MA Spring Ring
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. This event is sponsored by the Handbell Musicians of America.
Date:
Saturday, April 10, 2027, 10 AM to 5 PM
Location:
Tewksbury Memorial High School
320 Pleasant Street
Tewksbury, MA
Event Schedule
- 10-11 AM: Arrive, set up, and solo choir rehearsals as scheduled
- 11 AM-Noon: Massed rehearsal
- Noon-12:30 PM: Rehearse Coppers repertoire; lunch for Tins choirs
- 12:30-1 PM: Lunch for all divisions, plus solo choir rehearsals as scheduled
- 1-1:30 PM: Rehearse Tins repertoire; lunch for Coppers choirs
- 1:30-2:30 PM: Massed rehearsal
- 2:30-3 PM: Free time (change clothes, etc.)
- 3-4:30 PM: Public concert in the gym
- 4:30 PM-?: Reception in lobby; tear down equipment
Contacts
Abigail Schoppe
Chair, MA Spring Ring
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
abigail.schoppe@gmail.com
617-676-8055
Susan Schultz
Event Registrar
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
registrar.area1@handbellmusicians.org
978-273-2226
Event Details
Join choirs from Massachusetts and surrounding states as they come together to ring and build skills at this, our 39th Massachusetts Spring Ring! This year we are very excited to welcome Debra LeBrun as our clinician, who will guide ringers through rehearsal of the repertoire listed below. Participating groups may register as either Tins or Copper choirs. Each group will be free to decide which pieces they would like to ring.
The program for the day will begin with set-up and registration at 10:00 AM. We will conclude at 3:00 PM with a concert, open to the public, where we will present the prepared massed pieces along with solo presentations from willing participants. Please see the detailed schedule to the left.
Clinician
DEBRA LEBRUN is thrilled to be back in Massachusetts for the Massachusetts Spring Ring, an event she has attended many times. Debra was the Minister of Music at the Congregational Church of Littleton for 24 years. In 2010, she moved to Roanoke, Virginia to become the Director of Music and Worship at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church, where she directs a vibrant music program for all ages. She is also active as an organist, pianist, and handbell soloist and is the director of the Mill Mountain Ringers, an advanced community handbell choir in Roanoke. Debra received her B.Mus. from Syracuse University and her M.M. in Organ Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. She has served on both the Area 1 and Area 3 boards for HMA. She has performed, directed, and taught at handbell events throughout the United States and at several International Handbell Symposiums, for which she travelled to South Korea, Japan, England, Canada, and Australia.
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.
- MASSED: Moonrise (Eventide Meditation), by Brian Childers, for 2-6 octaves of handbells. L2. Red River Music RRBL5114 (3-6 oct edition)/RRBL5123 (2-3 oct edition)
- MASSED: Peals of Praise, by Karen L. Buckwalter, for 2-5 octaves of handbells with optional 2-5 octaves of handchimes. L2 (2-3 oct edition) and L3 (3-5 oct edition). Choristers Guild CGB1321 (full score)/CGB1322 (2-3 oct edition)/CGB1323 (3-5 oct edition)
- TINS: Contemplations, by Ron Mallory, for 2-5 octaves of handbells and optional guitar, piano, synthesizer, bass, flute, and/or cello. L2. AGEHR Publishing AG25003
- COPPERS: Ukrainian Alleluia, arranged by Mitchell Eithun, for 3-5 octaves of handbells with optional 3-4 octaves of handchimes. L3-. Beckenhorst Press BEHB869
My handbells are all bronze; what's this about tins and coppers?
Handbells are made of bronze, which is an alloy about 20% tin and 80% copper. Handbell Musicians of America uses 'tins', 'coppers', and 'bronze' to group ensembles or ringers into approximate ringing proficiency levels. The group difficulty is generally self-selected by the group as opposed to assigned from the outside. Tins are typically beginning ringers and groups, just getting started on their handbell journey. They may feel most comfortable playing music at a difficulty of level 1 or 2. A group progressing in skill will begin using the term coppers to indicate that they are an intermediate level group. They may feel most comfortable playing level 2-4 music. Bronze level is the term used when referring to groups performing music at a higher difficulty level with strong musicality. Bronze group most often perform music at difficulty levels 3-6 and beyond.
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.
We would also like each group to please bring a dessert to share at the closing reception. It will be a nice time to unwind after a busy day and to socialize with your fellow ringers from other ensembles.
Registration Information
Registration available through March 27
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 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 registrar.area1@handbellmusicians.org. Refunds will be issued for cancellations submitted before April 3, 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.