Alaska * Alberta * British Columbia * Idaho * Montana * Oregon * Saskatchewan * Washington
The Northwest Campanologist
Vol 14. No.2 February 2023
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Starting this upcoming weekend, there is a great lineup of handbell events across Area 10. I, personally, am attending:
Although not in Area 10, Area 10's premier bell tree musician, Barbara Brocker has teamed with Karen Van Wert and Kath Wissinger to host Into the Forest, an event focused entirely on bell trees, in Lakeville, MN June 22-24. I am REALLY looking forward to this one.
Surely at least one of these event dates and locations will work for you. Check them out and sign up soon!
Joann Wallenburn, editor
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Are You a Member of Area 10? |
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While this newsletter is sent to over 600 handbell enthusiasts, fewer than 25% are actual members of Area 10. To be a member of Area 10, you must first be a member in good standing of Handbell Musicians of America (HMA). All Area 10 Board and committee members must be members of Area 10. Only members of Area 10 may vote to elect Board officers or approve Bylaws amendments. And that's why this question has been raised.
The Area 10 Board and Handbell Musicians of America have approved amendments to the Area 10 Bylaws. Final approval by a vote of the members is required to enact the amendments. If you are a voting member of HMA and live in Area 10, you are a voting member of Area 10. You will receive voting materials via postal mail in early February. If you are a voting member of Area 10 and do not receive these materials by February 20, please email the Area 10 chair, Shelley Giaier, at chair.area10@handbellmusicians.org.
If you are not a member of Area 10, please consider joining. Here's what Kath Wissinger has to say.
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Why Bells? Why the Guild? Why Now?
Responsibility - a key word in the handbell world. Some of these probably apply to you: I am responsible for: knowing my music, watching the director, improving my skills, attending rehearsals, planning and leading rehearsals, fixing instruments, hauling equipment, selecting repertoire, planning performances, coordinating ringers, writing creative music. Handbell musicians embrace a wide range of responsibilities even in their already very busy lives. Every person wants to feel special and needed - when playing handbells there is no doubt of either!
Connection - Gathering at rehearsals, there is a comradery, an almost palpable life-force that is strengthened by the multiple personalities and aspirations in the room and the collective focus on working together to breathe life into a piece of music. We cheer when we play a piece really well for the first time; we've accomplished something as a team! And it's not just the piece - it's the cooperative work we've all invested together to get there.
Music - and then there is the music, the sweet music that lives anew every time we lift a baton or ring a bell. Did you remember the first time you heard bells and that feeling that you just HAD to be part of it? What is it about handbells that grabs us so? There are so many instruments to choose from - certainly there are many that cost less, require less storage and rehearsal space, require less equipment, are easier to transport, and are more "mainstream." But we choose handbells because they fill our lives with shining moments, connect us with others who understand the passion, and give us something worthwhile to invest our time and talents in.
My church has been a Group Member of The Guild since the early 1990's, and I have held an Individual Membership as well since 1999. The group membership affords many advantages to an organization, including access to events and training for its staff and ringers far beyond what can be obtained at a local or even denominational level. Why then, do I also hold a personal membership as well? I feel a responsibility to actively support The Guild which has taught me almost everything I know about handbells. Along the way, I have connected with some of the most talented and passionate people I have known - learning enough to now be numbered among those who teach and direct at Guild events. And, in the process, I continue to learn creative ways to ring, teach, direct and compose. If handbells are to continue to change lives, touch hearts and make incredible music, then in my opinion, Handbell Musicians of America will be a driving force - and I want to make sure that happens.
Kath Wissinger
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Distinguished Service Award |
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The Area 10 Board of Directors developed an award program to honor those who have
given an extra effort to the advancement and promotion of handbell and handchime ringing in
Area 10. Nominations for this award will be accepted until June 1, 2023 and the award will be presented at the June 16-18 Area 10 Conference in Spokane, WA.
Past recipients include Marcy Winters, Bobbie Benjamin, Marlene Anderson, Blanche Kangas and Nancy Hascall.
Nominees (living or deceased) should:
- have made outstanding contributions to the art of ringing in Area 10. This should include
an extended time commitment in activities that greatly exceed normal expectations or
are generally perceived as significant.
- be an active member of Handbell Musicians of America or if deceased, have been a
member in good standing.
- have performed leadership roles at local, state and/or Area 10 levels.
- not be currently serving on the Area 10 Board of Directors.
To submit a nomination, click here. |
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Registration is now open!
“Rendezvous on the Spokane”
Area 10 Conference June 16-18, 2023
CenterPlace Regional Event Center,
Spokane Valley WA
Full Details are Available HERE
Online Registration/Payment Opened January 15
Invitation for Workshop Instructors: If you have a specific area of Handbell you would like to share at the AREA 10 conference contact Diane Barnes at eventschair.area10@handbellmusicians.org. Send a detailed description of the topic(s) you would like to teach, your experience teaching that subject and references who can speak to your expertise on that topic.
Guest Conductors are just like us! This month we feature Marquise Usher
My life Away from Bells: Is mostly swimming. I am a swim instructor at La Petite Baleen Swim Schools located in the Bay Area. At LPB I also work as a deck supervisor overseeing all of the classes, providing feedback to the teachers and ensuring overall safety. I've been there just long enough to see my toddlers from 2 years ago now swimming in the deep end and diving down 6ft to the bottom of the pool for toys. I think that's kind of cool. Also in my spare time, I moderate for a few friends who stream on Twitch. Twitch is a website where you broadcast or stream content you want to share with others. Whether it's a video game, or you're hosting a game show, singing, or even just chatting. And as a moderator I mostly make sure the viewers are behaving in chat. I also assist the streamer with other tasks as well. I started moderating during the beginning of the pandemic and it's been a fun experience. I learned a lot about streaming culture and the really great communities that exist within it.
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This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. |
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Friday night and Saturday, February 10-11, 2023
Central Elementary School Gym
Nampa, ID
Our clinician is Sandra Eithun. We have played some of her music in previous conferences and I think you will like her selections for our conference. One of the composers of the music is her son, Mitchell.
This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing.
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March 24-26, 2023
Clackamas, Oregon
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Coppers Classic, the nation’s premier ringing event for intermediate to advanced handbell musicians is back and better than ever. Everything from big “buckets” to teensy bells and chimes—A handbell orchestra at your fingertips! Musicians from all over the US and Canada will converge the last weekend of March with founder and clinician, Ellie Hodder. |
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We’ve an eclectic repertoire including Julie Turner’s arrangement of Africa (TOTO) for which she’s written a choral score. Yes! Handbells and choir! We’ll ring Sondra Tucker’s original Air and Hornpipe with belltree—winner of the 2021 Into the Forest Bell Tree Composition Contest. And, Larry Sue’s exciting setting of Gaudete!
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Ellie is a well-known teacher and clinician who is passionate about learning and spreading that good news. She frequently serves as a teacher and clinician for events in the US and Canada. Ellie believes everyone can learn and excel when they have the tools necessary for what they are trying to accomplish. |
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Join us at the Monarch Hotel and Conference Center, Clackamas, Oregon, a community near Portland. Free airport shuttle from Portland International Airport, breakfast and lunch included, walk to shopping (sales tax free) and restaurants!
This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing.
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April 28-29, 2023
Kalispell, MT
Registration is now open! Visit the Area 10 website for details and registration forms.
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Ellie Hodder, Clinician
This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America.
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This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. |
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May 6, 2023
Together Again!
In Ashland, OR
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As the wider handbell community begins to gather again, Siskiyou Summit is back with a restart in 2023. As we all get back into the swing of rehearsals and live performances, I have decided to restart the event with a one day Massed Ring/Workshop format. Tim Waugh will still be our Conference Guest Conductor leading the full group in Massed Ringing. The repertoire list can be found below. It is revised from 2020 but is still exploring Fascinatin’ Rhythms. Join us for a Spring Day full of wonderful music and learning opportunities as we celebrate our extended handbell family.
Event Registration is $65/person by March 1st, after March 1st $75/person. Registration will open January 1, 2023. You don’t need a full choir to participate, Partial Choirs and “Orphans” are welcome to attend.
REPERTOIRE—accessible and suitable for use in Worship. All pieces have the optional addition of percussion and other instrumentation.
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Recollection L2+ Tim Waugh
Jerusalem My Happy Home L3 Cathy Moklebust
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ L3 Benjamin
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Angels Sing Gloria L2+ Sandra Eithun
Festal Dance L3 Tim Waugh
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Into the Forest Registration now open |
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exploring among the trees |
June 22-24, 2023
Messiah Lutheran Church
16725 Highview Ave.
Lakeville, MN
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We are excited to gather bell tree enthusiasts together to explore ideas, techniques, and music. This is also an opportunity for composers to learn various approaches and best practices and engage their audience. All skill levels are welcome, we can all learn something from one another, and we each have something to share.
This is your event so be prepared to influence the schedule with your interests and thoughts. The following topics are included in the registration form: Class ideas, Performance Opportunities, Coaching Sessions, etc.
We look forward to seeing you in June 2023
Into the Forest committee:
Barbara Brocker, Kathleen Wissinger, Karen Van Wert
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For All Reasons -For All Seasons
Call Us!
Malmark Ambassadors
Marlene M. Anderson
Consultant - Clinician- Conductor.
Cell 206-390-0931
Wes Anderson
Maintenance Guru
Cell 206-390-8789
Serving
ALASKA - IDAHO- MONTANA - WASHINGTON
22515 6th Ave. S. Unit 504
Des Moines, WA 98198
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Tie-dyed gloves, T-shirts, CDs, and DVDs available for purchase on-line.
Click on the gloves to go shopping.
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The Raleigh Ringers
8516 Sleepy Creek Dr
Raleigh, NC 27613
919-847-7574
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Featuring music for:
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Handbell solo, 8-bell Ensemble,
Handbell choir, 12-bell Ensemble,
Piano and more!
Our small-ensemble music is fully reproducible and available for immediate download!
All titles come with permission to live-stream and broadcast!
Visit us at
Follow us online:
Use coupon code "Area10" for 10% off your order
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A full service handbell store with music and accessories:
gloves, gifts, binders, mallets,
maintenance items,mallets, bell tree items, Malmark products
Visit us at
612-208-1741
1-877-426-3235
7209 Morgan Ave S
Richfield, MN 55423
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Advertising Rates
All ads are $5 per issue
There are two options:
1. An ad designed and formatted by you that is exactly 100 pixels x 300 pixels and sent in a jpeg or gif file. The ad will be hyperlinked to your website.
2. An ad approximately 1.5 X 3.5 inches which can contain a picture or logo sent as a jpeg or gif file and will be hyperlinked to your website. You provide the text that will be formatted by the editor.
Send ad or text with picture to Joann Wallenburn with how many issues you would like. An invoice will be sent to you.
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Area 10 Board of Directors |
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There are many ways you can help with Area 10 Administration |
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