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   The Twelfth Tone
 
Area 12 Newsletter                                                              Septem ber 2018

In This Issue
From the Chair
Communiqué
Southern Nevada
LA Metro
Southern California
Northern California
Hawaii
Central California
Northern Nevada
San Francisco Bay Area
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Advertising Rates for the 
2018 Publishing Year

The Twelfth Tone is published the first of each month, except July, by Area 12 of the Handbell Musicians of America (The Guild). The Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication. The editor of this publication reserves the right to reject or modify copy.

Advertising Rates: 

We offer two different ad types

1.(a) Ad designed and formatted by you that is exactly 150 pixels X 300 pixels and sent in a jpeg or gif file. The ad will by hyperlinked to your website.
$10/issue                    $54/6 issues 
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1.(b) Ad designed and formatted by you that is exactly 150 pixels X 600 pixels and sent in a jpeg or gif file. The ad will by hyperlinked to your website.
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2.(a) 1.5" X 4" ad 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 to be formatted by the editor.
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Payment is due before publication.
Submission DEADLINE is the 20th of each month.
No issue in July.

Please submit your ads via email to
Barbara Meinke, Communications Director
 

Message from the Chair -
Scott Leggett

Hello Area 12!

I'm done! Kind of a bummer, yet it's also exciting. Join me in welcoming Scott Leggett, our new Chair! I look forward to his leadership and I'm excited to see where he will take us in these next two years!

As I transition to the Past-Chair position, I have been cleaning up my files and email. That has brought me some great chances to reflect on my two years as Chair. What a wonderful time! I thank you all for allowing me to serve you in this way and I am grateful my service can continue in my new roll. I am looking forward to the new things I will be working on. And, of course, I still look forward to seeing my friends, and meeting and making new ones, at many of our Area 12 events - I will get to as many as I can!

So, I could say "Goodbye, Area 12!" but it's not really goodbye.  It's a lot more like "See you on the flip side!"

Until next time,

Tessique Houston
Past-Chair


Hello Area 12!   

Graduation season may be over, but your Area 12 board has a "graduation" every Fall in even numbered years when elections are held and the Chair-Elect becomes Chair for the following two years. I am very excited to be the "New Grad" in this position and I'm looking forward to two years of leading our board to support all our members and widen our circle of new ringers and HMA members.

My theme for the next two years for Area 12 is "Support and Growth." Support comes in many shapes and sizes: board support of our ringing community of both individuals and organizations and churches, individuals supporting each other in their ringing with encouragement and fellowship, and everyone supporting our local ensembles by making efforts to attend concerts and services. Growth, as well, comes in a variety of ways: by personally inviting friends and new acquaintances to discover the joy of ringing, working to increase attendance at concerts, workshops, and services, and giving or offering sub-memberships to ringers in your bell choirs which can keep them connected to the larger organization and all it has to offer.

Your board and I especially want to hear from you. What can we do as a board to support you? What can I do for you in support and growth? If you have an idea for a workshop or event, big or very small, let us know and we will help make it happen. The hardest part of putting on events is getting a venue to host, so if you have a place and an idea, your board and I will do whatever we can to put it on.

Please check your mail for our election ballots for the new board positions and bylaws revision and return them as soon as possible. 

Lastly, I have a job for all of you in our Support and Growth theme: please check the calendar of upcoming events and attend one or more of them. And remember   post your own concerts and events; it's very easy. One thing it seems we are all short of is time, but we need make the effort to support each other, and with that growth will come.

Until next time,

Scott Leggett
Chair
chair.area12@handbellmusicians.org

Note: Scott, Tess, & Michèle will be keeping their current ChairElect, Chair, and PastChair emails until the conclusion of this year's election. Look for changes in next month's issue!
Election News
  
2018 Area 12 Election update!

Ballots are on their way to you now for the 2018 Area 12 election!

T his year, our members will not only choose our three Elected Officers (Chair-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer), but will also vote for an important Bylaws revision. Basic information about the election and the Bylaws revision is included in the ballot packet you will receive. Detailed information about the candidates as well as the full text of both the current Bylaws and the proposed Bylaws revision is available for you to see here .

Be sure to read all that information, fill out your pre-addressed ballot, affix 35-cents postcard postage, and get it into the mail. Ballots must be POSTMARKED no later than October 1, 2018, in order to  be counted, so please don't delay in returning your ballot.

Every vote counts! 

If you do not receive your ballot by September 15 or if there are errors with your name, address, or other information on the materials sent to you, please contact Michele Sharik ASAP by phone at 760-868-5408 or email at:
Communiqué - Barbara Meinke
 
 
Area 12's Patty Marquart
Scholarship winner, Kristi  VanKeersbilck, shares
 
National Seminar from a
First Timer's Perspective
 
So here's my story in a nutshell - like many of you, I never really intended to be a bell director. It was a happy accident, or maybe kismet. I had been laid off from my job as a music therapist at the same time my church's bell choir director moved out of state. The timing seemed too good to be true. My friend Connie would call it a "God moment." I took the job and fifteen years later, I am still the Director of Bells at Camarillo United Methodist Church, now with 5 choirs, ranging in age from 4 years old to adult.
I enjoy leading our choirs - choosing music, rehearsing, teaching, and performing. But I was never really taught HOW to lead a bell choir. I knew about music, of course, but I didn't know much about handbells. So I faked it - for YEARS. And I am a pretty good faker - I have a lot of people fooled that I know what I am doing! But there comes a time when, if you are really serious about your art, you want to take it to the next level. I started looking for opportunities to grow.
That was when I learned about Handbell Musicians of America's National Seminar in Michigan - near where my parents live - and the Patty Marquart Scholarship offered by Area 12 . I applied for the scholarship, knowing it would be a stretch for me to attend without some financial assistance, and was thrilled to hear I had been selected. Off to Michigan!
The HMA National Seminar was amazing! I got to hear two wonderful concerts every day by fabulous bell choirs and directors, meet some of the "celebrities" of the bell world (David Weck! Kevin McChesney! Jason Krug!), and network with other directors who have the same challenges I do (How do you recruit players? What bell part do you give to your weakest ringer? And how do you work with that ringer that just can't find the beat?). I was such a bell geek - I took notes during the concerts about the music, the ringers' technique (and "choreography"), and the director's style and technique. I also went to many wonderful, informative, and inspiring classes during the four days I was there. I got conducting tips from Joy Toll-Chandler, learned about bass bells from Nick Hanson, got ideas about using bells in worship from Beth Judd, and even learned a little arranging from Christian Guebert. Since I work with four kids' choirs, I also attended workshops by Griff Gall and Sandy Mullaney about fun ways to teach music and bells to kids. I even got to play with a bell choir conducted by Michèle Sharik, where I enjoyed being able to play bells again as well as learn from Michèle as a conductor.
It was a fabulous week and I came home refreshed and revitalized, with a notebook full of new ideas and things to share with my bell choirs. I am very happy I learned about the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar and I can't wait to go again! I am also very thankful to Area 12 for the Patty Marquart Scholarship which enabled me to go. It was truly a blessing and a "God moment." I can't wait for bell choir to start so I can share all of these great ideas!
Kristi VanKeersbilck
Camarillo United Methodist Church



Barbara Meinke
Communications Director/The Twelfth Tone
IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!

Come one, come all!
This is the perfect workshop for you - YES, YOU!

  • Never stood in front of a group but think you might in the future?
  • You're a ringer who wants to know what goes on in your director's head?
  • Been directing for a few years and want some more resources?  
  • Been directing FOREVER but you know you gotta keep learning?
  • Want to get Handbell Certification but not sure you're ready for the conducting section?

That's right, this is for YOU!

The curriculum is based on the requirements for Level I Certification in Conducting and is built to be flexible to allow the clinicians to really give each participant the ability to grow from wherever they are.

We will work with score study, rehearsal techniques, and conducting. All participants will be encouraged to conduct so they can get feedback.

TWO opportunities for you to participate!

Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9:00-3:00
Los Altos UMC, Long Beach, CA

Saturday, September 29, 2018, 9:00-3:00
Walnut Creek UMC, Walnut Creek, CA

Both with clinicians Tessique Houston and Barb Walsh

Get these on your calendars now!

$85 for members of Handbell Musicians of America
$100 for non-members
Southern Nevada - Alison Pruett

Hey, Southern Nevada ringers!

In case you missed the announcement a couple weeks ago, for the first time ever, the Area 12 biennial conference is going to be here in Las Vegas in July 2020! It will feature clinicians from around the country with massed ringing and lots of classes. There will even be a Youth Conference for all our young ringers out there! It's been a long time since we've had something like this in Southern Nevada. There will be lots of notices over the next couple of years to keep you informed about this and other events. Keep checking the Area 12 webpage and the Twelfth Tone for details. There will be opportunities to volunteer and teach classes. If you want to get involved, please let me know. Planning is already beginning and help is needed and appreciated. It's never too early to get ready!


It's not too late for this! Think of it as a prep course!

 
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Grace Presbyterian Church
Las Vegas, NV

And if that isn't enough, there's this!

The 24th Las Vegas
clinician - Michael Glasgow
 
January 11 - 12, 2019
Boulder City Recreation Center
Details and registration packages are available at  www.harmonyhandbells.com/festival

These events are endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America

Alison Pruett
For information on Southern Nevada's concerts, events,
and other opportunities,  click here .

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Los Angeles Metro - COULD BE YOU!

Our recent LA Metro Regional Coordinator, Thomas Simpson, has decided to step down from his role for Area 12. We are thankful for Thomas's great enthusiasm for handbells and his creativity. He organized the past two successful Spring Rings in LA Metro and his presence on the board will be missed.
If you or someone you know in the LA Metro area would like to be more involved in guild activities, please do reach out to anyone on the board. We would be happy to talk with you or them about what is involved in serving the Board and LA Metro and give our full support to you. In the meantime, during our search, Michèle Sharik, our SoCal Regional Coordinator, has graciously offered to cover LA Metro for the time being. Please feel free to reach out to her for any LA Metro needs using the email address below.

Saturday, September 22
1:00 - 3:30 p.m. - workshop
6:00 p.m. - concert
($5 at the door. Free with workshop registration)

Westchester United Methodist Church
8065 Emerson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90045
 
This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America

And then in Santa Clarita
 
Bellfest 2018
20 th Year!
 
Saturday November 3
Concert at 4:00 p.m. - $8
The Master's University, Santa Clarita, CA

featuring Christine Anderson
clinician and performer in a solo mini-concert!

For more information about the festival or the concert, contact  Claire Blackwell,  The Master's University School of
Music,  cblackwell@masters.edu 661-362-2258
For information on LA Metro's concerts, events,
and other opportunities,  click here.
  
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Southern California - Michèle Sharik

Hey there SoCal --

I hope you've had a good August and have been finding ways to keep cool in all this heat! 

As fall approaches, I could use some help from YOU:

1) Area 12 is collecting lists of the repertoire used at Area and Regional festivals. Do any of you have programs from any of the SoCal Spring Rings from 2010 and earlier? Programs from any other Area 12 event are also welcome! If you have any, please email me and let me know what you have. 

2) Area 12 is looking into holding our 2024 Area Conference in the San Diego area. Do any of you have any experience with any of the conference venues in the area? Even if all you have is an opinion on venues you like, I want to hear it! 2024 seems like a long time from now, but now is the time to gather information, see what our options are, and get the ball rolling, so please help me out. Email me  and let me know what you think.

Speaking of Area 12 events, go check out the SoCal page and see what's happening this fall -- and don't forget to send me your event information (concerts, workshops, fund-raisers, even "just" playing in church) or submit it yourself. I'd love to see the SoCal calendar be FULL of events every month! I know you guys are doing stuff out there - let me know about it!

Timbré in Concert
Saturday, October 13
7:00 p.m.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
1450 S Melrose Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056
Concert admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted

Until next month,

Michèle Sharik
 
For information on Southern California's concerts,  events,
and other opportunities,  click here .  
    
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COMPOSITION CONTEST
 
The Area 12 Composition Contest
has returned!  

The Handbell Musicians of America Area 12 Composition Contest strives to expand the handbell repertoire with interesting and accessible compositions,while providing a tool for learning and enjoyment at the Area's biennial conference. T he winning composition will be performed at Red, White, and Bells!

Summary of the Rules
  • Composition Contest applicants need not be a member of Handbell Musicians of America.
  • Only one composition will be chosen.
  • Composition may be for Division A, B, C, or Combined Massed Choir.
  • Compositions may or may not add additional secondary instruments.
  • The winning Composition Contest entry shall be considered for publication.
  • If the adjudication panel deems no piece acceptable, no prize shall be awarded.
  • All compositions must be received no later than February 28, 2019.
We invite interested composers to visit the Composition Contest page on our website for full details. 

Have questions?

Northern California - Sandi Walker-Tansley
 
The Redding Handbell Festival is a great way to begin your bell season!

It is open to entire bell choirs, small groups, and individual  ringers. You may attend only the classes, only the massed ringing, or both. Ringers who want to stretch  their ringing ability by playing more challenging music may sign up to ring in the Red Zone.

There will be a  concert at 4:30 p.m., open to the public, which will feature the massed choir as well as soloists, quartets,  trios, a bell tree duet, and individual bell choir solos. There will be bell products and music from the reading session for sale.

Come experience the fun and fellowship of ringing with other ringers! For  registration materials, click on the blue title below.  Register now!
 
  
Saturday, October 13
Simpson University
Redding, CA

Massed director: Mary Balkow
Red Zone Bronze director: Barb Walsh
Registration fee per person: $35.00

Classes Offered: Beginning Bell Trees, Bell Maintenance,
Basic Techniques and More, Reading Session (purchase that music the same day), Tips for a More Productive Rehearsal, Percussion Instruments Used with Handbells

This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America

Sandi Walker-Tansley

For information on Northern California's concerts, events,  and other opportunities,  click here !
Hawaii - Karen Carlisle
Karen Carlisle
 
Aloha Ring

I am please to announce Tammy Waldrop, from Houston, Texas, will be visiting Hawaii to lead our annual workshop. 



Saturday,October 13
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Aiea United Methodist Church
Aiea, HI


Contact me for more information or to register!
Come and join us for the fun!

This event is endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America

Karen Carlisle

For information on Hawaii's concerts, events,
and other opportunities,  click here .
Central California - Christine Anderson

It's Fall - yay!

I hope this has been a relaxing, fun summer and y'all are ready to plunge into the school/ringing year. Did you take advantage of any handbell events and come back with lots of fresh ideas?

I don't know of any workshops coming up in CenCal this fall, but if you know of one or would be interested in hosting one, please get in touch with me and let's see how we can make it happen!

I've heard there are quite a few handbell sets smoldering in church closets, unrung and gathering tarnish. If you know of abandoned bells, would you please find out if the owners might be interested in a B ack-to-Bells  kind of workshop? Or would they donate/loan/sell their bells to an organization who would love to ring them? Your board members would be glad to help!

Maintenance tip of the month: squeaky bell? Try a drop or two of "Super-lube" in the clapper mechanism. It comes in a small tube and it's easy to apply. 

Happy Ringing!

Christine Anderson

For information on Central California's concerts, events,
and other opportunities,  click here .
Northern Nevada - Barb Walsh

Howdy!

If you've never been to the Zephyr Point Handbell Conference on the shores of Lake Tahoe, you need to go! Friends, bells, and nature - what more do you need?



Hope to see you there next year!!

Barbara Walsh
For information on Northern Nevada's concerts, events,
and other opportunities,  click here
San Fransisco Bay Area - Kendra Scott

Hi Bay Area!

I've been ringing bells since age 11. I somehow convinced my high school music teacher to let me direct a choir of my peers in 12th grade, with all the confidence and expertise of a 17 year old that knew "everything." Once I began teaching, I started student bell choirs at the middle school where I work. I didn't become a director of a community ensemble until 2013. Much of what I know about directing I figured out on my own, but some very intelligent people along the way encouraged me to attend directors' workshops, so I did that. I learned so much about conducting, and connecting with my ensemble. The great thing about a director's workshop is that no matter what you do or don't know, you find out that 1) you're not alone, 2) there's always something more to learn, and 3) you'll develop such an important connection with the other attendees that can be life changing.

Check out one of Area 12's upcoming Director's Workshops on Sept. 8 (SoCal) or Sept. 29 (NorCal). Whether you're just starting out or have been directing for decades, you'll want to attend this!  And w hat better time than the start of a new ringing season? Think of all the neat tips and tricks you will take home to your ringers!

Happy ringing! (and directing!)

Kendra Scott

For information on San Francisco  Bay Area's concerts, events,  and other opportunities,  click here .

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