Western Mass Spring Zinger Workshop

Date:

Saturday, April 27th, 9 AM-2:30 PM

Location:

Wilbraham United Church
500 Main Street
Wilbraham, MA 01095

Event Schedule

  • 8:30-9:00 Arrive and check in
  • 9:00-10:00 Review of basic ringing strokes, various stopped techniques, etc.
  • 10:00-11:15 Apply learned techniques to a piece(s) of Level 1/1+ repertoire
  • 11:15-12:00 Break; Q&A/discussion time/Lunch (not provided)
  • 12:00-12:45 Work on More advanced techniques, 4-in-Hand, Weaving, etc
  • 12:45-2:30 Apply learned techniques to a piece(s) of Level 2/2+ repertoire
  • 2:30 Pack up and head for home

 

Contacts

Audrey Pierce
Western Massachusetts Chair
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
413-564-4803

Susan Schultz
Event Registrar
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
978-273-2226

Event Details

The Spring Zinger Workshop is an opportunity for ringers to review basic skills and techniques in the morning, then grow into more advanced techniques in the afternoon. Ringers can attend as individuals or as part of a choir, and attendees do not need to bring their own equipment.

The morning would be focused on lower (Tin) level. Basic strokes, basic drills, level 1 ringing and even level 1 sight-reading just for fun. This can be VERY scary for many beginners. We promise it will be easy and fun. Then stay for the afternoon session where we will step it up a bit to level 2 techniques. This will include 4-in-hand, weaving, and other drills for higher levels. End the afternoon with more sight-reading by applying these techniques to level 2 songs.

Any level can attend either or both sessions. Please come and stay as long as you like.

The repertoire being used will be available on site for attendees to either purchase or simply borrow for the event. This event will be an opportunity to work on some excellent pieces of music alongside other ringers from your area. Snacks will be provided, but lunch is not. Come ring while getting to know other handbell musicians from throughout Western Mass!

Registration

Registration will be open through April 13, 2024.

Clinician

Jane Nolan is the music director at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Gales Ferry, CT director of EmBELLish, a community choir in southeastern Connecticut, and retired director of Shoreline Ringers. She has been directing handbells for 33 years and has had choirs play opening concerts for Area 1 Festival Conferences, National Seminar in Arizona, tour the northeast and Midwest states, two concert tours to England, performed at Carnegie Hall, on WSFB Channel 3 and with the U.S Coast Guard Band.

Jane’s degree is in music education from Skidmore College and she studied with Don Allured at the Hartt School of Music. She has taught at numerous conferences, seminars and workshops throughout New England, and was awarded The Margaret H. Shurcliff Leadership Award by Area 1 in 2021.

In addition to teaching piano, she has worked on the Area 1 Winter Workshop at UMass for the past 5 years, and has served as the membership chairperson for Area 1 of Handbell Musicians of America.

Repertoire

Repertoire will be available on site for attendees to either purchase or simply borrow for the event. While there is no requirement to purchase music in advance, the repertoire is listed below.

  • Abiding Joy,  Various Arrangers, 2-3 0ctave Level 1+,  MCGB1225,  or LCGB1225
  • Lord of the Dance,  Carter, Sydney; Krug, Jason W., 2-3 octaves Level 2,  MHP3043
  • Colors of Joy, Brenda E. Austin, 2-3 Octave, Level 1+,  MCGB1156

 

Food

Light snacks will be provided. Please bring a bag lunch if attending both morning and afternoon sessions. Please bring a refillable water bottle.

Registration Fees

Ringers can attend as individuals or as part of a larger choir, and attendees do not need to bring their own equipment.

Registration Fees Registrant Type
Ringing Participant $10
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.

What to Bring

Participants need only bring gloves and a split-back binder, if possible.

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 13, 2024 in the amount charged less a $2 processing fee. No refunds can be issued after that date.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are available on a variety of levels for members of the Handbell Musicians of America and the ensembles they direct. If you are in need of financial assistance in order to attend this event, please review the scholarship information and application directions on the scholarships page of the Area 1 website.