Maine Spring Ring 2022

Spring Ring provides an opportunity for ringers to meet, share experiences, have fun, and develop musicianship and ringing skills. This event is sponsored by the Handbell Musicians of America for the benefit of its members. Registration is available only for current members of the Handbell Musicians of America, or members of any ensemble they represent. Individuals, small groups, partial choirs, and complete choirs are all welcome.

Date:

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Location:

Auburn Middle School
Auburn, ME

Event Schedule

8:00 – 9:00                   Registration, Coffee, Tea and Snacks

9:00 – 9:50                   Massed rehearsal

10:00 – 10:50               Tins rehearsal (Coppers fellowship time)

11:00 – 11:50               Coppers rehearsal (Tins fellowship time)

12:00 – 12:45               Lunch (on own)

12:45 – 1:35                 Coppers rehearsal

1:45 – 2:35                   Tins rehearsal

2:45 – 3:35                   Massed rehearsal

4:00 – 5:00                   Sharing concert

 

Note: Solo choirs may rehearse on own when not rehearsing with the larger ensembles.

Contacts

Dana Humphreys
ME State Chair
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
me.area1@handbellmusicians.org

Susan Schultz
Event Registrar
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
registrar.area1@handbellmusicians.org
978-273-2226

Register Here!

Event Details

On March 26, Maine will be hosting a Spring Ring 2020+2 Workshop! Join ringers from Maine and other New England states to play with long-time friends and new acquaintances at our reimagined Spring Ring Workshop. Many choirs and ensembles have not had an opportunity to prepare the music as fully as they’d like, and we anticipate attendance may be smaller in light of the new Area 1 Covid Policy. Therefore, we have adapted to the times and changed the nature of our event from a performance-focused day to a casual opportunity to rehearse the selected music with directors Dan Moore and Kim Visbaras, work on polishing techniques and rhythms while we play, and have social time to connect and share stories of what it’s been like to ring bells (or not ring them…) during the last two years.

We will conclude the event with a “Sharing Concert” when Tins, Coppers and solo choirs can perform for each other in a relaxed atmosphere.

And we have one more surprise piece of music! It’s short, it’s fun, and if you live in Maine, you will recognize it!

We will begin the day at 8:00 am with registration and set-up. Coffee, tea, water and snacks at no charge will be available. Tins, Coppers and Massed rehearsals will be held in the morning and afternoon with a break for lunch (attendees should bring their own lunch). We will conclude the day with our sharing concert. See the detailed schedule to the left.

Coppers and Massed choirs will be directed by Dan Moore, Tins choir will be directed by Kim Visbaras.

 

 

Massed Ringing 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.

TINS
  • Victory – Jason Krug, Level 1+, Lorenz Corp, MLC202028L (2-3 oct), MLC202027L (3-5 oct)
  • Vasylyna’s Tears – Edwards, Level 2+, From The Top, MFM204713 (2-3 oct), MFM204715 (3-5 oct)
  • Be Thou My Vision – Turner, Level 2, Ringing World, MRW8266
COPPERS
  • Eternal Father Strong to Save – Stephenson, Level 4, Choristers Guild, MCGB515
  • Fiesta Con Campanillas – Mizell, Level 3, HMA/AGEHR MAG35279
    COMBINED CHOIRS
    • How Great Our Joy (*see note below) – Ingram, Level 2, Ring Out Press, MRO3275
    • Carillon of Praise – Moklebust, Level 3-, Choristers Guild, MCGB1089
    • The Rainbow Connection – Williams, Paul & Ascher, Kenneth, Level 2+, Red River Music, MRRBL5089

     

    * Ringing clarification on “How Great Our Joy”
    Coppers should learn Part One; Tins should learn Part Two

     

     

    Solo Choir or Ensemble Performances

    We will include up to four choirs to perform solo selections during the concert. If your choir is interested in playing a solo piece, contact Dana Humphreys, Maine State Chair, at me.area1@handbellmusicians.org.

    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.

    Food

    Coffee, tea, water and snacks will be available at no charge during registration. Please bring your own bag lunch and additional snacks if you wish.

     

    What to Bring

    Each choir and/or ringer should bring the following:

    • Bells, mallets, chimes
    • Tables, foam pads, table covers, music and music stands
    • Gloves and comfortable shoes
    • Dress is casual! (Or perhaps you’d like to consider a Kermit-theme for “The Rainbow Connection”)

    Registration Information

    Registration available through March 11

    Each ensemble should designate one person, the Group Registrar, to register the entire group. 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

    Adults: $24

    High School Seniors and Younger: $12

    		  
    Non-Ringing Chaperone $0

    Register Here!

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations may be made by contacting the Area 1 Registrar via email at registrar.area1@handbellmusicians.org. Refunds will be issued for cancellations submitted before March 11 in the amount charged less a $2 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after March 11.

    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.

     

    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.