Cape Cod Spring Ring 2026
Spring Ring provides an opportunity for ringers to meet, share experiences, have fun, and develop musicianship and ringing skills. Individuals, small groups, partial choirs, and complete choirs are all welcome.
Date:
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9 AM to 3:30 PM
Location:
Harwich Community Center
100 Oak Street
Harwich, MA
Event Schedule
- 9-10 AM: Arrive and set up
- 10-11:30 AM: Massed rehearsal
- 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Lunch, plus solo choir rehearsals as scheduled
- 12:30-1:30 PM: Massed rehearsal
- 1:30-2 PM: Free time (change clothes, fill out evaluation forms, etc.)
- 2 PM: Concert
Contacts
Abigail Schoppe
Cape Cod 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
Join choirs from Cape Cod, the Islands, and beyond as they come together to ring and build skills under the direction of Samantha Beschta. The program for the day will begin with set-up and registration at 9 AM. We will conclude at 2 PM with a concert, open to the public, where we will present the massed pieces we have prepared, along with solo performances from individual choirs. Please see the detailed schedule to the left.
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 on 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 has taken the podium at various Area events around the country and has led workshops in technique and musicality for individual groups.
She lives in central Connecticut, where she and her husband Mike are raising two amazing up-and-coming bellringers, Dashiell and Penelope.
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.
- Laudation, by Brenda E. Austin, 2-5 octaves handbells, Level 2, Composers Music Company CP7906 (2-3 octaves) and CP7907 (3-5 octaves)
- 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)
Solo Choir or 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 “Independent Ringers”
All ringers are encouraged to attend, either as individual “independent” 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.
Registration Information
Registration available through February 21, 2026
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 independent ringers. Individuals who are attending without their group, 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 | $15 | |
| 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.
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 March 7, 2026 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.