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

You’re invited to an Area 1 Ringer Reunion!

Through the magic of technology, Area 1 presents a joyful return to the music-making that unites us.  Join in remotely via YouTube Live for a handbell family reunion that brings us back to the tables to celebrate the artistry of massed ringing! The Virtual Massed Ring...

Area 1 Welcomes New Board Members  

November 19, 2020 – Lisa Arnold, Chair of the Board of Directors for Area 1 Handbell Musicians of America, has announced the appointment of two individuals to the Area 1 Board. Effective immediately, Charles Arnold will serve as Membership Chair, and Suzanne Neafus...

Submit your Margaret Shurcliff Award nominations by Dec 31, 2020

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE AREA 1 Margaret H. Shurcliff Leadership Award Is there someone special you know who tirelessly promotes handbells and HMA for Area1? Is there a teacher or director who had the patience and took the extra time to get you and...

Friends and Family Handbell Camp 2020 Cancelled

Dear Directors and Handbell Musicians, It is with heavy hearts that we have made the decision, based upon the guidelines of the healthcare experts, to cancel this year’s Friends and Family Handbell Camp. We are sure this announcement comes as no surprise to most of...