David Harris

David M. Harris has been the director of The Raleigh Ringers since January of 1990, when he was instrumental
in the formation of the group. Under his leadership, The Raleigh Ringers have performed across much of the
United States; in France, England and Canada; on International Television on the “Hour of Power” program; as
a showcase choir for the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar and Area Festivals; with the North
Carolina and Virginia Symphony Orchestras; and as special guest performers at the Chautauqua Institution in
Chautauqua, New York. The Raleigh Ringers are in constant demand as featured guest performers for various
artist series and handbell festivals around the country.

The Raleigh Ringers have premiered hundreds of handbell compositions by nationally-known handbell
composers including William Payn, Hart Morris, Arnold Sherman, Karen Buckwalter, Sandy Eithun, Cathy
Moklebust, Bill Griffin, and Fred Gramann. The group has worked with major handbell publishers to produce
both The Raleigh Ringers Series, and The Legacy Series; sets of handbell publications intended for advanced
choirs. To date, The Raleigh Ringers have released eight very popular CDs and two full-length DVDs. Both
DVDs have been featured in PBS Holiday specials syndicated across 250+ PBS stations and affiliates in 45
states. The Raleigh Ringers also record demonstration music several times a year for some of the leading
publishers of handbell music.

David is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has studied conducting privately with Dr. William
Payn (Bucknell University). David was the director of the handbell program at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian
Church, and has served The Handbell Musicians of America in several capacities: as All-Star
Conductor, Crescendo Conductor, Ringing Track Conductor, Instructor for the National Seminar, North
Carolina State Chairman, and as Area III Treasurer. He chaired the HMA national committee that planned the
first Community/Professional Handbell Choir event, Pinnacle 2000, held in Las Vegas. He was elected in
March 2023 to a six-year term on the HMA National Board of Directors. In July 2023, David was awarded
Honorary Life Membership in HMA, the highest award presented by the organization. This distinction is
reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the art of handbell ringing. Because of his
strong interest in the development of community handbell programs, David and The Raleigh Ringers developed
and sponsor the biennial event, Virtuoso, a performance-focused event for advanced ringers. In addition,
David has led well over 200 handbell festivals and workshops in 39 states as well as in England, Singapore,
Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Caribbean. He also serves as Honorary Consultant for Hong Kong
Bronze, an advanced handbell organization in Hong Kong. He has been the primary handbell clinician for
several denominational music events, including Montreat (NC), Lake Junaluska (NC), Lutheridge (NC), Mo-
Ranch (TX), Massanetta (VA) and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (KY). David is also one of
the co-founders of the very successful Capital Area Handbell Festival, held annually in Raleigh.
David has taken on a position as adjunct professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, where he leads the Meredith
College Ringers. He also conducts the educational groups sponsored by The Raleigh Ringers, the Millbrook and
Atlantic Ringers. He has written several articles for Overtones, the national publication of The Handbell
Musicians of America.

After growing up in the Northeast, David moved to Raleigh with his wife, Kristina. Dave and Kris have three
grown children and two grandchildren.

Registration is not complete until payment is recieved.  Balance Due no later than May 1, 2026

Registration fees DO NOT include hotel accommodations. Please see the Hotel tab for more information.  

Handbell Musicians of America Membership:  

A current Handbell Musicians of America membership number must accompany every  registration. If you are not an Individual Member, you may use your Director’s or Group’s number.  

Not a member? Join Here

Cancellation Policy – 

If you choose to cancel your registration, the $200 non-refundable deposit will be forfeited.  Appeals for extenuating circumstances can be sent to the Area 11  Executive Committee for a refund. Please contact the Area 11 Chair,  Anne Kelley at [email protected].  

Registration Closes May 1, 2026

Register Here

Payment:
Pay by credit card via PayPal.  A link will be available on the registration form as well.

A non-refundable deposit of $200 will be required at time of registration.

Pay by check  – Checks for balance must be post-marked no later than April 15, 2026.

Make Checks out to:  Area XI AGEHR
Mail Checks to :
Anne Kleve, Area 11 Events Chair.
14706 Williams St, Thornton, CO 80602

If you choose to cancel your registration, the $200 non-refundable deposit will be forfeited.  Appeals for extenuating circumstances can be sent to the Area 11  Executive Committee for a refund. Please contact the Area 11 Chair,  Anne Kelley at [email protected].  

Schedule 

3 Featured Concerts:

Bells of Rockies & Denver Bronze

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Bells of the Rockies –

​Bells of the Rockies is an auditioned community handbell choir comprised of handbell ringers from the Northern Colorado area. Our mission is dedicated to musical excellence and service to the community through artistic handbell performances. Our goal is to increase our educational and community/charity outreach.  ​Our ringers come from many communities throughout the Colorado and Wyoming Front Range. Ringers audition annually to earn the right to join this group of seasoned handbell musicians in challenging music.

Denver Bronze – 

Denver Bronze is an auditioned community handbell ensemble in the south Denver, Colorado metro area.  Denver Bronze is dedicated to musical excellence and service to the community through artistic handbell performance and educational outreach.

Heritage Christian Academy of Bells

Friday, June 12, 2026

The Heritage Christian Academy Handbell Choir is comprised of musicians from the greater Northern Colorado area. Founded in 2022, the choir seeks to educate and entertain audiences of all ages through the art of Handbell Ringing. This elite musical ensemble performs throughout Colorado at festivals, schools, churches, and community events. The choir is under the direction of Amanda Silvestri.

FORTE Handbell Quartet (Sponsored by Schulmerich)

Saturday, June 13, 2026 

Following the Ring of Fame Banquet

Based in Colorado Springs, Forté is an advanced quartet marked by artistry, energy, and dedication to their craft. In pursuit of musical excellence, Forté strives to explore, innovate, inspire, and glorify God through the gift of music. The musicians of Forté – Luke Nabeta, Megan Reishus, Dillon Ekle, and Tory Marting – continually challenge themselves to “Rethink Possible,” expanding their musical and performance horizons, adding original compositions and arrangements to their ever-expanding repertoire, and seeking out new performance venues and educational opportunities. Since forming in 2007, Forté has had an increasingly active schedule of concerts and recordings, made possible with the help of their growing team of monthly supporters. They have been featured performers and faculty at Handbell Musicians of America events and independent workshops, have presented several successful tours across the country, and have released three CDs and a DVD of music videos filmed around the state of Colorado.

Full Registrants will participate in the Mass Ringing Ensemble and will include a variety of music levels.

Reintroducing our Aluminum All-Star Choir.  This high level choir is by application only and will be in addition to your regular ringing track.  Application Deadline February 28, 2026. Application is NOT a guarantee of placement.

Ringing Up! Tracks: 

CopperLite (Level 2 through 2+) 

Copper-Bronze (Level 2+ through 3) 

Polished Bronze (Level 3+ through 5)

If you are not sure which track to choose, consult with your director or refer to the repertoire list.

Concert attire is all black, including gloves.

Ringing Position Preference: 

You will have up to three choices of Ringing Range with six options (Low Bass, Bass, Upper Bass, Battery, Treble, High Treble).   We will do our best to accommodate one of these choices. 

Repertoire is not included in your registrations fees. Music must be purchased by the registrant and prepared in advance. 

Massed Ring – ALL RINGERS

Joyfully Ring by Doug Benton – Area 11 Anthem

Call to Celebration by David Angerman (Choristers Guild CBG629) Level 3 

Chasing Tomorrow by Sandra Eithun (MHP3132) Level 2+ 

Copper Lite

Our Song Shall Rise to Thee by Sandra Eithun (Lorez; Jeffers MLC201495L) Level 2

Pastorale by Michael Mazzatenta (Hope 3082) Level 2

Copper to Bronze

Resilience by Kurt Meyer (From the Top #20861) Level 3

In the Shadow of Your Wings by Karen L. Buckwalter (Beckenhorst; Jeffers MBEHB787) Level 3

Polished Bronze

Unfolding by Jason Krug (Grassy Meadow Music; Jeffers MGMH350048) Level 3+

Air and Hornpipe arr. Sondra Tucker (National Handbell Music; Jeffers MNMHB673) Level 3

Aluminum All-Star

Allegro con Fuoco by Arnold Sherman (Beckenhorst RR Legacy Series HB825) Level 5

Jazz Rondo by Paul Douglas (Original Work – Will be Pulished in January 2026) Level 4+ or 5

Keep watching for our schedule of workshops.

Air Travel

Denver International Airport (DIA) is the closest major airport to the Area 11 Festival.  DIA is about 60 miles from the Festival location.  Options for travel from DIA to the Festival location include car rental and shuttle transport (see below).  These travel arrangements must by made indivdually as there are no group arrangements made by Area 11.

Driving Directions

Embassy Suites, Loveland is conveniently located close to I-25 in Loveland, Colorado at 4507 Clydesdale Parkway.

Coming from the South (Denver) – From I-25, take exit 257, Crossroads Blvd, turning Right (East) onto Crossroads Blvd.  Get in the left turn lane to turn Left (North) onto Clydesdale Parkway.   The Embassy Suites will be on your left after going through the roundabout.

Coming from the North (Wyoming) – From I-25 take exit 257, Crossroads Blvd.  Turn Left (East) onto Crossroads Blvd, staying to the left.  Turn Left (North) onto Clydesdale Parkway.   The Embassy Suites will be on your left after going through the roundabout.

Shuttle Bus

There is a shuttle bus that runs from DIA to the Festival site at multiple times per day.  Groome Transportation does pickup at DIA and travels to the hotel as well as from the hotel to DIA.  To arrange for the shuttle, please make reservations at Groome Transportation.

Shuttle buses are also available from DIA to Loveland using Landline or Bustang Transportation, but they do not have direct to the venue service.

MEALS

Includes Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners

All plated meals are gluten and dairy-free except for desserts.

Thursday June 11, 2026

Thursday Reception 

Appetizer Selections

Cash Bar

Friday June 12, 2026

Friday Plated Lunch 

House Salad – Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Rolls and Butter, Water and Ice TeaDessert – Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Reese Peanut Butter Pie

Choice of the following:

Stout-Braised Beef Short Ribs – with Braising Jus, Roasted Baby Carrots and Rice Pilaf  

Chicken Marrakeshk – Spiced Airline Chicken with Rice Pilaf, and Tomato-Olive Chicken Jus

Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille with Polenta Cake and Marinara Sauce

Friday Dinner Buffet 

Tuscan Dinner Buffet 

Panzanella Salad

Caesar Salad

Roasted Corn, Peppers and Red Onion Salad

Chicken Marsala

Seared Salmon with a Meyer Lemon Caper Sauce

Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmigiano Cheese Tomato Relish

Seasonal Squash Provencal

Chef’s Choice Dessert Display

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Saturday Lunch Buffet

South of the Border Buffet

Baja Chopped Salad with Black Beans, Tomato, Red Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Lime Wedges, Tortilla Strips GF, V

Fajitas – Marinated & Grilled Chicken and Beef, Flame Roasted Vegetables, Corn Tortillas GF, V, DF & Flour Tortillas V, DF

Tortilla Chips

Guacamole, GF, V, DF Sour Cream, GF, V Pico de Gallo, GF, V, DF Queso, GF, V Pickled Jalapenos GF, V, DF

Achiote Rice GF, V, DF & Stewed Black Beans GF, V, DF

Chocolate- filled Churros

Saturday Plated Dinner – Ring of Fame Banquet

Dinner Salad – Mixed Greens with Marinated Onions, Chickpeas, Tomato, and Feta Cheese with Green Goddess and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Rolls and Butter, Water and Coffee Service

Dessert – Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Torte

Choice of the following:

Petite Sirloin with Roasted  Red Potatoes and Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Grilled Pork Chop with Red Potatoes and Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Stuffed Bell Pepper with Wild Rice Pilaf

Pre-Festival Conducting Master Class

Pre-Festival conducting master class with Dave Harris!  He will work with each director individually for 10-15 minutes on 1 Festival music piece with a volunteer handbell choir.  You will need to bring a piece of music to work on with at least 9 copies for the ringers.

Space is limited to the first 10 conductors to register.

This Master Class will be $50 in addition to your regular registration fee.

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.

Apply Here

T-shirts

Festival T-Shirts are available for order for $15 each.  You must pre-order a shirt to have one available.  They can be picked up at Festival Check in. 

Check Size Chart

Questions/concerns? contact:

Anne Kleve, Events Chair, 303-898-7056,

For Checks: 

Make Checks out to:  Area XI AGEHR
Mail Checks to :
Anne Kleve, Area 11 Events Chair.
14706 Williams St, Thornton, CO 80602

Checks for full balance MUST be post-marked no later than April 15th.

[email protected]

Festival Registration

Aluminum All-Star Choir Application

Schedule – Coming Soon

Music List

Meals

Emergency/Medical/Photo Waiver

Emergency/Medical/Photo Waiver – Youth

Packing List

Scholarship Application – Coming Soon

Sponsorship Form

Hotel Registration

Hotel Map

Handbell Musicians of America Membership

Area 11 Paypal

Event Leaf App  – Coming Soon

Email our Events Chair

Ringing Up! 2026 ~ Loveland, CO

Area 11 Festival ~ June 11-14, 2026 

Embassy Suites, Loveland Conference Center ~ Dave Harris, Clinician 

RINGING UP! INFORMATION 

***New***  We will be using an app for Festival Communication called Event Leaf.  With this app, you will be able to access the schedule, information on workshops, concerts, and more.  This app also features a shared photo area so you can upload and share pictures with everyone at the festival.  An invite for the app will be emailed to all registrants at a later date.

Registration and Opening Reception:

You will pick up your nametags, t-shirts (if applicable), and any other pertinent information at our Festival Check-In.

We will also have a Cash Bar available along with scrumptious horderves.

Ringing Up! Tracks:

If you are not sure which track to select, consult with your director or refer to the repertoire listed on the registration form. The levels of music for each track are below.
      Copper Lite (Level 2 – 2+) Copper-Bronze (Level 2+ – 3)     Polished Bronze (Level 3+ – 5)  

Aluminum All-Star (Level 4 – 5) – by application only – in addition to your regular ringing track) Application Deadline February 28, 2026. Application is NOT a guarantee of placement.

YOUTH are encouraged to register for Copper-Bronze, but may choose any of the tracks.

All full Registrants will participate in the Mass Ringing Ensemble (Level 2 – 3).

Handbell Musicians of America Membership:  

A current Handbell Musicians of America membership number must accompany every registration. If you are not an Individual Member, you may use your Director’s or Group’s number.  Join Here

Workshops: 

There will be an exciting variety of classes!  For example: bass bells, ringing techniques, conducting, music games, as well as sight reading sessions.  Something for EVERY level!  Saturday’s classes will be focused on music education. Faculty Applications will be accepted soon!

Ringing Position Preference: 

You will have up to three choices of Ringing Range with five options (Low Bass, Bass, Upper Bass Battery, Treble, High Treble).   We will do our best to accommodate one of these choices. 

Repertoire:

You must purchase your own music packet prior to the Festival and bring it with you!  The repertoire list and links for ordering are on the website.  Festival music MAY be available to purchase at your Area 11 Read and Ring. Music must be purchased by the registrant and  prepared in advance. 

You will need all of the Massed pieces as well as the music for your Track (Copper Lite, Copper-to-Bronze, or Polished Bronze)

If you are in the Aluminum All-Star choir, you will need music for massed, your track, AND All-Star.  

Area 11 Festival 2026 Repertoire (see Ringing and Music tab for more information) 

Massed Choir – ALL RINGERS

Joyfully Ring by Doug Benton

Call to Celebration by David Angerman

Chasing Tomorrow by Sandra Eithun

COPPER-LITE

Our Song Shall Rise to Thee by Sandra Eithun

Pastorale by Michael Mazzatenta

COPPER-BRONZE

Resilience by Kurt Meyer

In the Shadow of Your Wings by Karen L. Buckwalter

POLISHED BRONZE 

Unfolding by Jason Krug

Air and Hornpipe arr. Sondra Tucker

CONFERENCE CHOIR

Allegro con Fuoco by Arnold Sherman

Jazz Rondo by Paul Douglas     ****Will be published in January 2026.  Be sure to use our link for a discounted purchase price.****

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Registration fees DO NOT include hotel accommodations. 

The Embassy Suites, Loveland Conference Center is located at 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO 80538.
You must make your own room reservation by  contacting the hotel

Use the following link to get your group discount Hotel Reservations

Parking– Parking is available and if free for all  guests.  Do NOT scan the QR signs in the parking lot.

TRANSPORTATION: 

Shuttle service is available by individual reservation from Denver International Airport to the hotel from Groome Transportation.  (see Transportation Tab)

Off-Site Lodging Surcharge/Commuter Fee:   A commuter fee will be charged to anyone living within 15 miles of the hotel and chooses to commute from home.  All others must stay at the designated reserved hotel.

REGISTRATION: 

Registration is not complete until deposit/full payment is received.  Registration must be completed online:  Registration Form

Payment:

Pay by credit card via PayPal.   A link will be available on the registration form as well.

Pay by check

Make check out to: Area XI AGEHR

mail to:  Anne Kleve, Area 11 Events Chair.  

14706 Williams St, Thornton, CO 80602

Scholarships available:  Application coming soon

MEALS:

Includes Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners

All plated meals are gluten and dairy-free except for desserts.

Thursday June 11, 2026

Thursday Reception 

Appetizer Selections

Cash Bar

Friday June 12, 2026

Friday Plated Lunch 

House Salad – Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Rolls and Butter, Water and Ice TeaDessert – Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Reese Peanut Butter Pie

Choice of the following:

Stout-Braised Beef Short Ribs – with Braising Jus, Roasted Baby Carrots and Rice Pilaf  

Chicken Marrakeshk – Spiced Airline Chicken with Rice Pilaf, and Tomato-Olive Chicken Jus

Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille with Polenta Cake and Marinara Sauce

Friday Dinner Buffet 

Tuscan Dinner Buffet 

Panzanella Salad

Caesar Salad

Roasted Corn, Peppers and Red Onion Salad

Chicken Marsala

Seared Salmon with a Meyer Lemon Caper Sauce

Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmigiano Cheese Tomato Relish

Seasonal Squash Provencal

Chef’s Choice Dessert Display

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Saturday Lunch Buffet

South of the Border Buffet

Baja Chopped Salad with Black Beans, Tomato, Red Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Lime Wedges, Tortilla Strips GF, V

Fajitas – Marinated & Grilled Chicken and Beef, Flame Roasted Vegetables, Corn Tortillas GF, V, DF & Flour Tortillas V, DF

Tortilla Chips

Guacamole, GF, V, DF Sour Cream, GF, V Pico de Gallo, GF, V, DF Queso, GF, V Pickled Jalapenos GF, V, DF

Achiote Rice GF, V, DF & Stewed Black Beans GF, V, DF

Chocolate- filled Churros

Saturday Plated Dinner – Ring of Fame Banquet

Dinner Salad – Mixed Greens with Marinated Onions, Chickpeas, Tomato, and Feta Cheese with Green Goddess and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Rolls and Butter, Water and Coffee Service

Dessert – Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Torte

Choice of the following:

Petite Sirloin with Roasted  Red Potatoes and Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Grilled Pork Chop with Red Potatoes and Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Stuffed Bell Pepper with Wild Rice Pilaf

CONCERTS: 

We have Three featured Concerts

Thursday, June 11 Bells of Rockies & Denver Bronze

Friday, June 12 Heritage Christian Academy Handbells, Ft Collins

Saturday, June 13 Forté Handbell Quartet (Concert Sponsored by Schulmerich)

WHAT TO BRING:

Ringing Up Concert Attire:

All Black including GLOVES

Suggested Packing List:

Music Binder/Notebooks

All your Music

Mallets for Ringing Position

Gloves (Black for Performance)

Dowels for Polished Bronze???

Risers (Optional)

Baton (for Conducting Class)

Sweater 

Saturday Only Attendees: Gloves for Ringing for Bells

Festival Cancellation Policy: 

If you choose to cancel your registration, the $200 non-refundable deposit will be forfeited.  Appeals for extenuating circumstances can be sent to the Area 11  Executive Committee for a refund. Please contact the Area 11 Chair,  Anne Kelley at [email protected].  

Important Forms:- 

Emergency/Medical/Photo Release Form- Adult & Youth–

Special Accommodations Needed – Allergies  – Physical- please specify on your registration

Youth Protection Policy

Locals: Can you bring equipment? (Questionnaire coming soon)

If you would like to donate/sponsor to help another attendee?  Please contact our events chair.

Questions/concerns? contact: Anne Kleve, Events Chair, 303-898-7056, [email protected]

This event is sponsored by Handbell Musicians of America, dedicated to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. 

area11.handbellmusicians.org