Area 1 Winter Workshop
Winter Workshop 2026 is in the works!
Three tracks. Two days. One incredible weekend.
Get ready, ringers—Winter Workshop 2026 is coming. We are once again returning to UMass Amherst for two partial days of music, learning, and fellowship. Whether you want to stretch your skills, learn new things, or simply make music with friends, you’ll find your place here.
Based on your feedback, the ringing tracks at Winter Workshop have evolved over the past six years. This is the case again this year, where we are proud to offer three ringing tracks giving a chance for every ringer to find a place and thrive in a track that feels “just right”.
So join us at this event, stretch your skills, and reconnect with ringing friends, old and new. Whether you’re brand-new to Winter Workshop or a returning ringer, we can’t wait to make music with you in 2026.
Date:
January 30 – 31, 2026
Location:
UMASS Amherst
Campus Center
1 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003
Event Schedule
| Friday 1/30 |
|
| 4:00-6:00 PM | Registration |
| 5:00-6:00 PM | Meet and Greet Reception |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-9:00 PM |
Rehearsals Bronze Track with Brenda Austin Coppers Plus Track with Cheryl Townsend Coppers Track with Abigail Schoppe and Diane Burke |
| Saturday 1/31 | |
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00-10:00 |
Rehearsals Bronze Track with Brenda Austin Coppers Plus Track with Cheryl Townsend Coppers Track with Abigail Schoppe and Diane Burke |
| 10:00-10:20 | Break Time |
| 10:20-11:20 | Class Session 1 |
| 11:30-12:30 | Class Session 2 |
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30-2:40 |
Rehearsals Bronze Track with Brenda Austin Coppers Plus Track with Cheryl Townsend Coppers Track with Abigail Schoppe and Diane Burke |
| 2:45 – 3:10 | Break |
| 3:15 – 4:00 | Presentaion Concert (room open to public at 3:10) |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Pack up and leave |
Contacts
Suzanne Neafus
Event Chair
[email protected]
860-881-7000
Susan Schultz
Event Registrar
Handbell Musicians of America, Area 1
[email protected]
978-273-2226
Event Details
Registration begins on Friday night and ends with a concert where all groups will perform starting at 3 PM on Saturday. Brenda Austin will direct the Bronze track. Cheryl Townsend, Music Director of the New England Ringers, will be the clinician for the new Coppers Plus Track, and the Coppers track will be directed by Area 1’s own Abby Schoppe and Diane Burke. Between rehearsal times on Saturday, there will be two class sessions. The list of classes is available here. You will be given a chance to select your class preferences during the registration process.
Both ringing tracks will begin rehearsing on Friday evening after dinner. For each of the ringing opportunities, you will be able to select your ringing preference at registration. You will receive your ringing assignments in late December, allowing you to purchase and review your music ahead of the event. All participants are expected to learn their parts before arriving at the first rehearsal.
See the side panel for full schedule details.
Track Information
Bronze Track – Clinician: Brenda Austin
For advanced ringers ready to dig into Level 4–5 literature with musical nuance, advanced techniques, and a brisk pace. Space is limited; assignments are first-come, first-served.
Repertoire:
- Platinum Celebration – Brenda Austin, Beckenhorst Publishing, BEHB793
4 – 7 octaves handbells and chimes / Level 5 - Champaca – Elizabeth Peters, From the Top Music, MFM20640
3 – 5 octaves handbells / Level 3 + - Rolling in the Deep – Nick Hanson, Hope Publishing Co, MHP2627
3 – 7 octaves handbells and chimes / Level 3 +
Coppers Plus Track – Clinician: Cheryl Townsend
A happy middle ground—more challenging than traditional Copper but not as intense as Bronze. Ideal for experienced ringers seeking an elevated challenge without the deep end.
Repertoire:
- Reminiscence – Michael Glasgow, Choristers Guild, CGB814
3 – 7 octaves handbells and chimes / Level 3 + - Dance of Celebration – Steven A Taranto, Choristers Guild, CGB669
3 – 5 octaves handbells / Level 3 +
Coppers Track – Clinicians: Abby Schoppe and Diane Burke
For ringers with a solid foundation who want to build confidence, refine technique, and strengthen ensemble skills with engaging, accessible music.
Repertoire
- Steal Away, Sandra Eithun, Choristers Guild, CGB775
3 – 6 octaves handbells / Level 2 + - Dawn of a New Day, Jason Krug, G.I.A. Publications, Inc., GIG9964 3 – 5 octaves handbells / Level 2 +
Cost Details
Early bird registration will be $210, and after December 20, the cost will be $240.
Price includes the entire event, three meals plus snacks. Attendees will need to purchase their music ahead of time. Ringing positions will be assigned by January 1, based on the positions requested at registration.
Housing
Housing is a separate cost from the conference. There is a reserved block of rooms at the UMass Amherst Hotel. Reserve your room by December 26, 2025, to secure your reservation at the group rate of $179. After that date, the group rate and room availability are no longer guaranteed.
Cancellation
Cancellations received on or before January 16, 2026, will be refunded minus a $20 processing fee. We cannot issue refunds for cancellations made after January 16.
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.