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Volume 20 • Issue 1 • New Year 2026
Notes from the Chair
Happy New Year!
2026 is in full ring! February and March are some of my favorite months because they hold most of our Area 11 events. This month we have our annual Read and Ring where handbell musicians gather together to sight reading music and connect in each of our states. March is the month of Spring Rings where you have an opportunity to learn from an incredible clinician and spend a day connecting with ringers from around your state. Time is flying by and these events will be here before you know it! Deadlines are approaching quickly, so here’s a quick list with hyperlinks to the webpage to sign up:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Area 11 Read & Ring
Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Utah Spring Ring featuring Brenda Austin
Saturday, March 21, 2026 – Colorado Spring Ring featuring Tammy Freeman
Saturday, March 28, 2026 – New Mexico Spring Ring featuring Gillian Erlenborn
Saturday, March 28, 2026 – Arizona Spring Ring featuring Shannon Casey
May 15 – 16, 2026 – Wyoming Spring Ring featuring Brian Childers
June 11 – 14, 2026 – Area 11 Ringing Up! Festival in Loveland, Colorado
The last event on this list is our Area 11 Ringing Up! Festival in Loveland, Colorado. Our Events Coordinator, Board of Directors, and Festival Team has been working hard since last spring to plan an incredible Area 11 Festival. We’ve added tons of new opportunities like an All-Star Choir, Conducting Master Class, and Youth Sponsorships just to name a few. We are still looking for faculty members and have a few spots left for the Conducting Master Class, so if you haven’t signed up, I highly recommend signing up TODAY.
A new year also brings a new opportunity! At our meeting in September, our Board of Directors agreed to introduce an areawide Youth Workshop event to our 2026-2027 year in order to better serve the youth ringers in our Area. Before we roll it out to the Area, we are going to pilot the event in Arizona. This one-day workshop will be on April 18, 2026 at Greenfield Elementary School in Gilbert, AZ with Anne Kelley as the clinician. The youth ringers are going to have a similar format as a Spring Ring with a few handbell activities and games intertwined into the rehearsals. If you live in Arizona and want to support this event, the concert will be at 3:00 pm. You can find more information in the flyer attached below.
The beginning of the year is when we start planning our board leadership. Our next newsletter will have information about our upcoming Election to nominate a Chair-Elect and Treasurer for 2026 – 2028. If you are interested in serving or have someone who might be a great candidate for our board, please send me an email at: [email protected].
It is going to be an amazing year for Area 11. Happy New Year and Happy Ringing!
Love and Bells,
Anne Kelley
Chair Elect
2026 Resolution
I’ve basically given up on New Year’s resolutions, as most times I don’t even get started on them. But I do have one I’m keeping in 2026 – Meet people in Area 11.
One of the things I first noticed about our five state area is how many handbell events there are – in 2026 there 16 just from HMA! I’ll be attending as many as budget and schedule allow – here’s my list so far:
- Feb 21: Colorado Read & Ring, Fort Collins
- Feb 28: Southern Colorado Handbell Festival, Colorado Springs
- Mar 14: Utah Spring Ring, Kaysville, UT
- Mar 21: Colorado Spring Ring, Englewood, CO
And, of course, the Area 11 Festival in June!
You have until March 1st to register at the early bird rate, which includes breakfast (with registration at the Embassy Suites), two lunches and two dinners, plus massed ringing, ringing tracks, workshops and three concerts.
Why should you attend the festival or any ringing event? Those experiences offer benefits to your physical and mental well being.
From Harvard Health (https://tinyurl.com/yhb4m6pe):
Music activates just about all of the brain
Music has been shown to activate some of the broadest and most diverse networks of the brain. Of course, music activates the auditory cortex in the temporal lobes close to your ears, but that’s just the beginning. The parts of the brain involved in emotion are not only activated during emotional music, they are also synchronized. Music also activates a variety of memory regions. And, interestingly, music activates the motor system. In fact, it has been theorized that it is the activation of the brain’s motor system that allows us to pick out the beat of the music even before we start tapping our foot to it!
Music keeps your brain networks strong
So just how does music promote well-being, enhance learning, stimulate cognitive function, improve quality of life, and even induce happiness? The answer is, because music can activate almost all brain regions and networks, it can help to keep a myriad of brain pathways and networks strong, including those networks that are involved in well-being, learning, cognitive function, quality of life, and happiness. In fact, there is only one other situation in which you can activate so many brain networks all at once, and that is when you participate in social activities.
I italicized that last line, because a handbell event IS a social activity!
And the physical – need we say it? Pumping bronze in rehearsal and workshops and walking from your room to the convention center, sprinting back to the room for the gloves you forgot and back to the convention center, wandering outside for a Colorado sunshine break and trudging back to your room to sleep.
I look forward to meeting you at an event in the next 5 months where we all can revel in the music and community.
Until next time, just keep on ringing!
Sharon Schmidt
Upcoming Events
Spring Ring
Don’t miss out on 2026 Spring Ring!
Each state in Area 11 hosts an annual Spring Ring event.
Spring Ring is a massed ringing event with a masterful clinician. Registration can be as a group or individual.
★ What is it?
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- It’s Area 11’s state handbell festival, held annually in the spring.
- A nationally-recognized clinician conducts the rehearsals and provides insights on musicianship and handbell techniques to take your ringing to the next level.
- The culmination of the festival is a free concert open to the public.
★ Who is it for?
-
- The event is open to any handbell ringer who registers and can make the drive to the location!
- Area 11 includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah, but there is no need to limit participation according to where you may be located.
★ What do I need to bring?
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- Your bells (orphan ringers can be squeezed in with another choir), gloves, mallets, tables with baby socks to cover the feet, pads, and music stands.
- Wear whatever you are comfortable in for the rehearsals, but bring your concert attire for the Saturday evening concert.
- Your Spring Ring music – no photocopies are allowed!
★ What is the music?
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- The repertoire is listed in the registration form. Please order it well in advance so you will have time to practice and become familiar before the festival.
★ Anything else?
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- Hydrate well throughout the day, do some stretching, be courteous to others, be attentive to the clinician, and most importantly… HAVE FUN!
Please see your state’s webpage for information on the clinican, music selection, and date.
Arizona
March 28, 2026
Clinician: Shannon Casey
Location: Chandler, AZ
Colorado
March 21, 2026
Clinician: Tammy Freeman
Location: Englewood, CO
New Mexico
March 28, 2026
Clinician: Gillian Erlenborn
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Utah
March 14, 2026
Clinician: Brenda Austin
Location: Kaysville, UT
Wyoming
May 15-16, 2026
Clinician: Brian Childers
Location; Casper, WY
For questions, please contact our Desert or Mountain Area Chairs.
More Information
Ringing Up! Festival 2026!!
June 11-14, 2026 in Loveland, CO
Don’t forget to register by February 28th!! All registrations after this date will have a late registration fee added.
Area 11 Ringing Up Festival will feature Dave Harris as our clinician. It will be hosted at the Embassy Suites Loveland Convention Center. This beautiful facility is located with a view of the Rocky Mountains and is located just an hour away from scenic Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Regular registration deadline is February 28, 2026 (Late registration for a higher fee open until May 1, 2026).
What is a Festival? A festivals is a gathering of handbell musicians who love the instrument, the music it makes, and the community it creates. The Area XI 2026 Festival begins in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 11 and ends by 12 noon on Sunday, June 15. There are two main components:
Ringing together – (massed ringing). We offer 3 ringing tracks of music difficulty, with each rehearsing and performing two selections. In addition, there are two selections that all the participants perform together. You’ll purchase the music and practice your part prior to arrival.
Workshops. A variety of workshops cover topics for both ringers and directors. Participants can attend up to three workshops.
Each of these components encourages ringers to learn, share, and be in community.
Coming to festival is easy – all you have to bring is your music, binder, gloves, mallets for assigned position, and final concert attire. Bells, chimes, foam, and covers are provided!
When you submit your registration, you’ll choose your ringing track and indicate your ringing range preference (low bass, bass, battery, treble, high treble). You’ll receive your assignment prior to Festival.
If you’re coming in a group, you’ll be placed among other ringers. Cherish this opportunity to share your love of ringing with someone new!
Please visit the Festival Website for more information.
Things to Note about the 2026 Ringing Up! Festival
- Pre- Festival Conductor’s Master Class – Our Ringing Up! Festival 2026 will offer an optional Pre-Festival Conducting Master Class on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 12:30 – 3:00 pm. This pre-festival event will allow 10 conductors the opportunity to spend 10-15 minutes working on 1 music selection of your own choice with Dave Harris. Conductors will need to bring a piece of music to work on with at least 10 copies for the ringers and clinician. There will be three types of participants: Conductors, Ringers, and Observers. This experience is limited to 10 Conductors, 13 Ringers, and there is no limit of Observers. Participants must be registered for the Festival in order to participate. Space is limited and first-come, first-serve. (Additional Fees Apply) Application
- Aluminum All-Star Choir – This high-level Aluminum All-Star Choir is by application only and will be in addition to your regular ringing track. Additional application-only choir. Extra rehearsals on schedule! Application deadline February 28, 2026. Application is NOT a guarantee of placement. Application
- Scholarships Available – There are up to 10 scholarships for Festival available by application.
Requirements
- Must be a Handbell Musicians of America Member
- Must reside within an Area 11 State: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
- Must be a first-time attendee to an Area 11 Festival
- Must be registered for the 2026 Ringing Up! Festival in Loveland, Colorado
These scholarships can help defray the cost of festival. Application
For more information, contact our events chair.
**NEW** Youth Only Workshop
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 9:45 am-4:00 pm
Location: Greenfield Elementary, Gator Hall Multipurpose Room
2550 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Clinician: Anne Kelley
$20.00 per Ringer
★ What is it?
- This is a short, one-day workshop for youth ringers to perform in a massed-ringing setting. Ringers will have a chance to connect with other youth ringers, learn new repertoire, and share their progress with a free concert at 3:00 pm, open to the public.
- A nationally-recognized clinician conducts the rehearsals and provides insights on musicianship and handbell techniques to take your ringing to the next level.
★ Where is it?
- The Workshop is going to be held at Greenfield Elementary School in Gilbert, Arizona. Students will rehearse in Gator Hall (the Cafeteria/Gym/Multi-Purpose Room) and have lunch outside on picnic tables and the playground. The address is: 2550 E Elliot Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234
★ Who is it for?
- The event is open to any YOUTH handbell ringer who registers and can make the drive to the location!
- It is recommended that youth participants be between the ages of 7-17 and have basic handbell experience.
- Area 11 includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah, but there is no need to limit participation according to where you may be located.
Other News
Allured New Composers Initiative
The New Composers Initiative: Growing the Next Generation of Handbell Composers
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/
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@
Volunteerism
Handbell Musicians of America and Area 11, like most organizations, runs mostly on amazing volunteers. We appreciate everyone who volunteers or assists in any capacity with Area 11. An article from HMA’s Overtones in 2023 really struck a chord with some of our board members and we would like to share this great article about volunteering with our members.
by Greig Ashurst
https://handbellmembers.org/article/finding-your-place-to-contribute/
Bulletin Board
ISO Director - Community Methodist Church, Ogden UT
Community United Methodist Church in Ogden Utah is seeking a new Director of our Bell Choir(s) due to the retirement of our current director; The Handbell Director is responsible for leading and developing the church’s handbell choir(s). This role includes musical direction, rehearsal planning and collaboration with church staff to enhance worship. We currently hold weekly practices on Tuesday evenings, August to May. The Director will lead performances during worship services and special services (e.g. Easter, Christmas). Organize and direct a Christmas and Spring concerts. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, basic music literacy, ability to work with volunteers (varying skill levels), strong organizational and communication skills, Experience directing or playing handbells is desired, but not required. Interested applicants are invited to email [email protected] for more information or to submit a resume,
ISO Handbell Director Church at Litchfield Park, AZ
The Church at Litchfield Park is seeking a handbell director starting this fall. Our historic church with great acoustics for handbells is located in a beautiful suburb, west of Phoenix, just across the street from the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park. Rehearsals are once per week and we play during worship once a month, plus Christmas Eve. We have a five octave set of handbells, plus chimes. Members of our two handbell choirs are experienced and dedicated ringers. The handbell music library has an extensive selection of music to select from. Our director retired and we would love to be able to start up again in September. If interested, contact the church at 624-935-3411 or by email at [email protected].
ISO Bell Choir Director Good Shepherd United Methodist Church - Thornton, CO
Come join the amazing bell ringers at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Thornton, CO. Our current director is retiring after 25 years of service, and we want you to help us continue this amazing ministry of music.
Bell Choir meets August through May, with practice once per week. Currently, practice is Thursday night at 6pm. The bell choir plays every third Sunday on average at both the 9:00 contemporary and the 10:30 traditional services. There are a few special events, too, such as Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and cantata services as needed. There are 13+ members and five octaves of bells! The participants are delightful and ready to continue to ring.
The bell choir director is budgeted at $5000 over eight months. The current bell choir director estimates between 5-8 hours per week in preparation and in leading the group.
Please contact the church at 303-457-9267 or email [email protected] for information or to set a time to come meet us!
ISO: Director for Church Ensemble in Salt Lake City, UT
Our handbell choir of 12 people needs a new director! We rehearse on Monday nights 7-8:30 and play in church on the third Sunday morning of the month from September through May, We have 5 octaves of bells and a fun group. The church is at 17th and 17th. There is a stipend for this position. Interested? Please call Lisa Vitkus @ 216-965-5605 or email at [email protected].
ISO: Ringers at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sandy, UT
Have you been looking for a bell choir? Well, we’re looking for you! We’re a church choir located in Sandy, Utah, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We have all levels of experience some members have been part of the choir for over 15 years, others just 5. We usually ring L2+ -L3 pieces with a 12 ringer ensemble, but we’ve shrunk! Due to illnesses, moving out of the area, and retirements, we now have a 7-member choir. We have five octaves of bells, and three of chimes. We’ve been playing 2-octave material but we yearn to get back to those full-bodied songs! Our 4 and 5 octaves of bells are feeling abandoned! Please help us let our bells know we love them and want to get them singing again! We practice at the church every Monday, from 6 – 7:15 pm, except during the summer. Ages 14 and up, with the ability to read music are welcome! Please call Kate McGuire at (925) 435-0096 and leave a message with your name and number. Or call Good Shepherd at (801) 255-8181.
Looking forward to ringing in 2025 with you!
Kate
Handbell Tables for Sale -Denver, CO
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2 Wood handbell tables. 30″x36″ rectangle, independently adjustable legs. Portable with folding legs. Free Schulmerick Case D 4th Octave for G3-B3 and C#7-G7. Perfect condition both inside and outside of the case. No wheels
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Joyfully Ring!
National Seminar 2026
Go Goetta Deal is available now through December 31st.
Dates: July 14-18, 2026
Location: Cinncinati, Ohio
Handbell Musicians of America will host our 2026 National Seminar at the Sharonville Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 14 – 18. We return to our more traditional format for this event, with one additional day, more shopping hours in Handbell Commons, full session showcases from our Exhibiting Partners, and an All-Star Choir. This national event will be designed for handbell musicians of all levels and interests, with special focus on classes and activities for handbells in sacred spaces.
The call for class sessions and instructors will come in the fall. If you are interested in teaching, please start thinking about what you would like to submit for consideration. Stay tuned for upcoming deadlines and instructions!
Newsletter Archive
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Articles for Newsletter
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