As we head into November, we are deep in our autumn routines. With the added challenge of an ongoing pandemic, it is all too easy to limit those routines to our homes and closest family and friends. After all, these individual bubbles are so important in maintaining our well being. But what about our extended handbell community? Are you or your ringers feeling isolated without the usual weekly rehearsal? Is there someone in your church community you haven't heard from in a while? Take a moment today to reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while, and check in with them or let them know how you are doing. Send a message to your Regional Coordinator and tell them what you're up to and how they can support you in these unusual times. Even though most of us are not yet able to meet in person, we do have various virtual events coming up to help you stay connected. Check out your regional news for Table Talks, Virtual Rings, and more!
What community connections can you make this month?
Kendra
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We will be meeting via Zoom on the second Wednesday (7:00 p.m. Pacific Time) and fourth Sunday (3:00 p.m. Pacific Time) of each month to talk about various subjects that apply to our handbell life. If you have topics you would like to suggest, please email Events Chair, Tessique Houston.
Nov. 11, 7:00 - Potpourri
Nov. 22, 3:00 - Potpourri
Meeting ID: 849 5779 5583
Passcode: 209656
or click the link below:
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This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America. |
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For information on LA Metro's concerts, events,
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In some ways, 2020 has really drug on (COVID etc.) and in other ways it has moved way too fast. Soon it will be Thanksgiving. During this forced time of less activity, it has given us time to think about what we are grateful for. And yes, handbells do rank right up there. But also my husband, my family, friends that are considered family, and my French bulldog. But back to the important stuff - handbells.
I have been fortunate to be able to rehearse with my group in smaller numbers and I have been able to play a little more often in church. I have also had the privilege of working on the committee that is presenting Christmas Handbells – Virtual Massed Ring Event on November 21. Our clinician is Alex Guebert. I am grateful that I have gotten to know Alex and John Behnke, the arrangers of our music, a little bit more.
There is still time to join the efforts to make sure that there are handbells in Christmas, no matter our COVID status. (The resultant virtual ensemble pieces may be played in participant’s congregations during Advent and Christmas with no licensing issues.)
Registration is open, part assignment guidance is available, and the director’s notes should be available shortly. The First Noel by John Behnke and Carol of the Bells by Alex Guebert are available digitally, so you don’t have to wait for the Post Office. Our event website can be found at http://area12.handbellmusicians.org/christmas-handbells/. Help handbells bring people closer to Jesus Christ our Savior, this Advent and Christmas season.
On Thursday, November 5 at 6:30 pm you can join the LA Metro Happy Hour. We will check in on how everyone is doing and if you are ringing, as well as discuss any questions regarding Christmas Handbells participation.
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to submit your event
for listing!
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The National Guild has changed the way they do renewals, so be sure to check out all the membership options and benefits HERE.
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For information on Southern California concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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Hi there, SoCal --
Isn't it weird how this year seems to be flying by, while at the same time it feels like it's still March? According to the calendar, it's March 245th, but it's all "Blursday" to me.
My church bell choir is not meeting in person (no groups at my church are), but I have put together some virtual hymn projects for my ringers and the church choir, and we are currently working on a bells-only piece for Christmas Eve. I've also had some same-family ringers do some small ensemble pieces and I am really proud of their enthusiasm and willingness to try something new -- and they sound great, too!
I am very excited to be working on the "LA Metro Christmas Handbells — Virtual Massed Ring Event." I hope you will register and participate in the event, because the committee is really going all-out to make it a wonderful experience for everyone. If you haven't yet, please head over to http://area12.handbellmusicians.org/christmas-handbells/ and read all about it, then register and tell all your ringing friends to register, too.
Please let me know if I can help you with anything handbell-related. I am here for YOU.
Stay safe & healthy this fall!
My best,
-Michèle
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ONE STEP FORWARD……
THEN TWO STEPS BACK!
The Carillons here in Redding have been busy preparing songs for both online church services and in person services. We played at one of our sponsor churches last Sunday wearing masks, and social distancing. We were supposed to lead in person worship on Reformation Sunday and had 4 songs ready to go when the Pastor had to cancel in person worship because all of a sudden Shasta County went from Orange Tier to Purple Tier. We quickly scrambled and recorded those songs so we could still celebrate Reformation via online services. It appears that we will remain in Purple for at least a month so now what? Since we can play outside we do have options: 4 ringers, 8 bells, 4 music stands, clothespins; haul bell tables and bell equipment and play outdoors with lots of clothespins; or take a brief break until we can resume inside rehearsals. Between the hot, dry winds and the smoke from the wildfires, it does present a challenge. But we are up to the challenge because bell ringing is more than just ringing--- it is fellowship which is something we all need right now!
Your Far Northern California Liaison
Nancy Schmitt
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For information on Northern California concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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For information on Central California concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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Greetings, CenCal!
I hope some of y'all are able to start ringing again. And it would be great to hear if anyone has decided to learn to solo ring during this time of isolation.
For every potential/already solo ringer who contacts me, I will send a free solo arrangement. Who will respond?
Happy Ringing!
Christine
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For information on Northern Nevada concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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Howdy!
So, Tintab Chamber Ringers is still in the process of trying out our new schedule—we take two rehearsals to learn four songs and then we record them. Here's a link to one of the songs, "Peal con Brio" by Karen Thompson.
It's pretty intense learning music that quickly, especially being in a different rehearsal space and being socially distanced makes for a real challenge to play as an ensemble! We have two new ringers in this set; Autumn who hasn't touched an instrument in a couple of years, and Jonathan who hasn't rung bells before except in a teachers' workshop. They're doing a marvelous job being thrown into the deep end!
Speaking of a different rehearsal space, we were really scrambling to try to find a big enough place since our regular space is a church that isn't back open yet. We're very grateful that the theater Derek Nance works/volunteers at was open to letting us rehearse there. As a silver lining, we get to record on stage with all the lighting and other theater accouterments!
Barb
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Teachers, would you like the use of a 3-octave set of handbells or handchimes to add interest and a new dimension to your music class?
Area 12 encourages schools and other educational institutions, both public and private, to develop educational programs using handbells and handchimes.
To support the development of such programs, Area 12 has two 3-octave sets of handbells and three 3-octave sets of handchimes for loan.
To learn more about the responsibilities and procedures for participating in this program, click here.
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A full-service handbell store
with music and accessories:
gloves
gifts
maintenance items
mallets
binders
bell tree items
Malmark products
visit us at
612-208-1741
877-426-3235
6603 Queen Ave S, Suite S
Richfield, MN 55423
4/21
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For information on NorCal concerts, events, and other opportunities,
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For information on Hawaii concerts, events, and other opportunities,
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For information on Southern Nevada concerts, events, and other opportunities,
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For information on Bay Area concerts, events, and other opportunities, click here.
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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.
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