November - Area 2 Handbell Musicians of America

From the Chair . . .
Greetings from the Area 2 Board,
As we approach one of the busiest times of the year, please take a moment to read
through the Area 2 newsletter. This issue of Twice Tolled Tales contains information
about the upcoming Area 2 Festival to be held at the University of Scranton Campus
in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The regular Festival will be held from Saturday to
Tuesday, June 27 – June 30; Young Ringers portion of the festival will be held
after Festival: Tuesday to Thursday, June 30 – July 2, 2015.
Registration materials for Festival and Young Ringers will be mailed to all members
after the first of the year. These materials will also be available on the Area 2 website
in January: http://area2.handbellmusicians.org.
Area 2 Twice Tolled Tales
TWICE TOLLED TALES
November 2014
Speaking of the Area 2 website, you are invited to list your events on the website by
going to the home page and clicking on “post your event” lower left hand side. Fill
out the form and we will be happy to post your next concert or workshop.
“Like” us on facebook, ask your fellow ringers and directors a question, or make a
comment. Find us on facebook as “Handbell Musicians of America Area 2”.
Also on our Facebook page is a very special friend named “Iggy”. Iggy is the
University of Scranton’s mascot, also known as the Royal’s grey wolf. Iggy will be
visiting parts of Area 2 leading up to the festival event and joined by several of his
friends who will be made by our communications coordinator Diane Dick. Keep
checking our Facebook page to meet Iggy’s friends. They will be available at the
Festival to help raise funds for Area 2’s chime project in Romania.
Because you are a member of Area 2, Handbell Musicians of America, so are all
of your ringers. PLEASE FORWARD THIS ISSUE OF Twice Tolled Tales TO
YOUR RINGERS.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Happy Ringing!
Susan Guse
Susan Guse, Area 2 Chair
Romania Project Update
submitted by Rich Pinkerton
Chimes have been ringing in Romania since 2001 thanks to a generous gift from Area 2, Malmark,
Schulmerich, Volkwein and Jeffers. The chimes are in the town of Brad, located in the Carpathian Mountains of
Transylvania (the northwest portion of the country). Area 2 continues to support the program financially and with
visits to these wonderful ringers.
Who are these wonderful ringers? The original group was made up of orphans from Casa Emanuel in
Criscior (built by the International Children’s Aid Foundation – ICAF). Later, ringers were added from the high
school in nearby Brad (7 km), creating a combined group of students which continues to ring regularly. This past
August and September I had the opportunity to visit with the ringers, to meet and play with children from the
orphanage, and to meet their director and learn more about the musical happenings in Brad and Criscior.
Two groups of ringers are currently practicing in the Christian Center in Brad. Beginning ringers are
learning the rudiments of musical notation and proper ringing of handchimes. The more advanced group is working
on level 2 music (occasionally level 3) and is busy preparing for concerts in the area. A third group is now being
formed which will target members of the community who will be staying for more than the four years of high
school.
The director, Cip (pronounced Chip), is an energetic and enthusiastic young man, as well as an outstanding
teacher. He earned his Master’s Degree in choral and orchestral conducting and is now the music teacher in the high
school in Brad. He has neither a chorus nor an orchestra, but the handchimes have flourished under his guidance.
As we look to the future of our Romania Project, we hope to continue supporting the basic needs of the ringers, we
hope to add to their music library, and we would like to introduce handbells into the program. ** The next mission
trip to Criscior will be July 10-19, 2015 and if anyone from Area 2 is interested in going, please contact Rich
Pinkerton or Marilyn Shenenberger. The program is strong, the leadership is outstanding, and these ensembles
make a musical FAMILY for students in the orphanage!
Based upon what I observed while visiting, the Area 2 investment of providing chimes for this program has
certainly proven to be rewarding.
For more information on ICAF: http://icafkids.org/home
2012 Mission Trip: http://icafkids.org/latest_news
2006 Mission Trip: http://www.bhccml.com/web_docs/2006_01.pdf
** And if you know of a used 3 octave set of handbells that is available, please contact Rich Pinkerton at
rich@spchurch.org or Marilyn Shenenberger at handbelle@comcast.net (or text her at: 609-502-3642).
Page 2
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
New Members
New Jersey
Idit Shechtman
Ensemble Inbalim
Pennsylvania
Peter Hill
Chatham U Methodist Church
Chatham, NJ 07928
Jennifer Murray
Mastic, NY 11950
Patrice Kidd
Moravian Academy
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Jennifer MacDonald
Gloucester County Christian Sch
Seward, NJ 08080
Gillian Erlenborn
Martinsville, NJ 08836
Catherine King
Ballston Spat U. Methodist Church Barbara Leauber
Beaver Memorial U Methodist Ch
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Nathalie Alcime
Richard Frey
Petra Brown
New Oxford, PA 17350
Jessica Bryant
Luis Diaz
Kermit Junkert
Kaitlin Fullop
Hatfield, PA 19440
Rachel Leal
Leila Pierre
Benjamin Riley
Alyssa Rivera
Nelson Silva
Yi-Ju Su
Sarah Bacote
Nyack College
Nyack, NY 10960
Laura Russell
Christ Episcopal Church
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Michael Shamrock
Emmanuel U. Methodist Church
Lockport, NY 14094
Alex Whitaker
Twelve Corners Presbyterian Ch
Rochester, NY 14618
Ontario
New York
Page 3
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
New Benefits Coming –
from Jon Snyder, the Regional Membership Coordinator
Often times, members decide to leave the Guild because they feel they are not getting enough “value” for
their membership. We at Handbell Musicians of America have heard these cries, and have developed two new ways
for handbell musicians (ringers, directors, composers, editors, etc.) to connect with one another and learn more
about our art.
One of the Guild’s greatest assets is our inclusive community. When we are together, there are no barriers
between musicians, composers, clinicians and providers from the handbell industry. Everyone is accessible and
there is abundant sharing of information and resources. With the internet as a resource, this connection can now
spread around the world.
Launching in January 2015, there will be one of two monthly options: Member-Notes or MemberChats. In Member-Notes, you will receive a topical newsletter that offers detailed information on working with
children and youth, or 800 ways four-in-hand is done around the world, and even how to get permission to arrange
popular music. These Member-Notes will have a feature article by a handbell expert and links to additional
resources that will assist you in your quest to perfect your knowledge and skills. The links will consist of everything
from videos, to articles, to online sites.
The first Member-Notes will be by Nick Hanson – an entire interactive experience into working with
youth. We are all excited to see what Nick brings to the table in this first edition of Member-Notes. Nick Hanson
has been serving as the director of handbell ensembles at the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, for the past six
years, and as the handbell director at Bush Hill Presbyterian Church for the past four years. At Potomac, Nick’s
duties include teaching instrumental music curriculum to 5th–12th-grade students who participate in any of the
school’s four handbell ensembles, and he teaches private handbell lessons to interested students. His directing duties
at Bush Hill currently involve a teen/adult ensemble and also a 4th–6th grade handbell ensemble.
The other opportunity is Member-Chats – a direct line to a handbell celebrity. Every other month, we
will host a live chat with a new personality from within our talented ranks. Everyone will have an opportunity to
submit questions in advance. Many of you will be able to tune in live and participate. Even if you are not able to
attend live, the recordings will be available online in the Members Resource Center.
Barbara Brocker will be the first celebrity to step into the light with Member-Chats. Barbara has
developed the art of the bell tree as a solo instrument and has published over 20 bell tree arrangements. For the last
fifteen years, she has been promoting the use of bell trees through teaching and performing at local, regional,
national and international festivals. She will be fielding your questions about bell trees, four-in-hand technique, solo
ringing, and anything else that you may want to ask. Keep your eyes open for a way to submit your questions ahead
of time and possibly have them asked in the chat!
These will both be available in early 2015 – check your inboxes early and often to be the first to access
these new opportunities. Best of all – they are both included in your membership! No extra costs, no need to plan
ahead – just read, enjoy, and participate!
Membership! It’s Important!
Page 4
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
WORKSHOPS - Rich Pinkerton, Chair
Do you have a new handbell choir? New ringers who need a jump start on all aspects of ringing?
Seasoned ringers who could use a refresher course? Or, perhaps you are new to directing a bell choir, and would
like a clinician to come and work with you.
Area 2 is eager to help you with your needs and will subsidize some of the costs for a clinician through a
generous grant. The cost of a 3 hour workshop for your choir would not exceed $100, less than $10 per ringer!
Those with larger facilities might consider hosting a workshop focused on Techniques, Skill Building, Reading
Sessions for new music and/or old favorites, or a custom session tailored to the attendees. Area 2 has an abundance of highly skilled handbell musicians who generously share their knowledge. Take advantage of them!
Look at some of our offerings and please contact me by email: rich@spchurch.org so that we can discuss your
needs and find a time for you and a clinician to do your workshop.
Orientation Workshop: A free ½ day (3 hour) workshop within the first year of a church or school purchasing
bellsfor the first time.
Mentoring Workshop: Member choirs may request a clinician to brush up on their skills. The church or school
pays a portion of the clinician’s fee.
Workshops: A member hosts a workshop which is open to other ringers from the area. Each participant pays a fee
to attend the workshop.
It is up to you how you can use this service provided by your Area 2 Board. Use your imagination and
suggest something we haven’t tried before! We welcome your suggestions and your participation!
Page 5
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
Handbells Make it to Carnegie Hall!
by Darrell Sandrue
On October 30, 2014, Carnegie Hall experienced a first, which is a rare occurrence its 123 year
history - handbells and an orchestra made music together. The Trinity Ringers of Hackettstown,
New Jersey, along with the Camp Rhythmo Ringers, based in New York City, performed with
the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.
Established in 1995 by Sharon Treacy-Dunne as a peace initiative between the then troubled
north and south regions of Ireland, the Cross Border Orchestra, conducted by Gearoid Grant,
today consists of over 100 young musicians from both regions.
The Trinity Ringers and the Camp Rhythmo Ringers, under the direction of Jill Fedon,
accompanied the orchestra during four pieces throughout the concert, and were given the
spotlight for the opening of the second act when “Processional in C,” composed by Jill Fedon
and Camp Rhythmo co-founder Michael Bodnyk for the performance, was conducted by Mrs.
Fedon from her orchestra seat in the center of the third row. Starting with a single C3, ringers of
both choirs processed down the left and right aisles, with the ringers assembling themselves in
front of the stage, using the first row as both the ringers’ music stands and their seats during the
songs they were not performing with the orchestra. With a 120-piece orchestra and a choir of
two hundred singers behind them, it was standing room only for the bell choirs. They performed
with no tables, and it was quite a choreographic moment when most of the group would bend
down, momentarily disappear, and reappear in unison for a key change!
Despite the chorographical challenges, Mrs. Fedon had nothing but praise for the opportunity to
perform in Carnegie Hall. “The entire evening was magical and one none of us will soon forget.
Rehearsing and performing with such talented musicians and soloists provided these young
ringers with an amazing opportunity. We worked hard to prepare ourselves for the performances
and soaked in every moment and lesson while we were working with the orchestra. The
experience has transformed who we are as musicians and a choir. I can’t thank the Cross
Border Orchestra of Ireland enough for inviting us to join them at Carnegie Hall.”
Two days earlier, the ringers joined the CBOI and students at Moravian Academy in Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, for an all day Cross Cultural Music Festival. The evening culminated in a concert
that included several massed handbell performances. Many musicians from the orchestra noted
that this was their first exposure to English Handbells.
Congratulations from Area 2!
Page 6
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
The Trinity and Camp Rhythmo Ringers
at Carnegie Hall!
Page 7
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
Page 8
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
Page 9
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
Michael Joy
Cynthia Dobrinski
Cathy Moklebust
Composer
Tune My Heart to Sing Thy
Praise
By the Lakeside
Dorian Dance
Michael Helman
Michael Joy
Publisher/distributor
Sondra Tucker
MLC201642
Lorenz
L
AGEHR
AG46019 chimes
Jeffers Handbell Supply MJHS9365
Bronze Music
3-6
4-6
3-6
3-5
MCO977488 chimes
Concordia
3-5
3-5
3-5
3-5
3-5
MCGB382 chimes
MRO3322
CGB864
2-5
3-5
3-6
3-6
Instruments Octaves
CGB480
MHP2667
MHP2678
AG46014 Percussion
and Chimes
Code
Jeffers Handbell Supply MJHS9507 Percussion
Hope Publishing
MHP2656 chimes
Coppers Music
Choristers Guild
Ring Out Press
Choristers Guild
Tins Music
Valerie Stephenson
Bill Ingram
Robert Ward
Susan Gesche
Chorister's Guild
Agape
Agape
AGEHR
Massed Music
Arranger
With Tambourine and Dancing
Ron Mallory
We Gather Together
Joel Raney
Now All the Vaults of Heaven
Resounds
Cathy Moklebust
Do Lord
Deep River
Cllarion Call
Kyrie
El Shaddai
Glorious Celebration
Siyahamba
Title
* * * Area II adheres to all copyright laws. No copies of music are permitted. Area II reserves all surprise inspection rights. * * *
2015 Festival Conference Music Selections
4
4
4+
3
3+
3
2
2
2+
3
2+
2+
3
Level
Page 10
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
Page 11
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
AGEHR
Jeffers Handbell Suppy
Chorister's Guild
Jeffers Handbell Suppy
Hope Publishing
AGEHR
Jill Fedon
Scherzetto
Division B
Kevin McChesney
Chorister's Guild
Division A
Kevin McChesney
Chorister's Guild
Susan E. Geschke
Sandra Eithun
Tranquil Chimings
Ring Together Patriotic:
America the Beautiful
Publisher/distributor
Massed Music
Arranger
Celebrate with Gladness
Karen Thompson
Margaret Tucker
Michael Helman
Composer
Grandeur
Contest Winner
Ring Together Patriotic:
Star Spangled Banner
Ring Praise, O My Soul
Toccata (for combined choirs)
*Division A Choirs
*Divison B Choirs
Title
Handchimes
MAG35309
MHP2668
MJHS9318
MCGB600
not yet
assigned
Chimes
3-5
2-3
2-3
2-3
2-3 +opt.
D7
2-3
2-3
3-5
2-3
2-3
4-5
Instruments Octaves
MJHS9318 Chimes
MCGB400
MCGB401
CGB335
CGB335
CGB336
Code
* * * Area II adheres to all copyright laws. No copies of music are permitted. Area II reserves all surprise inspection rights. * * *
2015 Young Ringer Music Selections
2
2
1+
1-
1+
1+
1+
1+
2
2
Level
Area II Board Members 2013—2015
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Chairman
Susan Guse
sguse@frontiernet.net
53 Marges Way
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
845-227-7696
Chair-Elect
Jill Fedon
jfedon1@gmail.com
908-835-1491
199 Broad Street
Washington, NJ 07882
908-835-1491
Treasurer
Eileen McIntyre
ehandbell@comcast.net
2 Gerald Drive
Aston, PA 19014
610-494-3697
Secretary
Pam Spirko
pspirko@earthlink.net
4308 Hepatica Hill
Manlius, NY 13104
315-682-8783
APPOINTED
POSITIONS
Nancy Maier
nmaier@frontiernet.net
429 Bowmansville Road
Mohnton, PA 19540
717-445-5729
Education Chair
Bob Ward
RJWardNY@optonline.net
99 Sunny Brook Circle
Highland, NY 12528
845-691-2124
Workshops and Mentoring
Richard Pinkerton
rich@spchurch.org
799 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
412-841-3937
380 Selby Place
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Webmaster
Bob Reineke
brineakey@yahoo.com
75 Old Red Mill Road
Rensselaer, NY 12144
518-256-8944
Newsletter Editor
Kathie Bittenbender
rbittenben@verizon.net
292 Founders Way
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-697-6257
Historian
Cynthia Reineke
turtle5210@excite.com
75 Old Red Mill Road
Rensselaer, NY 12144
518-368-6514
Communications Coordinator
Diane Dick
Past Chair
dmdringer@rochester.rr.com
9433 Johnson Road
Jackie Anderson
robert.jackie.anderson@gmail.com Middleport, NY 14105
716-628-0548
337 Allenboro Dr.
Webster, NY 14580
585-265-9054
Membership
Special Group Liaison
Joyce Klinck
pjklinck@comcast.net
www.area2.handbellmusicians.org
Page 12
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS ISSUE TO YOUR RINGERS.
Next TTT deadline is
February 15
15, 2015
TWICE TOLLED TALES is published four times per year for the membership of AGEHR Area 2.
Publication dates for 2014 are February, June, September and November. The deadline for articles and
photos is the fifteenth day of the month prior to the publication date; these will be included as space
permits. It is preferred that articles be sent in the format of Microsoft Office 2003 (or later) Publisher as
an email attachment. Articles may also be sent in MS Word format (2003 or later) or in hard copy form,
typewritten. Photos are always welcome. All information for publication and advertisements should be
sent to the editor with TTT newsletter in the subject area:
Kathie Bittenbender
292 Founders Way
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Page 13
RBittenben@verizon.net
717-697-6257
AREA 2 TWICE TOLLED TALES
AGEHR Area 2 BELLETIN BOARD
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Nittany Valley Handbell Festival
15th Annual Western PA
Handbell Festival
Cathy Moklebust Director
David Weck, Director
State College Area High School Gym
State College, PA
Robert Morris University
6001 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA
Contact: Gail Ritchey
814-234-1655
ggritchey @verizon.net
event website:
April 2, 2011
www.nittanyvalleyhandbellfestival.org
Contact: Cynthia Donahoe
412-779-6703
donahoeclc@me.com
April 9, 2011
www.threeriversringers.org
Nittany Valley Handbell Festival
Western PA Handbell Festival
State College, PA
Wilson Christian Academy
West Mifflin, PA
David
Harris,
Director
Saturday,
April
26, 2015
May 1 & 2, 2015
(Friday workshop,
Saturday
Festival)
Howard Moser,
Director
Contact: Gail Ritchey
40th Annual Hudson
Valley
814-234-1655
Kathy Hills
Hayes
40thContact:
Annual North
Handbell Festival Conference
734-235-0202
Eileen Laurence, Director
Handbell Festival
and Workshop
Nyack College
April Gym
30, 2011
Nyack, NY
Tim Waugh, Director
Hudson Valley Handbell Festival
Nyack, NY
Contact: Carl Loutzerheiser
Deborah Rice, Director
carl.bells@mppresby.org
event
website:
Contact:
Rex Holden
www.hudsonvalleyhandbells.org
631-567-8913
June 27—June 30, 2015
July
5-7, 2011
(Saturday
- Tuesday)
Area II Young Ringers Festival
Kutztown University
Area 2 Festival
Conference
Kutztown,
PA
Bill Alexander, Director
Ron Bellamy, Director
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA
Contact: Jackie Anderson
JKanderson@gmail.com
May 14, 2011
Westminster Presbyterian
Church
Pittsburgh,
PA Ring
Challenge
Webster Presbyterian Church
Contact: Kathie Knouse,
Webster, NY
cmkathie@comcast.net
event
website: Director
Ron
Bellamy,
www.northhillshandbellassociation.org
Contact: Betsy Barr
315-524-3816
7-10,
2011
June July
30—July
2, 2015
(Tuesday
- Thursday)
Area
II Festival
Conference
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA
Area 2 Young Ringer Festival
Debbie Rice, Director
Kent Knappenberger,
Director
Arnold Sherman, Masterclass
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA
Contact: Jill Fedon
Check updates at the area website: jfedon1@gmail.com
www.area2agehr.org
Check updates at the area website:
www.area2.handbellmusicians.org - Events