Cape Cod 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 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. To join HMA, go to https://handbellmusicians.org/membership/join-the-guild/” Individuals, small groups, partial choirs, and complete choirs are all welcome.

Date:

Saturday, March 16, 2024, 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
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

Join choirs from Cape Cod, the Islands, and beyond as they come together to ring and build skills under the direction of David Harris. 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

David M. Harris has been the director of The Raleigh Ringers since January of 1990, when he was instrumental in the formation of the group. Under his leadership, The Raleigh Ringers have performed across much of the United States; in France and England; on International Television on the “Hour of Power” program; as a showcase choir for the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar and Area Festivals; with the North Carolina and Virginia Symphony Orchestras; and as special guest performers at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. The Raleigh Ringers are in constant demand as featured guest performers for various artist series and handbell festivals around the country.

 

David is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has studied conducting privately with Dr. William Payn (Bucknell University). David was the director of the handbell program at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, and has served The Handbell Musicians of America in several capacities: as All-Star Conductor, Ringing Track Conductor, Instructor for the National Seminar, North Carolina State Chairman, and as Area III Treasurer. He chaired the HMA national committee that planned the first Community/Professional Handbell Choir event, Pinnacle 2000, held in Las Vegas. In March 2023, he was elected to a six-year term on the HMA National Board of Directors. In July 2023, David was awarded Honorary Life Membership in HMA, the highest award presented by the organization. This distinction is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the art of handbell ringing. Because of his strong interest in the development of community handbell programs, David and The Raleigh Ringers developed and sponsor the biennial event Virtuoso, a performance-focused event for advanced ringers. In addition, David has led well over 200 handbell festivals and workshops in 39 states as well as in England, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Caribbean. He has also been the primary handbell clinician for several denominational music events, including Montreat (NC), Lake Junaluska (NC), Lutheridge (NC), Mo-Ranch (TX), Massanetta (VA) and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (KY). David is also one of the co-founders of the very successful Capital Area Handbell Festival, held annually in Raleigh.

 

David has taken on a position as adjunct professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, where he leads the Meredith College Ringers. He also conducts the educational groups sponsored by The Raleigh Ringers, the Millbrook and Atlantic Ringers. He has written several articles for Overtones, the national publication of The Handbell Musicians of America.

 

After growing up in the Northeast, David moved to Raleigh with his wife, Kristina. Dave and Kris have three grown children and one granddaughter.

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.

Rehearsal Notes

Please download and review the rehearsal notes from David Harris.

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 “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.

Registration Information

Registration available through February 15, 2024

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 $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 1, 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.