Greetings -

                At this writing Holy Week and Easter Sunday are over and for many of us who ring in church choirs we're over the hump and starting the downhill run to summer and a break. But wait, this is the time when many Area 10 choirs are preparing for major spring concerts. Recently, I was privileged to be asked to sub at a Bells of the Cascades rehearsal . Wow, their June concerts with Melodica Men will be amazing. Visit their website for more details. And then there are Festival Conferences (Siskiyou Summit, Greater Puget Sound - to name a couple happening in May). Finally the big event of the early summer, our Area 10 Conference, "Soaring to New Heights", to be held in Everett over the June 28-30 weekend. Massed ringing with nationally known conductors, class sessions, special concerts, fellowship - all a part of these events. Further information and registration can be found in this news letter.

                Last month I wrote about being part of a "team" striving as a group to present the best performance possible. This month I'm thinking about being a part of the greater "team" - the "fraternal order" of handbell ringers. I'm always amazed to attend an event and be able to share a meal or conversation with some of the best known directors, composers, leaders and ringers in the world. I have made acquaintance with handbell people from England, Scotland, Australia, Hong Kong, many of the Canadian provinces and most of the 50 states. But with being a part of this great "fraternity" there are also responsibilities:

1. Shouldn't I strive to become the best ringer possible learning from more experienced ringers, working to improve my skills?

2. And when I reach some level of skill and experience, shouldn't I work with others to bring them to higher levels, teaching at the local, Area or even National level. Note: many of your Area 10 board members will be teaching at our Area Conference, and Membership Chair, Ellie Hodder, will be teaching at the National Seminar.

3. Shouldn't I become interested in what is going on in the handbell world by becoming a member of our national guild, Handbell Musicians of America, and enjoying the number of benefits it offers. Click here to read about the benefits of membership.

4. Finally, shouldn't I support our organizations by becoming a leader in our governance bodies. The national guild is currently taking nominations for Board Members. Here in Area 10 we need a Washington State Chair and soon, a new Alaska State Chair. If you are interested in either of the Area jobs I will be glad to send the job description.

                As you probably realize, many of these opportunities will present themselves at our Area Conference in June. The class schedule includes beginning, intermediate and advanced technique classes including 1st level accreditation classes for directors and ringers. Board members will be on hand to talk membership benefits and leadership possibilities. Opportunities for making new friends and meeting old will abound. SO, I'm looking forward to seeing you in June.

 

Happy Ringing,

Glen