2025 Cape Cod Skill-Building Workshop
Date:
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 8:30 AM-1 PM
Location:
Event Schedule
- 8:30-9: Arrive and Check In
- 9-10:15: Technique Review: Am I Doing This Right? (open forum)
- 10:15-10:50: Skill-Building while Working on Spring Ring Repertoire
- 10:50-11:10: Break
- 11:10-12:20: Skill-Building while Working on Spring Ring Repertoire
- 12:20-12:40: Break
- 12:40-1: Final Run-Through/”Performance” of Repertoire
Contacts
Abigail Schoppe
MA State Chair
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
617-676-8055
Susan Schultz
Event Registrar
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
978-273-2226
Event Details
Pass the word and mark your calendars for a day of handbell fun! This is a great way to get ringers and directors back in the fall swing of handbell rehearsals and ringing. We will review both technique and musicianship will working on two pieces that will be used at Cape Cod Spring Ring 2026 and Area 1 Festival Conference 2025. After the workshop, music will be available for purchase at a 10% discount, with no shipping charges. What a deal!
Registration
Registration will be open through October 18, 2025.
Clinicians
DIANE BURKE was inspired to take up bellringing by her mom over 30 years ago and began her ringing career with the Sudbury Bellringers of Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury, MA. She is a charter member of the Merrimack Valley Ringers, an auditioned community choir with which she still currently rings. Diane is the director of the Joyful Ringers at First Church Congregational in Marlboro, MA, the Lincoln Ringers of First Parish in Lincoln, MA, and the Sudbury Bellringers. She has served as clinician for variousArea 1 skill-building workshops and has taught several different class topics at MVR workshops and Area 1 Festivals, as well as classes about handbells outside of the “ringing world.” She is a co-creator of the Acton, MA Fall Skill-Building/Rep-Reading workshop and has either taught or directed there each year since its inception. Diane has served on the Board of the Merrimack Valley Ringers and has served as the Area 1 Board Secretary for 2 terms. When not ringing or directing, Diane competes in ballroom dancing, sings gospel music, supports a menagerie of outdoor critters, and is a passionate fan of NFL football.Repertoire
We have selected the following pieces for the event. You can borrow or purchase them at the event, but you may also purchase them in advance if you so choose. In accordance with the Handbell Musicians of America guidelines, all music used at the event must be original copies, whether borrowed or purchased. No photocopies will be allowed.
- Meditation on Beautiful Savior, by Cathy Moklebust, 2-5 octaves handbells, Level 3, Choristers Guild CGB763 (2 octaves) and CGB175 (3-5 octaves)
- Free Fall, by Jason W. Krug, 2-6 octaves handbells with optional percussion, Level 2+, From the Top Publishing FM206253 (2-3 octaves), FM206255 (3-6 octaves), 20625M (full score), and 20625P (percussion part)
Food
Snacks will be provided, and attendees should feel free to bring bag lunches.
Registration Information
Ringers can attend as individuals or as part of a larger choir, and attendees do not need to bring their own equipment.
| Registrant Type | Registration Fees |
| Half-Day | $15 |
| Full-Day | $25 |
Youth ringers are welcome! Please register at least one Adult as a chaperone for every ten registered ringers under the age of 18.
Who Should Attend & What to Bring
Full choirs, partial choirs, and individuals are all welcome at this event. Each ringer should bring gloves and comfortable shoes. Each choir (partial or whole) should bring bells, foam, table covers, music, and music stands. Individual ringers are also encouraged to bring their own equipment, so that they can ring in their preferred positions. If you are an individual ringer who is unable to bring equipment to this event, we will do our best to match you with an opening in another choir, but we cannot guarantee which position you will be placed in.
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 October 22, 2025 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.