Connecticut Spring Ring 2024
Spring Ring provides an opportunity for ringers to meet, share experiences, have fun, and develop musicianship and ringing skills. This event is endorsed by the Handbell Musicians of America for the benefit of its members. Registration is open all, regardless of HMA membership. Individuals, small groups, partial choirs, and complete choirs are all welcome to attend.
Date:
Saturday April 20, 2024
9 AM – 4 PM
Location:
Wethersfield United Methodist Church
150 Prospect St.,
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Event Schedule
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Arrive and Check In |
| 9:30 – 12:30 PM | Massed Rehearsal |
| 12:30 – 1:00 PM | Solo Choir rehearsals |
| 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Afternoon Rehersal |
| 2:30 – 3:00 PM | Free time (change clothes, evaluation forms, etc.) |
| 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Public concert in the gym |
| 4:00 PM | Reception in the lobby, Pack up |
Contacts
Suzanne Neafus
CT State Chair
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
860-881-7000
Susan Schultz
Event Registrar
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
978-273-2226
Event Details
After a hiatus, Connecticut Spring Ring is back! Join choirs from Massachusetts and surrounding states as
they come together to ring and build skills at this invigorating event! Our clinician will be Samantha
Beschta, who will guide ringers through rehearsal of the repertoire listed below.
The program for the day will begin with set-up and registration at 9:00 AM. We will conclude at 3:00 PM
with a concert, open to the public, where we will present the prepared massed pieces along with solo
presentations from willing participants. Please see the detailed schedule to the left.
Meet Our Clinician
Samantha Beschta is the Assistant Director for Chime In! Music with a Mission based out of Bethlehem CT. In 2015 she co-created the Connecticut Handbell Musicians. She is the Director of this process-oriented group of ringers who use the summer to stretch and grow, enhancing their skills and enriching their musical experience.
Samantha rings full time with Chime In! as well as with the New England Ringers, and is one-third of the handbell trio FaLiSaD (pronounced “Felicity”), who thrive in tight harmonies, rhythmic impossibilities, and having too many bells to handle.
Samantha has always loved music, joining choir at age 6 and playing various instruments. She has been ringing handbells since 1995. She received two B.S. degrees in Vocal Performance and Acting/Directing, and has studied conducting under Rick Wood, Dr. William Payn and Kevin McChesney. She lives in central Connecticut, where she and her husband Mike are raising two amazing up-and-coming bellringers, Dashiell and Penelope.
Repertoire
We have selected the following pieces for the event. Please purchase and begin rehearsing the music before the Spring Ring. In accordance with the Handbell Musicians of America guidelines, all music used must be original purchased copies. No photocopies will be allowed.
It is Finished, by William E. Gross. L3. . 3-7 octaves. From the Top Music: FM20512
Exultate Deo by Jill Fedon. L3 . 3-5 octaves AGEHR Publishing AG35355
Timbrel and Dance, by Kevin McChesney. L2+. . 3-5 octaves Choristers Guild: CGB290
Eleanor Rigby, by John Lennon and Paul McCartney arranged by Ron Mallory . L3. 3-5
octaves. Jeffers Publishing JHS9528
Solo Choir and Ensemble Performances
We invite your choir/ensemble to share a “solo” selection during the final concert. Please fill out the appropriate information on the registration form if you wish to perform a solo piece. Solo performances will be limited to five minutes. You will be assigned a short time during the event to run through your piece once in the performance area. Please be prompt and courteous to other groups.
Food
No meals are provided, but bottled water will be available. Please bring your own bag lunch or snacks. No food or drinks will be permitted on the ringing floor.
Partial Choirs and “Orphan Ringers”
All ringers are encouraged to attend, either as individual “orphan” ringers or with a partial choir of any size. All are welcome! We will match you up with a host ensemble as best we can.
What to Bring
Each ringer should bring gloves and comfortable shoes. Each choir (partial or whole) should bring bells, chimes, mallets, foam, table covers, music, music stands, and tables. If your choir has a uniform or concert dress, you are encouraged to wear it for the performance. We would also like each group to please bring a dessert to share at the closing reception. It will be a nice time to unwind after a busy day and to socialize with your fellow ringers from other ensembles.
Registration Information
Registration available through April 15
Each ensemble should designate one person, the Group Registrar, to register the group and themselves as well, if they will be attending. Participating ringers may register individually or may register more than one ringer if they choose. (The Handbell Musicians of America membership name and number for the group will be required, and should be used by all members of the ensemble.) The Group Registrar should note if your group is able to host any orphan ringers. Individuals who are attending without their
group (“orphans”), please let us know whether you would like to be hosted by another group, and what your preferred bell positions are.
Registrant Type Registration Fees
Ringing Participant: $20
Non-Ringing Chaperone: $0
Youth ringers are welcome! Please register at least one Adult as a chaperone for every ten registered ringers under the age of 18.
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.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations may be made by contacting the Area 1 Registrar via email at [email protected]. Refunds will be issued for cancellations submitted before April 15, 2024 in the amount charged less a $2 processing fee. No refunds can be issued after that date.
HMA AREA 1 COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY
(Updated 1/26/2023)
PARTICIPANTS & AUDIENCE
Area 1 no longer requires masking for our events for participants or audience members.
All participants and audience members at Area 1 events are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in indoor venues, regardless of their vaccination status. The Area 1 board will revisit this policy and amend it as circumstances change and as required by venue.
DISCLAIMER
By attending/participating, you acknowledge and fully understand the nature and extent of the risk related to the COVID-19 virus and other contagious diseases and agree to attend this event at your own risk. You expressly acknowledge that COVID-19 is highly contagious, and infection can result in death, the risk of infection and transmission are higher in indoor facilities, there are no safety precautions that totally eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19, and individuals with various underlying medical conditions may experience worse outcomes.
NOTE: Where state, local and/or venue policies vary from the Area 1 policy, the more strict policy will be in effect.