Registration Information

Registration opens October 2, 2026. Early bird registartion closes October 30, 2026. Registration closes Janurary 1, 2027. 

• $200 for members or early bird registrants by October 30th, 2026.
• $230 for non members who register after early bird registration.  

• $50 to eserve your spot during registration for either being the conductor, a ringer observer, or an observer. After registration, additional $25 to be a ringer observer, additional $50 for conductor candidates.
• There will be a special application for ringer/observer and video applications for conductors.
• Conductor and ringer observer guidelines will be out in mid September. Selections will be made by November 1st.

Meet Our Clinicians

Bronze Track – Clinician: Michael Glasgow 

Michael J. Glasgow is originally from Michigan and now lives in North Carolina.  He holds B.A. degrees in music theory/composition, and in journalism; as well as a Master of Church Music degree from Concordia University Wisconsin as a rare double-emphasis student, in both choral and handbell music. In 2017, he made his Carnegie Hall debut conducting his Requiem for choir and orchestra, on his 40th birthday.  Five years later, he returned to the iconic venue to conduct the world premiere of his Gloria for choir and orchestra.

In addition to working as a full-service freelance conductor/clinician, composer/arranger and music instructor, Michael conducts the Tar River Chorus (Rocky Mount, North Carolina) and serves as Bass Section Leader for the North Carolina Master Chorale.  He is a dynamic, energizing conductor who connects well with people and music, and as such is sought after for conducting engagements throughout the country and abroad.

Summer 2013 marked his international conducting debut, with the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain Ringing Residency Week in Sheffield, England; return appearances were booked for 2015, 2017, and 2025.  He has also conducted in the Eastern Caribbean, Canada, Hong Kong, Austria, Iceland, and Singapore (where he serves as a Principal Guest Conductor for the Ministry of Bellz).

A composer heralded for his “abundant melodic gift” (New York Concert Review), Michael keeps busy his own projects, has fulfilled more than 70 commissions, and has been honored with numerous composition awards for organ, handbell and choral works.  His first published choral piece, Welcome the King (an SATB carol accompanied by solo viola), won the 2009 VocalEssence “Welcome Christmas” composition contest.  Michael was also commissioned to compose Concerto for Castings, a multi-movement symphonic work featuring a virtuosic part for a solo percussionist on a handbell-keyboard instrument; the work received its world premiere in Toronto in December 2024, with soloist Emily Li.

Michael is proud to be an integral part in the development of new handbell events, having served as inaugural conductor for the annual Anthornis events for advanced ringers in Minneapolis, and its counterpart, Anthornis North in Fargo.  He is a member of ASCAP, American Composers Forum, Mensa, and several other professional organizations.  Additional information and samples of Michael’s work may be found at www.MichaelJGlasgow.com and on YouTube: @MichaelJGlasgow.

Coppers Plus Track – Clinician: Sam Beschta 

Coppers Track – Clinicians: Kim Whitehead 

Track Information

Bronze Track – Clinician: Michael Glasgow 

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:

• ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime(arr. Sandra Eithun) (JHS9611 and JHS9611FS, 4-7 oct. bells, opt 4-7 oct. chimes and percussion)
• Aurora(William Payn) (CGB1320, 5-7 oct. Bells)
• Solace(Michael J. Glasgow) (CGB1393, 5-6 oct. bells, opt. 5-7 oct. chimes)

Michael will also be conducting the following Massed piece as one of the class tracks, and it is open to all attendees:

For Massed:

• Triumphant Spirit(Nicholas Hanson) (CGB841 [2-3 octave version] & CGB842 [4-6 octave version])

Coppers Plus Track – Clinician: Sam Beschta 

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:

• Vivacio(Cathy Moklebust)(MBEHB785)
• Fantasy on Kingsfold(H Dean Wagner)(MHP2134) **Note** While this piece has less difficulty technically, this piece will be used to explore issues of musicality that will challenge the musicians beyond a Copppers level.

Coppers Track – Clinicians: Kim Whitehead 

For ringers with a solid foundation who want to build confidence, refine technique, and strengthen ensemble skills with engaging, accessible music.

Repertoire: 

• Rejoice and Be Glad!(Joe Galyon)MFM20698
• Ukranian Alleluia(Mitchell Eithun)MBEHB869

Conducting Masterclass

Event Details

• Michael will be serving as the clinician for a Masterclass in Conducting.  There are three separate opportunities for participation in Masterclass.
• Three participants will be selected by audition via video submissions to conduct an advanced group of handbell musicians on one of the 3 following pieces of FC 2027 Massed Repertoire.  Conductor applications will be accepted from September 18, 2026 through October 18, 2026.  Applicants will be notified by October 31st of their selection status.
• November 1st, registration will open for Masterclass.  There will be 3 separate categories and fees:
  • Conductor-limit 3
  • Ringer/Observer-limited to 13
  • Observer only  

• Repertoire:
  • Rejoice! He Is Risen! (Rejoice in the Spirit!) (Cathy Moklebust)
  • Moonrise (Eventide Meditation*) (Brian Childers)
  • Peals of Praise (Karen Buckwalter)

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.