Welcome to Area 1

Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont

Festival Conference 2025!

Worcester State University
June 26-29, 2025

[Area 1’s event was] the best festival I’ve been a part of…it really had a National Seminar feel, but was much more personal and so professionally done! Thanks for making me feel at home and for taking such good care of me while I was there! I’m now an Area 1 fan!!
— Brian Childers, F/C2022 Massed & Tins Clinician

Consider Sponsoring Area 1

Please consider donating to Area 1 to help us continue to provide education, support, and community to handbell musicians throughout Area 1! Your donation in any amount can support scholarships, communication around our events, and helps us to spread information about the history and art of ringing to all.

Recent News

Spotlight on Chime In! Music With a Mission

Chime In! Music With a Mission, directed by Rick Wood, was recently featured by WTNH News Channel 8.  The story can also be found on their website here: http://wtnh.com/2017/12/01/cruisin-connecticut-chime-in-bell-choir-christmas-in-bethlehem-ct/ I'll reprint the text...

Spotlight on “Back To Bells”

This Spotlight article is written by Steve Mazeau after he attended a 2017 Back to Bells event.  Area 1 Back To Bells workshops are sponsored by the national Handbell Musicians of America, but draws from the experience and leadership of the members of Area 1. The goal...

Spotlight on Mary McCleary

With sadness, the handbell world says our goodbye and godspeed to Mary McCleary, who passed away on October 15, 2017. She was a prolific composer, director, organist, and friend to many of the ringers in the Handbell Musicians of America. Mary G. McCleary was the...