The Newsletter of Area 1 Handbell Musicians of America | Vol. XL No. 1 | February 2026 | | |
IN THIS EDITION:
- Greetings from the Board Chair
- Notice of next Area 1 Board Meeting
- Spring Rings
- Friends & Family Handbell Camp
- Winter Workshop 2026 Recap
- Guest Article: The New Composers Initiative
- Notes from State and Regional Chairs
- Please be sure to scroll down/click "view entire message" to see - and support - our advertisers
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Hello, Area 1
The holiday season has passed, the winter cold has set in, and bell ringers are back at it! We've had a few role changes occur on the board, and I'm excited for many good things to come this year.
First, we bid farewell to Abby Schoppe after 6 1/2 years on the board as State Chair of Massachusetts and more. Abby served well in many roles on the board, including overseeing a few different redistricting initiatives in the last few years. You know you've been doing a job well when it takes two people to replace you! We are very appreciative and grateful for all of Abby's service to the area, and look forward to staying in touch as she continues coordinating the Massachusetts Spring Ring and other local events.
We are excited to welcome Jennifer Dalrymple into the newly districted role of Eastern Massachusetts Chair. I will let her introduce herself more fully in her section below, but I'm excited for Jennifer's experience and enthusiasm as she dives into serving the Eastern Massachusetts area (which also includes Cape Cod and Islands).
In the New Hampshire State Chair role, I am very excited to welcome Laurie Kubik! She is stepping into a state role that has weathered changes over the last few of years, and we're happy to have a leader focusing on the needs of New Hampshire's ringers.
Finally, we welcome back Kim Strepka to the Vermont State Chair position. Kim stepped away in August as she moved to Massachusetts, but she is now back in Vermont and excited to continue coordinating efforts of ringing in Vermont.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, your Area 1 Board is only an email away - chair.area1@handbellmusicians.org
Happy ringing!
Greg Urban
Area 1 Chair
chair.area1@handbellmusicians.org
| | Area 1 is grateful to Handbell Services for allowing us to use their handbell silhouette artwork featured in our 'Report from the Chair' header. | | |
Notice of Next Area 1 Board Meeting
Area 1 Board Meetings are open to all members of the Guild and held three times a year, usually in January, May and September. Our next regular Board Meeting is May 16, 2026 and will be held virtually. Considering a board position? Just want to hear about all the cool stuff happening here?
If you are interested in attending, please email Greg Urban, Area 1 Chair.
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Who's Ready for Some Spring Rings?
Meet new people, become more effective in your ringing or directing skills, learn from great directors, and share experiences with fellow handbell musicians in a social atmosphere. You can come as an independent ringer, or as a full or partial choir. You don't have to reside in the state holding the event to attend; come one, come all!
Registration is now open! Click on the individual Spring Ring Titles below for all the details and to sign up or visit area1.handbellmusicians.org/ state-and-local-events.
Cape Cod & Islands Spring Ring - March 21
Harwich Community Center
Clinician: Samantha Beschta
Massachusetts Spring Ring - April 11
Tewksbury Memorial High School
Clinician: Kimberlee Strepka
Maine Spring Ring - April 11
Greely Middle School, Cumberland
Clinicians: Samantha Beschta &
Kevin McChesney
We hope to see you at one or more of these great events!
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Registration is now open for the
2026 Friends and Family Handbell Camp!
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Friends and Family Handbell camp will be held from June 26-28, 2026 at the Toah Nipi Retreat Center in Rindge, NH. Campers will arrive Friday afternoon before dinner, and depart Sunday after lunch.
What is FFHC?
Friends and Family Handbell Camp is an opportunity to ring with old and new friends and to bring your family to a beautiful camp located on a lake. We’ll spend time ringing, time doing fun camp activities and have time to visit with friends and family old and new. No, you won’t be staying in a tent-there are very comfortable lodges available! You have friends and family who think ringing looks fun, but have maybe never tried it themselves-this is a great opportunity to hang out with them and for them to learn to ring.
What’s the ringing experience like?
You select your track. From Never Rung to Bronze, there’s something available for everyone.
Clinicians this year are Andy Wallace (Bronze), Dan Moore (Coppers), Gina Williams (Tins) and Jennifer Stack (Never Rung). You choose your level of support. From full support at the Never Rung level with marked music and maximum coaching, to the Bronze level where you can read and work on challenging music, there’s something for everyone. All tracks will present two pieces at the final sharing concert. This is low pressure - not aiming for perfection, working in a “ring and polish” style where the goal is to share your growth at the concert.
What about the accommodations?
You’ll be staying in a lodge with shared bathrooms and bunk beds. Some rooms are smaller, and others larger to accommodate the whole family or a bunch of your friends! You bring your own linens, or you can rent them for an additional fee. Think summer sleepaway camp, not hotel, and you’ve got it. All meals are included, and there’s a 24/7 snack station available as well. We'll take any allergy information at registration. Commuters are also welcome, and will pay for meals, the music, and use of the space.
What is there to do beyond ringing?
We have the great outdoors at our disposal, and the camp features lots of recreational pursuits like swimming, hiking, foosball, ping pong, rock wall climbing, basketball, volleyball, and kayaking/canoeing. We’ll also be doing some fun camp-style activities like rock painting and s'mores around the fire pit!
We believe “The more, the merrier” -- discounts are provided if someone in your group is an HMA member, and for bringing a friend. Scholarships are also available for this event. Fees and a loose schedule of the event can be found on the Friends and Family Handbell Camp webpage. Please reserve your space by May 3.
| | Brrr-ringing in 2026: A Winter Workshop Recap | | |
Just this past weekend, 76 handbell musicians convened at UMass Amherst for a 24-hour Winter Workshop. There were representatives from all six New England states, plus friends from Pennsylvania, and Texas! It was a time for music-making, learning, and fellowship that culminated in a sharing concert on Saturday afternoon.
Thank you to our Winter Workshop planning committee, lead by Suzanne Neafus, to those who worked behind the scenes with personnel and equipment logistics, and to our clinicians: Coppers Track: Diane Burke and Abby Schoppe; Coppers Plus Track: Cheryl Townsend, and Bronze Track: Brenda Austin. Winter Workshop is always a great way to kick off the new ringing year!
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The New Composers Initiative: Growing the Next Generation of Handbell Composers
A guest column submitted by Paul Kingsbury, on behalf of the Allured Composition Award Committee
The Donald E. Allured Original Composition Award is pleased to announce a new initiative for the creation of handbell music. Established in partnership with the Handbell Musicians of America, the New Composers Initiative will identify and support new talent seeking to break into the world of published handbell music. Recipients will be mentored by an established composer, receive a cash fee for their composition, have their work published by AGEHR, and have their work premiered at a prestigious HMA-sponsored event.
The New Composers Initiative’s inaugural award in 2025 went to Aryaman Joshi of Minneapolis. Aryaman graduated from St. Olaf College in 2023 with a B.A. in Music Composition and Mathematics with a Data Science Minor. During his time at St. Olaf, he studied composition under Dr. Timothy Mahr and Dr. Justin Merritt. He currently rings with Ring Out! in the Twin Cities. His composition, tentatively titled “Za’atar” integrates Arabic modes, rhythms, and ornaments, and will be premiered at Distinctly Teen 2026.
The New Composers Initiative is currently looking for the next recipient of the award. Interested applicants should have acquired the musical expertise and compositional skills necessary to produce an original handbell work which meets the standards to be premiered at a major HMA event. Because the Initiative is designed to promote new composers, applicants should have no more than two handbell compositions accepted by an established music publishing house.
Applications will be accepted at weekofhandbells.com/newcomposers from Jan 1, 2026 until Feb 28, 2026 and the winner of this award will be announced by March 31, 2026. Composers wishing to be considered for the award should submit:
1. A comprehensive sampling of their compositional output, as possible with sound files, which demonstrates the applicant’s understanding of music theory and the handbell idiom. Examples need not be restricted to compositions for handbells, but at least one work must demonstrate an understanding of the handbell idiom.
2. A brief (250-word) statement sharing their vision for the sponsored commission, including any ideas that might be considered unique and innovative.
3. Contact information for a reference who can speak to the applicant's talent and skills as a composer.
The composer selected for this award will be closely managed to ensure completion of the composition.
The Donald E. Allured Original Composition Award was originally established in 1993 by attendees of the Bay View Week of Handbells to honor and ensure an appropriate legacy for Mr. Allured. The purpose of the Award was to commission original handbell music that would exemplify the highest standards and expectations that Donald Allured would demand in such works. Since its inception, the Award has commissioned compositions from many of the field’s most prominent composers for premiere at the Bay View Week of Handbells concert. While the Allured Award enthusiastically continues this activity, it also seeks to expand the pool of capable composers to carry the art into the future. For more information, please contact allured-wiltse-funds@handbellmusicians.org.
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No report filed for this issue. To contact Vicki with your news and questions, please write to ct.area1@handbellmusicians.org
Vicki Moroski
Connecticut State Chair
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Notes from MAINE
Dana Humphreys, Maine State Chair
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Hello Maine Ringers,
Maine Spring Ring registration is now open! You can find all the details and register yourself and/or your group at the Maine Spring Ring landing page.
This promises to be a fun and exciting event led by our inspiring and energetic clinicians, Kevin McChesney and Samantha Beschta. The music covers a wide range of genres, and we are arranging to have percussion and instrumental accompaniment with three of the arrangements.
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We’ll also have merchandise from two vendors – jewelry created by Cindy Visbaras with handbell-inspired designs, and the well-known tie-dyed gloves and handbell themed t-shirts from Raleigh Ringers.
This is also a great day to get to know handbell ringers from around Maine and other areas of New England.
We look forward to ringing with you on April 11 in Cumberland!
Dana Humphreys
Maine State Chair
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Hi, everyone!
I am Jennifer Dalrymple, the newly appointed Eastern Massachusetts Chair. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you and serving as the liaison between you and the Area 1 board. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at ma.area1@handbellmusicians.org if there is anything that the board or I can do to help support any of you. My goal is to help handbell programs continue to thrive throughout the region, at churches, schools, and community groups alike!
A little about me: By day, I work at The Bedford Public Library in the circulation department. For fun, I enjoy reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and visiting my family (3 granddaughters) in Virginia. I've played for my church bell choir in Bedford MA since I was in 9th grade (a very long time ago). In more recent history, I play at Old South Church in Boston, Wellesley Hills and with Jenn Stack in Verdigris. Besides the actual ringing and making music I really appreciate the community of the bell world. I love attending festivals, workshops, and repertoire readings - anywhere there is a gathering of ringers enjoying, learning and challenging themselves to make music together.
I also want to highlight the fact that registration is now open for not one but two Spring Rings on this side of the state! The Massachusetts Spring Ring will be held on April 11 in Tewksbury, with Kimberlee Strepka as the clinician, while the Cape Cod Spring Ring will be held on March 21 in Harwich, with Samantha Beschta as the clinician. More information and registration can be found at the links above. (In particular, please note that the registration deadline for Cape Cod Spring Ring is Feb. 21, which is coming right up!) For both events, registration is only $15 per ringer, and if your full choir does not plan to attend, you can absolutely register as an individual and be matched with an opening in another choir. These Spring Rings are a great way to connect with other musicians from throughout the region and to get experience performing repertoire that (in some cases) your individual choirs might not be ready to tackle on their own, while also learning from a clinician whom you might not otherwise get to work with. Please join us!
Going forward, I’m hoping that this space in the Fundamental Tone can be used not only to share announcements from the board about upcoming events, but also to share news from each of you. What are the handbell happenings in your corner of the state? What are your hopes and dreams? Do you have pictures to share from recent performances? Or would you like to just tell readers about the handbell choir with which you ring? Please be in touch so that we can all learn more about each other!
Jennifer Dalrymple
Eastern Massachusetts Chair
ma.area1@handbellmusicians.org
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Hello from Western Massachusetts and Happy (belated) New Year!
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the New England region, Western Massachusetts beckons with its captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Stretching from the rolling Berkshire Mountains to the fertile valleys of the Connecticut River, this enchanting region offers a diverse tapestry of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
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Each year I get to know more and more about our beautiful area and our glorious handbell choirs nestled in the region. This past fall, I had the pleasure of meeting two of these groups. First, I joined director Joshua Sprague and the Aldersgate Ringers of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Pittsfield for their yearly bell polishing ritual that kicks off their ringing season.
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Each fall, at their first rehearsal, this group gets together to put a shine on their 5 octaves of White Chapel Bells. With time left, this 12-member group then warmed up by sight-reading the Bell Boogie which they had just purchased at the “Ringing Under the Influence” event in Easthampton last August. Undoubtedly, they are a very cohesive group, all willing to get their hands dirty before diving right into the thick of it.
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Another handbell group nestled in the heart of the Berkshires is “the BELL choir” of the First Congregational Church located in Stockbridge. A beautiful old church, similar to what I grew up in. They are led by director MaryJo Erickson Connor. This 3-octave group went to their first Area 1 Festival Conference last year as a Tins choir (an amazing 10 of their 12 ringers were able to attend). I had the pleasure of getting to know them personally over the past few years as a few of their members started attending our Western Mass events.
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This group has also created a comradery like no other. Each week after rehearsal they go to a local restaurant for appetizers and beverages. It is a great way to chill and really gel as a group. As soon as they walk in the door, the bartender starts pouring the usuals. Whether you imbibe with vino or club soda, it’s a great time.
There are several more handbell groups hidden away in the hills, and I can’t wait to meet them all!
Each year I learn more about what Western Mass needs and wants related to our wonderful world of handbells. Now… WE NEED YOU! In order to help us grow and give you what you need, please take a minute to fill out this quick questionnaire. It’s with your feedback that we can grow in the right direction. So, tell us what you would like for 2026. Would you and your group benefit from a skills workshop, a fun/social ring or a traveling clinic (a skills workshop that comes to you for a more intimate one-on-one tutorial)? Tell us what you need. Let’s make 2026 about YOU! Please send me an email (westernma.area1@handbellmusicians.org) so we can connect and schedule an event near you.
Audrey Pierce
Western Massachusetts Chair
westernma.area1@handbellmusicians.org
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Hello, New Hampshire Handbell People!
I am the newly appointed NH State Chair. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you and serving as the liaison between you and the Area 1 board. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at nh.area1@handbellmusicians.org if there is anything that the board or I can do to help support any of you. My goal is to help handbell programs continue to thrive throughout the region, at churches, schools, and community groups alike! This year I’m going to set up a beginner/tins workshop in NH.
A little about me: I’ve been ringing for over 35 years in Chelmsford MA, Madison NH, the Big E, folk festivals, and I currently ring at the Moultonborough United Methodist Church, and with the Granite State Ringers (GSR) based in Concord, NH. I used to attend the Massachusetts Spring Rings, but lately due to living in Moultonborough, I’ve been going to the Maine Spring Rings. I love to attend workshops and festivals, meeting up with long time ringer and director friends and meeting new ones, as well as learning how to be a better ringer.
For fun in the summer, I have a quest to kayak the entire shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee including the islands. It will take years! I have hiked all 48 of the 4000+ foot mountains and earned my badge through AMC. Biking new areas is another love. In the winter I like to hike and cross-country ski. I live with my husband Tom, and have two 30+ year old sons and a daughter-in-law.
NH does not yet have a Spring Ring event, but if you are willing to travel, registration is now open for two nearby Spring Rings! The Massachusetts Spring Ring will be held on April 11 in Tewksbury (between Burlington MA and Nashua NH), with Kimberlee Strepka as the clinician, and the Maine Spring Ring will be held on April 11 (yes the same day as MA) in Cumberland (between Portland and Freeport) with Kevin McChesney and Samantha Beschta as the clinicians. More information and registration can be found at the links above. You can register as an individual and be matched with an opening in a choir. These Spring Rings are a great way to connect with other musicians from throughout the region and to get experience performing repertoire that (in some cases) your individual choirs might not be ready to tackle on their own, while also learning from a clinician whom you might not otherwise get to work with. Please join us!
Going forward, I’m hoping that this space in the Fundamental Tone can be used not only to share announcements from the board about upcoming events, but also to share news from each of you. What are the handbell happenings with your group? I can add it to my article. Share pictures of any recent performances. Please don’t hesitate to reach out so that we can all learn more about each other! Let me know what your handbell needs are.
Laurie Kubik
Chair, New Hampshire
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Hello from the Ocean State!
Hopefully you’ve been enjoying the snow, but staying cozy! We are all looking forward to some spring performances and workshops!
Some of our RI ringers attended the UMASS Winter Workshop. This was a fun learning experience. It’s always great reconnecting with ringing friends, and keeping our techniques fresh though the long winter stretch!
Are you looking for a new copper-level ringing opportunity? We are known as the Lil’ Rhody Ringers. We rehearse twice a month at Slatersville Congregational Church in North Smithfield, RI. Contact me if you’d like to join us, be a sub, or have us perform for you or with you!
Do you have a local RI choir or director that should be acknowledged and celebrated? Send me an email! ri.area1@handbellmusicians.org
Upcoming local events:
Cape Cod Spring Ring - Saturday, March 21
MA Spring Ring - Saturday, April 11
RI Ring-a-Palooza Spring Ring - Date to be determined. Stay tuned!
Happy ringing!
Jill Boday
Rhode Island State Chair
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Hello from snowy northern Vermont!
It’s such a blessing to be back in my hometown of Newport, after having recently moved to another state for work. Leaving Vermont over the summer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I truly love Vermont — its weather, its culture, its pace, and its people. So after three months away, I made the decision to move back. I am very excited to be stepping back in to the role of the Vermont State Chair, and helping in any way I can to encourage and support handbell ringing communities within our mostly rural state. I look forward in future newsletters to reporting on what’s happening around Vermont. Thank you to the Area 1 Board members who graciously took me back! Wishing you all a wonderful winter of ringing.
Kimberlee Strepka
Vermont State Chair
vt.area1@handbellmusicians.org
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