Greetings, Area 12 — 

I hope all of you have had a great start to your ringing season! My church group has even played in worship once already and is preparing for this month's offering, as well as Advent and Christmas.

Since the last time I wrote to you, your Board gathered in Livermore (some via Zoom) to hold our biannual meeting. We heard reports from all around the Area, made decisions about some things that we had been working on, spent some time over meals to get to know each other a bit better, and spent a good bit of time talking about next year’s Area conference Neon City Rhythms (affectionately known as “NCR”). 

We are offering NCR sponsorship opportunities to members and vendors! Each sponsor will be prominently recognized in the event program, on our website, and in person at the event.

Here are some of the things you can sponsor:

• A class room for $300 or a class for $100
• The conductor’s podium for $100
• Snacks for the attendees for $300
• The massed ring for $500
• The Director’s Seminar for $500
• The clinician’s meals for $200

Last weekend, I flew to Phoenix, AZ, to attend a concert by a new group in Chandler called “Bells Beyond.” They commissioned and premiered ten new works for handbells. (I’m don’t think that has ever been done before!) Some of the composers had previously written for handbells others had not. Three of the composers were from Area 12. Jim Meredith of Oakland (Artistic Director of Sonos) wrote the opening piece Gather Us In, which featured cello, chimes, singing bells, and water bells, as well as audience participation; Michael Roth of Los Angeles wrote the second piece Conflagration, the highlight of which was a back-and-forth “battle” between groups of ringers, mirroring the conflict in today’s world; and UC San Diego PhD student Daniel Cui wrote Echo of a Soft Touch, a lovely tribute to a friend who had passed away. Three of the composers were from Phoenix, AZ, and others hailed from Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.

As always, reach out to a board member if you need anything. We'd love to hear from you!

Happy ringing!

Greetings,

We had a great time with Barb Walsh at the Director's Workshop a few weeks ago! We had eight directors who ranged from beginners to experienced handbell musicians who all learned a lot about handbell directing. 

Now our focus turns to the holidays and the Las Vegas Twelfth Night Handbell Festival! Brian Childers is our guest clinician this year. Keep in mind that most of the repertoire for Twelfth Night is appropriate for church or concert performances during the holiday season. We already have folks registering for Twelfth Night. It's never too soon to get your registration in. All details of this sponsored event can be found at harmonyhandbells.com/festival. Hope to see you all there!



Alison Pruett

Hello, Nor Cal!

Coming October 18, 2025, is the Redding Handbell Festival. It will be held at Redding Christian Fellowship, 2157 Victor Ave., Redding, CA. You can get more information or register by contacting Nancy Schmitt at schmitt@awwwsome.com or 530-275-4770.

Is there anyone in the Sacramento area who would like to host a bell event, a workshop, or a day of just ringing music, please let me know. I am willing to help with the event or answer any questions that you might have. You can reach me at cindyksiazek@yahoo.com