Achieving a Musical Performance After Score Analysis: Putting It All Together for Effective Rehearsals
Lee Waggener ~ Saturday, 2:15 Wekiwa 6; Monday, 3:45 Wekiwa 9/10
Long term rehearsal planning will influence the effectiveness of your weekly rehearsals and ultimately, your bell program. Using score analysis, lesson plans for each piece, ringer skill assessment, and the constraints of your organization’s schedules, plan more effective and efficient rehearsals that will maximize your ringers’ learning and satisfaction.

Fear not, it’s only theory, not brain surgery! The following three classes are intended to dispel the myths of the dreaded theory class while offering skills necessary to improve your contribution to the creation of better music. Mary Kay Parrish

ALL THINGS PITCH
Saturday, 9:30 Suwannee 18/19; Monday, 8:00 Suwannee 18/19
Though this class will begin with note names and lines and spaces, it will culminate with scales, key signatures, and notational practices with the goal of understanding how that knowledge can help us rehearse and perform our music more effectively.

ALL THINGS RHYTHM
Saturday, 2:15 Suwannee 18/19; Monday, 2:15 Suwannee 18/19
This class will attempt to dispel fears related to rhythm. We’ll start with simple rhythmic concepts and progress towards understanding and executing changing meters and asymmetric meters. Ringers and directors will be exposed to new insights into the role rhythm plays in the interpretation of a handbell score.

ALL THINGS STRUCTURAL
Saturday, 5:15 Suwannee 18/19; Monday, 3:45 Suwannee 18/19
How a piece is designed is often the key to how it should be rehearsed and performed. Understanding both the vertical and horizontal aspects of harmony, cadences, repetitions, and other development techniques will provide road maps to more effective performances. Aural and visual analysis with recorded listening examples will aid in the process.

Anyone Can Play Bells: An Exploration of Teaching
Lee Waggener ~ Saturday, 9:30 Wekiwa 6; Monday, 9:30 Wekiwa 9/10
This class will present tools for assessing ringers’ skills and their readiness for performance level ringing, irrespective of the level of music used. Ideas for teaching technical skills and musical concepts will assist ringers and directors in reaching the goal of musically accurate ringing.

Back to the Basics: Simple Steps for Successful Ringing
Susan Berry ~ Friday, 2:30 Wekiwa 9/10; Sunday, 4:45 Wekiwa 1/2
It is difficult to be a successful ringer without a good foundation in the basics. This class will take the guesswork out of ringing by presenting those basics in a way that is sequenced and breaks instruction down into component steps. This class will focus on understanding the body/bell connection and how that translates into performing the basic ring, damp, and selected techniques. We’ll assimilate instruction through hands-on ringing of selected music. Along with those who are new to ringing, experienced ringers and directors will benefit from this basic technique "tune up" by learning strategies for teaching those techniques to others.

Bells in Contemporary Worship
Kevin McChesney ~ Saturday, 11:00 Suwannee 13/14; Sunday, 10:30 Wekiwa 6
In a more and more varied society, worship seeks to meet the needs of people of all different backgrounds and walks of life. Music is a vital part of worship in both traditional and contemporary settings. We’ve got a good handle on how to use bells in traditional worship. But what about bells in contemporary and blended worship settings? This class discusses some ideas that are “out of the box” to use bells in contemporary worship.

BHA (Bell Hogs Anonymous)
Ron Bellamy ~ Saturday, 8:00 Suwannee 13/14; Monday, 9:30 Suwannee 13/14
So, you're bored with your 3, 4, ...7, 8 bells you get to ring in your bell choir? You want to try your hand at a solo? This class will give you hands-on experience with many of the techniques that can help make this a successful venture for you. This class is designed for beginners and early intermediate soloists.

Bronze Family Feud
Valerie Stephenson ~ Saturday, 11:00 Wekiwa 5; Monday, 3:45 Wekiwa 5
This exciting game show is for ringers who know they ring at the Bronze level. Knowing how to "weave" and change bells is essential. You must also be able to easily read any position between G4 and G5. Participants will be put in teams of four per "family" and will compete in a variety of relays. Three judges, a timekeeper and a gallery of cheering observers are also needed. You may pre-select your team, but the first 16 to appear will be in the feud. Bring gloves and a sense of humor.

Change Ringing
Kathryn Hughes ~ Saturday, 11:00 Suwannee 18/19; Sunday, 4:45 Suwannee 18/19
Handbells were originally designed as practice bells for learning the art of change ringing on large tower bells. Come and learn how to ring original changes using handbells.

Community Group Roundtable
David Harris ~ Saturday, 5:15 Suwannee 20/21
Come and discuss subjects related to the unique world of community and professional groups. Topics could include organizational strategies, stage presence, audio and video recordings, touring, fund-raising and any other topics associated with community handbell programs.

Coordination Conundrums #1
Valerie Stephenson ~ Saturday, 8:00 Wekiwa 3/4; Monday, 9:30 Wekiwa 3/4
This session is designed to free you from your “handedness” and works on right/left brain coordination skills. It also stresses implementing two different techniques at the same time while maintaining the rhythmic and melodic integrity of the musical line. Bring gloves.

Coordination Conundrums #2
Valerie Stephenson ~ Saturday, 3:45 Wekiwa 9/10; Monday, 12:45 Wekiwa 3/4
This handbell exercise class also frees you from your “handedness” but is not for the faint of heart! Learn how to work “off the table” with methodical precision, while combining a more difficult level of coordination skills than presented in #1. Time permitting, we may also address changing bells. Bring gloves.

Cultivating Musical Habits in your Children's Chime Ensemble
Griff Gall ~ Saturday, 8:00 Wekiwa 1/2; Saturday, 5:15 Wekiwa 1/2
Children can make beautiful music when they are given the tools they need to succeed. This workshop will focus on a teaching process that is designed to develop long term musical habits while preparing developmentally appropriate repertoire. While this is designed for children, the process may easily be adapted to working with beginning adult ringers as well.

Double or Nothing: Doubling Handbells & Handchimes; Adding Alternate Handbell Sets for Color
Debbie Rice ~ Saturday, 2:15 Suwannee 16/17; Monday, 2:15 Wekiwa 6
In today’s handbell world we have access to an incredible range of instruments for adding color and drama to handbell musicianship. Don’t be average! In this session we’ll explore some expressive possibilities for doubling down bass bells (from three octaves to five and from five octaves to six or seven), doubling up treble bells (from the 5th to the 7th octave) and doubling and/or substituting handchimes and alternative bell set sounds in existing literature.

Engaging Your Audience through Good Concert Programming
Kermit Junkert ~ Friday, 2:30 Suwannee 18/19; Sunday, 1:45 Suwannee 18/19
Did you know that most handbell concerts lose their audience within 15 minutes? This lecture class will concentrate on helping create a concert program that will leave a lasting positive impression and keep them longing for more. We will examine failure and success stories of planning a concert from your own personal testimonies. Awards will be presented for the worst concert disaster idea and the best concert idea. You’re going to enjoy this.

Event Planning and AGEHR Event Endorsement
Jenny Cauhorn ~ Saturday, 2:15 Suwannee 20/21; Monday, 9:30 Suwannee 18/19
Review the basics of event planning from budget to venue selection to event execution. We will also review the application and process for having your event endorsed or sponsored by AGEHR and the benefits involved.

Handbell Assignments – “A to Z” – Allured to Zinsmeister
Monica McGowan ~ Sunday, 4:45 Wekiwa 3/4; Monday, 2:15 Wekiwa 3/4
The philosophy and criteria used for handbell assignments established by handbell directors from Donald Allured to Karl Zinsmeister will be presented in this session. Through score study and analysis, you can determine which handbell assignments work best for your choirs. Suggestions of assignments for 2, 3 and 3-5 octave choirs and various number of ringers will be given. Bring your challenges and solutions to share with other class participants.

Healthy Ringing: The Roadmap to Good Performance
Susan Berry ~ Friday, 8:00 Wekiwa 1/2; Monday, 3:45 Wekiwa 1/2
Quality performance requires a good understanding of the body and bell connection through healthy ringing. Without this understanding, sloppy, unmusical playing often results. Solid ringing techniques, a good mental attitude, team spirit, and awareness of how each person functions within the ensemble contribute to overall performance. This class will address the following: 1) the body – warm-ups and stretches that will help reduce stress, muscle tension, and body fatigue; 2) breathing – the essence of ringing; 3) the bell – mastering special technique as a ringer; 4) synchronizing ensemble technique into musical performance.

History of Bells and the Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Alan Hughes ~ Friday, 2:30 Suwannee 20/21; Monday, 3:45 Suwannee 20/21
Bells have a long and fascinating history. This class explores the history of bells and their uses from the monastic craftsmen to the present day including the development and early uses of the English handbell.

How to Produce Your Own Renaissance Festival
Tim Waugh ~ Sunday, 4:45 Wekiwa 7/8
You saw it - so - would you like to do it? Join Tim in exploring resources and ideas on how to involve your bells in their own RenFaire Dinner! It's a GREAT fundraiser and lots of fun! Bring gloves and binders as well as your best in medieval attire!

I’m Excited, Now Where Is Everybody?
Michael Glasgow ~ Sunday, 4:45 Suwannee 13/14; Monday, 3:45 Suwannee 13/14
This class is designed to help participants encourage, motivate, recruit and retain their ringers. Communication is the key. This is not a session to discuss “problem ringers,” rather a session to discuss recruiting new ringers and keeping up the enthusiasm of existing ones, and building a team mentality within your ensemble.

Introduction to Finale
Martha Lynn Thompson ~ Saturday 11:00, Suwannee 20/21; Saturday, 3:45 Suwannee 20/21
This class is designed to introduce Finale to those who do not currently use it and to help those who are beginning to learn the program. The class will be a general overview of Finale, including instructions on setting up and creating simple documents.
No previous knowledge of Finale is required but basic computer skills are needed.

It’s New, It’s Crazy, I Love It!
Michael Glasgow ~ Sunday, 1:45 Suwannee 13/14; Monday, 8:00 Suwannee 13/14
This class is designed to introduce participants to and acquaint participants with the myriad of new techniques that are coming into use with handbells. The techniques’ histories will be briefly explained and the performance techniques will be taught, giving participants the opportunity to learn and apply these techniques in an interactive, hands-on way.

Lookin’ Good!
Arnold Sherman ~ Saturday, 3:45 Wekiwa 6; Monday, 9:30 Wekiwa 6
From the body language of the ringers to the mind's eye of the audience, the class will explore the visual art of English Handbell ringing. Strategies will be offered to make any ensemble a more engaging and visually appealing group.

Making Excellent Rehearsals Happen
Dave Harris ~ Friday, 2:30 Suwannee 16/17; Sunday, 3:15 Suwannee 18/19
How do you make the most of the precious rehearsal minutes you have with your group? We'll discuss thorough planning before rehearsal, efficient execution and strong leadership during rehearsal, and causal analysis after rehearsal.

Malmark Maintenance
Kathy Ebling-Thorne ~ Saturday, 8:00 Suwannee 18/19; Sunday, 4:45 Wekiwa 6
Find out how to keep your Malmark bells in good shape physically. Bring a “problembell” if you have one. Learn how to protect your bells for more years of service.

Moving Right Along
Michael Joy ~ Friday, 2:30 Wekiwa 7/8; Saturday, 3:45 Wekiwa 7/8
We all know that the visual component of handbell ringing is important. In many processionals, ringers don't move with the beat and don't "look like the music." This class will explore movement possibilities in processionals. This session will address ideas for teaching ringers to move in unison on the beat. At the other end of the spectrum, we will look at different processionals with suggestions for creative "choreography" to enhance the visual impact of the music.

Music Educators Roundtable
Griff Gall ~ Monday, 2:15 Suwannee 20/21
This discussion will cover various aspects of teaching chimes and handbells in schools. Some of the topics to be covered: where to begin, success and challenges, and how to promote your program. Bring your questions and concerns to the table for an active discussion!

OK, I’m on the Podium, Now What Do I Do?(Beginning Conducting)
John Hooper ~ Saturday,9:30 Wekiwa 7/8; Monday, 8:00 Wekiwa 7/8
Foundational Conducing Principles as they apply to starting, stopping, tempo, meter, dynamic, and style, among other topics for the beginning conductor (Participants need not have extensive or even any experience. Participants should bring a baton.)

An Orff Approach to Handchimes
Griff Gall ~ Friday, 2:30 Wekiwa 1/2; Saturday, 11:00 Wekiwa 1/2
Handchimes are an engaging instrument for teaching and learning in the general music classroom. This hands-on workshop will focus on exploring the principals of the Orff Approach, including singing, movement, improvisation and composition while exploring the versatility of the handchime. All of the materials presented will be appropriate for the public school setting with suggestions for ways to adapting the materials for use in a Sunday School setting.

Presentation and Movement
Kevin McChesney ~ Saturday, 9:30 Suwannee 13/14; Saturday, 2:15 Suwanee13/14
We’ve always heard that “handbells are a visual art.” That’s fine, but what, specifically, are we supposed to do to make our visual presentation communicate the music? The Pikes Peak Ringers are noted for an exciting and uplifting visual style. Join them in a discussion of movement and visual presentation that will change the way your choir rings forever.

Rehearsal Techniques
Beth Watson ~ Sunday, 10:30 Suwannee 16/17; Monday, 12:45 Suwannee 13/14
"Be prepared!" is the motto of this class. Rehearsal plans, effective communication, problem solving both technical and interpersonal challenges, and some basic tips to maximize rehearsal time will be discussed.

Rhythms 2 Conducting
Tim Waugh ~ Saturday, 11:00 Wekiwa 7/8; Monday, 9:30 Wekiwa 7/8
Many of you have experienced the energy of the Rhythms 2 Ringing series that Tim Waugh has presented. NOW find out how to apply the concepts on the OTHER side of the table for more musical and expressive results.

Ringen Brothers: Revisited
Michael “Clink” Joy and Tim “Clank” Waugh
Once again, seminar is terrorized...<ahem> GRACED with the presence of two old clapper clunkers, CLINK & CLANK RINGEN, and their out of the box (out of the box? more out of the concert hall!) ideas on concepts about bell performances. WARNING - the sessions aren't for the faint-of-heart and will have nothing to do with bell maintenance.

Session One
Sunday, 1:45 Suwannee 11/12; Monday, 12:45 Suwannee 11/12
MG Caddy will cover those high performance race vehicles and those leather upholstered limo rides. Get ideas on how to TUNE UP those repertoire selections with techniques of teaching those strangely titled pieces. Rumor has it that the boys will critique pieces that each other fathered... who knows? Come on in and join the fun! Bring your gloves and binders!

Session Two
Sunday, 3:15 Suwannee 11/12; Monday, 2:15 Suwannee 11/12
Nuts and Bolts(heavy on the nuts) will see the dubious duo address components of selections that always avoid that monkey wrench! You'll see excerpts from current handbell composers and some possible solutions. Audience participation encouraged...as a matter of fact - look for the ASK CLINK AND CLANK question box at the registration table OR e-mail your questions early to: clink_n_clank@realemail.net.

Ringing in the Middle: Rehearsal Strategies for Middle School
Michael Joy ~ Monday, 9:30 Suwannee 11/12; Monday 3:45 Suwannee 11/12
This class will explore rehearsal strategies that teach and improve musicality in the middle grades while incorporating the National Standards. A hands-on approach using appropriate literature will be the focus of this session. (If you are planning to attend this class, please e-mail Michael: mwj81751@aol.com to let me know of any topic you would like to see covered.)

Ring It High! Teaching Artistry and Literature Through Structured Warm-ups
Nick Hanson & Nancy Jessup ~ Monday, 8:00 Wekiwa 1/2 ; Monday, 12:45 Wekiwa 1/2
The class will explore the warm-up process and its relationship to pre-teaching literature. Specific activities include devising literature-based warm-ups that teach technique, improve artistry, and increase reading skills of the high school ensemble, as well as the careful placement of warm-ups throughout the rehearsal. (If you are planning to attend this class, please e-mail Nick Hanson: tintinnabulator@gmail.com or Nancy Jessup: nanjessup@aol.com to let us know of any topic you would like to see covered.)

Ringing Musically
Beth Watson ~ Sunday, 3:15 Wekiwa 7/8; Monday, 3:45 Wekiwa 7/8
The director of a handbell ensemble must possess not only a musical interpretation of a composition but the tools to enable the ringers to achieve that interpretation. Score study techniques and practical tools for achieving a musical performance will be offered.

Ringing Musically with Stopped Sounds
Kathy Ebling-Thorne ~ Sunday, 10:30 Wekiwa 1/2; Monday, 9:30 Wekiwa 1/2
This “hands-on” session will demonstrate stopped sound techniques such as: pluck, thump damp, martellato, tap pluck, use of mallets and more. Discussion will be given to executing these techniques for the most musical results and in the best manner to protect both the health of the ringer and the construction of the handbell. Bring mallets if you have them.

Schulmerich Care and Maintenance
Dave Loeffert ~ Friday, 8:00 Suwannee 16/17; Sunday, 1:45 Wekiwa 5
These topics are included: Stewardship – everyone involved is responsible for proper care; proper care in the storing of the bells and cases ; the importance of your polishing cloth and how to use it effectively ; regular and periodic maintenance.

Sissy Bells: Not Just for Sissies!
Ron Bellamy ~ Friday, 2:30 Wekiwa 5; Saturday, 3:45 Wekiwa 5; Sunday, 3:15 Wekiwa 5; Monday, 8:00 Wekiwa 5
This class will address many techniques associated with the treble bells, including (but not limited to) shelley, four-in-hand, claw, damping, mallets, and chimes.

Sound Before Symbol: Ringing to Reading with Elementary Students
Griff Gall ~ Saturday, 9:30 Wekiwa 1/2; Saturday, 2:15 Wekiwa 1/2
This class will demonstrate how handbells and choirchimes may be integrated into a general music curriculum building a sound basis leading to reading music in a handbell ensemble. A hierarchy of teaching with sample lessons will be presented to participants to use immediately in their own music teaching. (If you are planning to attend this class, please e-mail Griff: ggall@backbayringers.org to let me know of any topic you would like to see covered.)

Starting and Sustaining a Community Handbell Program
David Harris ~ Saturday, 3:45 Suwannee 18/19; Monday, 12:45 Suwannee 18/19
In this session we'll explore not only how to get off on the right foot with your new community group, but also how to keep it going year after year. We'll explore how to continue to make your organization vibrant and appealing for both audiences and ringing members alike

They Ain’t Heavy, They’re Just Bass Bells
Monica McGowan ~ Saturday, 8:00 Wekiwa 6; Sunday, 1:45 Wekiwa 6; Monday, 12:45 Wekiwa 6
Discover the secrets to safely hefting the buckets and getting musical results! Come learn how to lift, ring, damp and execute all those special techniques with health and wellness in mind. Examples of layout, schematics and “who rings what when” will be covered. Experience how you can make the most of those brawny bass bells. This class is gender-inclusive: women can ring the buckets, too!

Those Darn Accident(AL)s!
Ron Bellamy ~ Friday, 8:00 Suwannee 13/14; Sunday, 10:30 Suwannee 13/14
Come learn some tips for handling those flats and sharps. Through some hands-on problem solving, we'll discuss bell displacements, table arrangement, managing your space, and learn all there is to know about weaving (bells, that is)... This class is designed for ALL ringers, including bucket, battery, treble, AND solo/ensemble ringers.

Victorian Solo Handbell Ringing
Sandra Winter ~ Saturday, 9:30 Suwannee 20/21; Sunday, 10:30 Suwannee 18/19
An illustrated and practical demonstration showing the origins of solo ringing in the Victorian period in England, using bells of the time, including some original music, showing the method and techniques used.

What Else Can We Play? (Bells and Worship)
Arnold Sherman ~ Friday, 8:00 Wekiwa 6; Sunday, 3:15 Wekiwa 6
Utilizing bells in worship does not have to be limited to preludes, offertories, anthems and postludes. The class will explore hymn accompaniments, introits, prayer responses, psalms, calls to worship, fanfares, bells with voices...anything that can be put together quickly, add something to the service and give the bells another chance or two to lead in worship at a time when they might already be participating.

Whitechapel Maintenance
Kathryn Hughes ~ Saturday, 2:15 Wekiwa 5; Monday, 8:00 Wekiwa 6
Learn about the care and proper maintenance of your Whitechapel handbells.

You Pester Them to “Watch,” but What Do They See?(Advanced Conducting)
John Hooper ~ Sunday, 1:45 Wekiwa 7/8; Monday, 2:15 Wekiwa 7/8
Foundational Conducting Principles as they apply to asymmetric and complex meter, fermatas, tempo and dynamic changes, and other topics. (Participants should be comfortable with a steady tempo, metric patterns for simple meters, and basic dynamics. Participants should bring a baton and any "problem spots" with which they may have wrestled.)

FINALE TRACK DESCRIPTIONS
Intermediate Finale Track
Martha Lynn Thompson ~ Sunday, 10:30, 1:45 and 4:45 Suwannee 20/21
This 3-session track is for those who currently use Finale and want to learn more about its features as they apply to writing handbell and handchime music. Participants must know how to create a new document and enter music by Simple or Speedy Entry. The track will include instruction on Speedy and Midi Entry; Voices/Layers; Finale’s basic tools; creating Handbells Used Charts and Handchimes Used Charts; page layout, and producing a finished handbell document. Basic knowledge of Finale is required.

Advanced Finale Track
Martha Lynn Thompson ~ Monday, 8:00, 9:30 and 12:45 Suwannee 20/21
The 3-session Advanced Track is a continuation of the Intermediate Track and will cover creating expressions, shapes and articulations; editing smart shapes; creating, saving, and loading libraries; linking parts and working with scores; adding with lyrics; and using Finale’s advanced tools to create professional-looking documents. A good knowledge of Finale is required.
Each session will have time for questions and answers that are appropriate to that track’s specific level.
Laptops with Finale installed are not required, but participants are welcome to bring them. Although Finale 2008 will be used for demonstration purposes, all but the earliest versions will be useful.

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