrangements of Pop/Rock tunes. The music will be primarily level 3, 3+, and 4.
502 Rep Reading: Level 1 & 2
Session F.4
Jean Degan
Explore some music at Level 1 and 2. It doesn’t have to be difficult to sound good and be enjoyable for musicians!
503 Rep Reading: Christmas in June
Session F.8
Susan Capestro
Get a jump on your holiday concert planning and ring through some holiday tunes!
504 Rep Reading: Small Choir, Big Sound!
Session F.10
Cathy Marker
Do you have 3 or more octaves, but only 8 or 9 ringers on a good day? We’ll read through new music and old favorites that will make your small choir sound like a much bigger group.
505 Rep Reading: Let’s Dance
Session U.4
Diane Burke
Music to get you and your audiences moving and grooving!
506 Rep Reading: What’s New?
Session S.6
Samantha Beschta
Find out what’s new from Jeffers. We will sight read new pieces, both appropriate for religious and general settings.
601 Teambuilding (By Someone Who Hates ‘Icebreakers’) For Ringers
Sessions F.2, F.4
Greg Urban
Tired of those awkward ‘Icebreaker’ activities that just seem to be all goofy and not actually engaging? Looking for a way to connect with other members of your bell group? Want to just have some fun connecting with others? Come on down and experience connection activities you can use with your group back home. In addition, we’ll experience a problem-solving initiative or two that can be related directly to ringing, or speaking to your ensemble’s culture and norms. Includes write-ups for activities.
602 An Incomplete Guide to Arranging Pop Music for Bells
Sessions U.3, U.6
Greg Urban
Interested in arranging pop music for bells? Curious if your favorite song will “work” on bells? And what’s the deal with permission and arranging anyway? This session will cover some basic workflows to arranging pop music, what makes for a ‘good’ song to play on bells, and how to go about obtaining arrangement rights. Will include a basic notation software overview, but little direct instruction in how to use the software.
603 The Science of Handbells
Sessions U.4, U.6
Cade Murray
What’s really happening when you hear a bell ringing? From a sound generation point of view, bells are one of the most complex musical instruments out there; more than a violin, piano, or pipe organ! Come learn about the amazing physics of handbells as well as related topics such as metallurgy, acoustics, and overtones. You will even get to see the sound waves created by bells from different manufacturers and learn how each one produces their unique character.
604 Engaging Students with Handchimes and Literature
Sessions F.3, F.10
Charlotte Herbstsomer
I love reading to my students. I love it even more when I can incorporate instruments into the story. Learn how to use handchimes or other melody instruments to create a full music and literature experience and help create a sound story for a favorite book.
605 Boomwhacker Bonanza
Sessions F.4, S.7
Charlotte Herbstsomer
Do you love to share the joy of music in a variety of settings – your classroom, an assisted living facility, at VBS? In this class, you will learn techniques to use boomwhackers to make connections in fun and engaging ways with different ages and populations. Please note: this class will be a sharing of ideas, not a study of performances with boomwhackers.
606 Taize
Session U.3
Stevie Berryman
Immerse yourself in the power of Taize music without words. Both peaceful and peace-filling, combining these tunes with handbell improvisation can turn your ringing into praying.
607 Bells in Worship: More Than Just the Anthem
Sessions S.2, S.7
Abby Schoppe
Most of our church bell choirs play for the prelude, offertory, Communion meditation, or other stand-alone moments in the service. But how can a bell choir be used to support the congregation as they sing hymns and/or parts of the liturgy? In the class, we will explore a variety of existing resources, as well as ideas for creating your own bell descants, ostinatos, or other accompaniments.
608 Processionals
Sessions S.2, U.6
Karen James
Do you always need to be standing behind the tables? Short patterns that repeat and join other layers of patterns develop into beautiful harmonic levels of sound that can be played anywhere. Experience the freedom of ringing in an open space! In this class we will explore playing, creating, teaching processionals, and the NEW RAGE …. Bell Sticks! From simple to complex, we’ll discover various ways to get ringers to the table, including how to create a “surround sound.” Please bring gloves to class.
701T African Drumming (3 Session Track)
Sessions F.3, F.10, S.7
Kim Visbaras
702 Maybe I’ll Try Barbershop-Style A Cappella Singing
Sessions F.8, S.8
Bill Degan, tenor in Hartford Men in Harmony
What makes barbershop-style a cappella singing unique? Can I try singing in a BBS chorus? Now that the Barbershop Harmony Society invites all-gender groups to join, in that spirit, let’s learn a “tag” and a song with parts in a range for everyone who comes! And the song will be an arrangement we can sing in Sunday’s ecumenical worship service – you are encouraged to participate!
703 Feel the Beat with Your Feet!
Sessions F.8, S.8
Diane Burke
You might not think you can dance, but you already have many of the skills needed to make your body do what ringing bells can! Rhythm, timing, tempo changes and visual presentation are ingrained in your brain through rehearsals and months of practice…..so let’s take it to the next level and let your whole body express the music. We’ll use 2 pieces from our Festival repertoire to explore some simple dance steps, and who knows- you may step up to the table with a whole new sense of the music next time you play. No partner needed, no requirements here except a willingness to move and have fun!
704 Strength Training for Handbell Musicians
Sessions U.3, U.4
Justin Wooten
Advancing as a handbell musician will require more demanding physical athleticism, strength, stamina, and conditioning. In this class, we will explore some of the basic strength building lifts you can do at home or in your local gym to increase your physical fitness and help you play handbells for longer periods of time, while ringing heavier bells, for as many years as possible.
705 Breathe, Stretch, Shake, Let It Go
Sessions S.2, S.7
Justin Wooten
Area 1 Festival is a very demanding schedule filled with a weekend of fun, excitement, and handbells. But with all the hubbub going on, we can easily forget to take time for ourselves and our body. This class is designed to give your brain a break, take a deep breath, and stretch out those muscles that are tightening up as you progress through the weekend.
Feel free to bring your own towel or yoga mat to use to lay on while stretching.
801 Malmark Maintenance – Handbells and Choirchimes
Sessions U.3, U.6
Dan Moore
All it takes is a few simple household tools, a few minutes of your time, and an easy-to-follow 5 step process to keep your Malmark instruments in top playing condition. Bring your ‘problem’ Malmark bells or ChoirchimesTM to this informative and practical session.
802 Schulmerich Maintenance
Sessions U.4, U.6
Sue Chamberlin
Get to know your instrument! This hands-on class will be especially useful for those who are the designated “fixers” or equipment managers of their ensembles. During this class you will disassemble, and then properly reassemble a Schulmerich handbell so you will know the parts and their function. Learn how to make adjustments and keep your bells and chimes in smooth, effortless working order. Tips and tricks on disassembly for cleaning or for replacement of broken parts will be provided. Bring a bell (G4-B5 range) and your tool kit. You may also bring other problem bells and Melody Chimes to class and we’ll work on them.
803 Basic Whitechapel Maintenance
Session U.4
Sandra and Martin Winter
This class will review the basic maintenance steps applicable to Whitechapel handbells. It will include hand polishing, spring adjustment and spring re-felting. Additional recommendations will be given for identifying when refurbishment may be required.
901 Aging Gracefully
Session F.5 Lunch
Moderators: Holly Cerullo and Emlee Kohler
We’re not getting any younger, but our passion for handbells isn’t diminishing. How can we listen to and take care of our bodies without giving up the musical instrument that we love? We don’t have all the answers, but join Holly Cerullo and Emlee Kohler for an honest discussion to share ideas and concerns on the topic of aging and handbells. Open to musicians of any age.
902 New Conductors (0-5 years)
Session F.9 Dinner
Moderator: Jennifer Stack
Are you a new conductor? Or thinking about being a conductor? Bring your joys, concerns, questions, and challenges to talk with your peers.
903 Composers and Arrangers Roundtable
Session F.9 Dinner
Moderators: Cathy Marker and Nick Hanson
Chat with fellow composers and arrangers and share challenges and success stories. Are you frustrated with the Finale-to-Dorico conversion? Stuck on a particularly tricky passage? Struggling with copyright issues? Or maybe you just want to converse with other creators to share your experiences.
904 Nuts and Bolts of Community Ensembles
Session S.9 Dinner
Moderator: Amelia Wiggins
How does your board work? How do you book concerts? What do you do if your conductor is out sick? What are your group’s goals and how do you plan for the future? Join other community ensemble members for a discussion about what’s working, what’s not working, and what your ensemble is proud of!