Cape Cod Spring Ring 2025
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 22, 2025, 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 Cheryl Townsend. 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
Cheryl Townsend has been a ringer-member of New England Ringers since 2014 and is excited to start her 3rd year as their Music Director. 2025 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the group.
In 2005 she was introduced to handbells at a UCC music conference, which prompted her to start a handbell choir at The Union Congregational Church in Groton, MA. She has served as their handbell director for nearly 20 years.
Cheryl has been actively involved in music since she began piano lessons at 6 years old, played trumpet through high school, and earned a Bachelor of Music at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, NY. She has taught piano since 1985 and especially enjoys accompanying choral groups, soloists, and musical theater. Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, gardening and hopes to someday learn to play the cello.
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.
- Inception, by Jason Krug. 2-5 octaves handbells, Level 2, Lorenz LC202020L (2-3 oct) and LC202021L (3-5 oct)
- Hashivenu (Rise up and Sing), arranged by Brenda Austin. 2-6 octaves handbells with optional 2-5 octaves handchimes, Level 2, HP3047 (2-3 oct) and HP3208 (3-6 oct)
- Song of Gladness, by Arnold Sherman. 2-6 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes, Level 2+, Red River Music RRHB0064
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, 2025
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 8, 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.