Ringing Up!

Area 11 Festival

 June 13-16, 2024 – Salt Lake City, Utah

Final Concert on YouTube.  Please subscribe to our YouTube channel so we can hold our future concerts for everyone to see!

Stephanie “Stevie” Berryman

Artistic Director, Houston Chamber Ringers
Handbell Director, First Congregational Church – Houston
Co-Director, Rocket Bells

Stevie Berryman can’t whistle. But she makes fantastic pesto, and she can fold a fitted sheet. Likewise, her skills as music director and teacher have also been acquired through long hours of arduous and dedicated practice. For much of her career Stevie has directed seven or more ensembles each week, meaning she has 114 years of experience (in dog years). Her effusive energy and wild creativity found a perfect setting in 2013 when she became the Artistic Director of the Houston Chamber Ringers, which has let her smash together her love for music, laughter, and tacos in a truly remarkable way. She has a particular passion for teaching beginners how to ring, and her innovative, play-based methods have made her a sought-after educator and clinician at area, national, and international handbell festivals. Stevie serves as the handbell director at First Congregational Church Houston, and co-leads Rocket Bells in League City. She loves helping other choirs as a private clinician or planning epic concerts for them as a creative consultant. She and her husband Paul are co-owners of Truly Horrible Things, a snarky card game company, even though her mother always told her that no one would ever pay her to be sarcastic.

Kevin McChesney

Kevin McChesney graduated with highest honors from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Music in Composition and Music Theory. A career composer and arranger of handbell music, Kevin has over 1000 handbell titles in print and is one of the very few musicians who has made handbells a full-time vocation.

He was Music Director of the Pikes Peak Ringers, a virtuoso handbell choir based in Colorado Springs, for 30 years, and was also the Artistic Advisor for the Atlanta Concert Ringers for many years. His work with PPR included the premiere and thirteen further performances of his Concerto for Handbell Choir and Orchestra, and a recording with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Kevin is the handbell editor for Jeffers Handbell Supply and the RingingWord catalog. He is also co-founder of STEP, the Solo To Ensemble Project (sonologymusic.com). He has been in demand throughout the handbell world as a composer/arranger, workshop clinician, and festival conductor.

Kevin was Music Director of the National Honors Handbell Ensemble, an intensive performance opportunity for advanced teens, for their first five events. He has conducted at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, Disney World, and his music has been played on the Boston Pops stage. He has won numerous awards, including winning American Guild of English Handbell Ringers Composition Contests and Jeffers Composer of the Year.

As a continuation of his career-long focus on mentoring of handbell choirs, conductors, and composers/arrangers, Kevin now devotes considerable energy to bringing opportunities to other teachers, conductors, performers, and writers.

Stemming from a lifelong passion for the classical guitar, Kevin is the founder of ClassyGuitarMusic.com, a web resource for original works, arrangements, and transcriptions for classical guitar. He has also created ClassySheetMusic.com, a website providing wide-ranging music for orchestra, band, vocal choir, and keyboard.

Kevin lives in Colorado Springs, CO, with his wife Tracy and their cats, Pearl and Aileen.

Schedule 

 

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
June 13, 2024 June 14, 2024 June 15, 2024 June 16, 2024
8:00 AM
Massed Ring
Rehearsal #1
Massed Ring
Rehearsal #3
Massed Ring
Rehearsal #4
9:00 AM

Copper-Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #4

CopperLite Rehearsal

Workshop #10

10:30 AM

Polished Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #1

CopperLite Rehearsal

Workshop #5

Copper-Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #11

11:30 AM

Copper-Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #2

Polished Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #6

Polished Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #12

12:30 PM Welcome Luncheon Lunch Buffet Lunch
2:00 PM

CopperLite Rehearsal

Workshop #3

Copper-Bronze Rehearsal

Workshop #7

Dress Rehearsal
3:00 PM Hotel Check In
Massed Ring Rehearsal #2

CopperLite Rehearsal

Workshop #8

4:00 PM
Registration Opens
Polished Bronze Rehearsal
Workshop #9
Closing Concert
5:30 PM
Dinner On Your Own
Pack-Up/Clean-Up
6:00 PM
Opening Reception
Ring of Fame Dinner
7:30 PM
Bells at Temple Square Concert at the Mormon Tabernacle
The Wesley Bell Ringers Concert in Alpine Ballroom
8:00 PM Rehearsal SetUp Party

 

Registration fees DO NOT include hotel accommodations. See Registration tab for more information.

The Hilton Salt Lake City Center is located at 255 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
You must make your own room reservation by  contacting the hotel.
Reservations must be made by individuals no later than June 1, 2024.   

To make your hotel reservation under Area 11, use this link https://book.passkey.com/e/50656408

Room rates: Room rates are exclusive of local taxes and fees. Room rates include, 24 hour business center, 24 hour Fitness Center, heated pool and  spa. Parking is available and costs $15/day OR self-parking is $6/day.  Trax is available from airport to hotel.

Single/Double – $189.00 per night (If two people are sharing the room, the nightly rate would be divided by the two people sharing the room)

Triple – $209.00 per night (The nightly rate would be divided by the three people sharing the room)

Quad – $229.00 per night (The nightly rate would be divided by the four people sharing the room)

Off-Site Lodging Surcharge: 

Registrants who live outside a 25 mile radius from the hotel and choose not to stay at the Hilton SLC Center Hotel must pay an off-site lodging surcharge of $100.00. This helps ensure we meet our contracted room blocks, keeping all costs as low as possible.

Featured Concert: Bells at Temple Square at The Mormon Tabernacle

Friday, June 14, 2024  – 7:30pm

Featured Concert: The Wesley Bell Ringers in Alpine Ballroom

Saturday, June 15, 2024 – 7:30pm in The Hilton Ballroom

Festival Mass Ringing and Ringing Up! Track Concert in Alpine Ballroom

Open to the Public

Sunday, June 16, 2024  – 4pm in The Hilton Ballroom

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

Repertoire:
You will have to purchase your own music packet prior to the Festival and bring it with you. The repertoire list and links for ordering are coming soon.

Massed Choir – ALL RINGERS

JOYFULLY RING – Doug Benton (Area 11 Anthem) – available for FREE on our Area 11 website
ALLEGRO – Cynthia Dobrinski – Level 2: 3-5 Oct AGAPE 2958 (Published)
PSALM 139 – Fred Gramann – Level 3-: 3-5 Oct Choristers Guild (Published in October)

COPPER-LITE
AH, HOLY JESUS – Michael Mazzatenta – Level 2: 3-5 Oct Alfred/Jubilate JMG 1332 (Published soon)
RECOLLECTION – Tim Waugh – Level 2+: 3-5 Oct Choristers Guild CGB974

COPPER-BRONZE
EMBRACE THE DAY – Jason Krug – Level 2+: 3-5 Oct Hope 3046 (Not published)
KINGSFOLD TE DEUM – Sondra Tucker – Level 3: 3-6 Oct Alfred/Jubilate JMG1338 (published soon)

POLISHED BRONZE
SCATTER THE MORNING LIGHT – Sandra Eithun – Level 3+: 3-5 Oct Choristers Guild CGB1262
TONGUES OF FLAME – Alex Guebert – Level 5: 3-7 Oct Choristers Guild CGB1317

*Festival music may be purchased at Area 11 Read and Ring in February at your local location.

Ringing Position Preference: 

You will have up to three choices of Ringing Range. We will do our best to accommodate one of these choices.

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

Ringing Up! Tracks: 

CopperLite (Level 2 & 2+) 

Copper-Bronze (Level 2+ & 3) 

Polished Bronze (Level 3+ & 5)

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

Shelli Boynton Basic Change Ringing We will learn a basic cross and switch change ring: no music reading required. This is a great focus exercise and fun addition to any performance.
Janeen Scott-Silva Bell Trees Nothing looks prettier than a string of bells cascading down a bell tree. Bell trees can enhance a group performance, or it can be a pathway for solo performing- and it’s easier than it looks! Come learn a few different ways you can string a bell tree and get to practice hands-on.
Paige Erickson CHIME loan program Did you know that Area 11 loans out handchimes for starter programs? Come learn about borrowing chimes and starting your own program.
Douglas J Benton Complex Rhythms Made Easy Complex Rhythm Made Easy: We will discuss simple rhythms, compound rhythms, complex rhythms and learn how to effectively count these rhythms so you will know exactly when to ring, exactly when to damp and exactly when to not ring. This will be a fun class – I promise!!
Glen Hicks Composing for Non-Composers This class is designed for choir members, directors, and handbell enthusiasts, offering a foundational understanding of music composition for bells. Participants will learn straightforward techniques to create handbell music tailored for specific groups or special occasions. Emphasis will be placed on practical tips and strategies for developing original works, arrangements, and accompaniments suitable for a variety of settings.
LeAnna Willmore Conducting and Rehearsal Strategies Participants will use baton or hands to conduct regular and mixed meters. Ideas to keep your rehearsal interesting will be presented with discussion from participants
Sara Oedekoven Do More with Less As bell choir numbers begin to dwindle, we will discuss different ideas and techniques that can be used to help everyone continue to play with less than a full number of ringers. Please bring your questions and ideas too have a full discussion.
Alexandra “Nikki” Evans Dream Weaver Looking for a way to handle all those bell changes? Want to try ringing a solo? Start with weaving! Recommended for bell hogs
Michael Kastner Ensemble Ringing Skills For beginning and experienced ensemble ringers alike. Basic and advanced skills will be taught in a hands-on workshop. Beyond skills and techniques, suggestions for repertoire and visual aspects will be offered.
Area 11 Board Festival Feedback Festival Feedback- What did you like and what can be improved. We want to hear from you!
Katie Gant Folk Dancing Let’s Dance! In this session, we will learn a variety of folk dances that can be used in the classroom or in your handbell rehearsals. Get your students and ringers working together through teamwork and movement with these upbeat tunes.
Janeen Scott-Silva Four-in-Hand It’s time to be brave and tackle the technique that playing upper bells requires! When a passage is too difficult or too fast for weaving, it’s time to four-in-hand. We will review Shelley ringing and the two most common four-in-hand techniques, as well as proper damping techniques.
Dolan Bayless From Cover Page to Double Bar

Score study is one of the most important aspects of ringing and conducting! Studying the Score is NOT just for the conductor/director. Knowing the hidden and not so hidden messages on the page is a valuable skill as the ringer approaches the first ringing! And for the director, score study is mandatory so that the insights found on the page can be shared with the ringers. Together we will learn how to look at the printed page from cover to final double-bar line. Be prepared as you may find something on the page that you have never seen previously. Ringers, this class could give you an advantage when sight reading a new piece. This class is targeted for ringers and directors of all experience levels.

Katie Gant Healthy Bass Bell Ringing Playing Bass Bells doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding the mechanics of the bells and your body, you can play bass bells too! In this session, we will talk about knowing your body, lifting the bells, and using the fundamentals of handbell ringing for the bass bells. We will also address bass chimes and how to arrange your setup.
Daniel Gibby How Can I Keep From Ringing? – Daniel Gibby That Which We Practice Persists! Is it any wonder we see looks of intense concentration in performances? And the looks of horror after making mistakes- those were practiced too. In this class we will discuss and practice techniques for breaking musicians out of their shells, how to plan for and practice showmanship, and how to help musicians discover motivations for adding showmanship techniques to their musicianship. This class is especially for anyone who stresses about performances and perfect for ringers AND instructors.
Douglas J Benton Malmark Maintenance Malmark Maintenance: Please bring a bell and/or Choirchime with whatever tools you have. I will have a handout for tools needed, and links for Malmark maintenance videos. We will discuss how to maintain your bells, keeping them looking like new, ringing like new and what to and what not to do to keep your bells in great shape. If you haven’t taken this class before, if you have Malmark bells, you should make sure that you come to this class! A lot to learn!
Anne Kelley Organizational Strategies for Class/Rehearsal This session will cover a variety of different ways to organize your ensemble, establish set-up and tear-down routines, promote independence and set your students up for lifelong success. Although geared towards youth ensembles, this session will give ringers and directors ideas to promote independent musicianship and streamline your rehearsal set-up and tear-down process. This will provide more time for ringing and less time for the other stuff!
Dolan Bayless Plink, Plank, and Kerplunk!

Plink, Plank, and Kerplunk! is a class designed to teach preparation and execution of the stopped, staccato, and mallet articulations. Many times, it is the preparation of these techniques that causes ensembles to be ragged and less than synchronized when musically playing these techniques. The class will explore the instructor’s approach to the various stopped techniques with a hands-on approach. You may be surprised as to how these techniques and articulations can be produced in a musically satisfying way!

Anne Kelley Rethinking Rhythms Do sixteenth note rhythms stress you out? Is syncopation hard for you to ring? Then this is the class for you! Rhythms are easy and advanced rhythms like syncopation and sixteenth notes should be a breeze! There’s thousands of different ways to practice and play rhythms. This class will give an insight on different rhythm methodologies to help you rethink basic and advanced rhythms. Whether you’re a new or advanced ringer, you might pick up on some tips and tricks to help you successfully play and say all types of rhythms.
Libbie Randals Ring til You’re 100 Learn how to ring ergonomically as we work on strokes, stance, damping, marts, malleting and all the extras used in ringing handbells.
Anne Kelley Score Scanning Success This class will give tips and tricks for directors and ringers for quickly navigating a handbell score. After attending this class, you’ll be able to identify the trickiest parts of a score in seconds to help you select repertoire, figure out the difficulty, and prepare for sight reading success! Whether you’re new to ringing, a director, or an advanced ringer, this will be a great review to help navigate handbell scores. Bring your music!
Andrew Smith/ Claudette Rothwell/Jill Persichetti Sight Reading Sessions This will be a sight-reading class. If you want to try ringing other bells other than what you are assigned in your ringing track, come to this class! They are sending music for us to try out. It will be very relaxed, and you’ll get to play some fun music!
Alexandra “Nikki” Evans Six-in-Hand Methods For treble bell hogs and soloists! Learn a variety of six-in-hand techniques, and applications for each one. Basic knowledge of four in hand is expected.
Michael Kastner Solo Ringing Skills Soloists and soloist–wannabes welcomed!! We will cover a number of techniques to launch or to enhance your solo performances. You don’t have to be a soloist for these skills to apply; absolutely ALL techniques covered will make you a better performer in your choir, small ensemble, or solo presentation.
Anne Kleve Squeaky Bells – Squeaky Ringers Problem solving roundtable. Bring your questions, problems, and expertise! These questions can be about music, personel, or ensembles (building teamwork). Almost anything goes!
Paul Young & C.J. Leoncini Starting Groups/Choirs (Community) We successfully began our journey as a 501(c)3 corporation. We also have successfully set up a Charity Venmo account to help with our expenses. We are happy to share our experience with you and answer any questions you may have concerning the community group.
Michael Kastner Watch the Director A fun hands-on ringing and learning time for ringers *AND* for directors! Ringers will sight read music to illustrate what to watch for (ringers) and what to offer (directors). Directors will be coached on non-verbal communication and rehearsal (verbal) communication. Please bring folders & gloves.
Libbie Randals Weaving Made Easy This class will provide simple exercises to enable you to weave notes wherever you are ringing.
Liz Shields When the Bell Rings: Exercises, Warm-Ups, and Games to Start off your Rehearsal on the Right Note

Engaging strategies to start your rehearsal on the right note. You will learn a variety of exercises, warm-ups and games to enhance your bells rehearsal. Discover how a well thought-out opening can set the tone for a quality rehearsal and improve your group’s outcome and strengthen social connections.

This class will provide a range of ideas for all ages and provide fresh and engaging ideas that work well in a classroom or performance group. Don’t overlook the value of a “bell-ringer,” an opening activity that can set the tone for a successful rehearsal.

Anne Kleve Youth Choirs & Camp Starting and/or strategies for teaching a youth choir. Will also cover the benefits and experiences had at Area 11 Camp. Come find out about all the FUN!

Ringing Up! 2024 ~ Salt Lake City, UT

Area 11 Festival ~ June 13-16, 2024 

The Hilton SLC Center ~ Stevie Berryman and Kevin McChesney, Clinicians 

 

RINGING UP! INFORMATION 

Thursday, June 13: Festival Check In & Opening Reception
Friday, June 14 at 7:30 pm: Bells at Temple Square Concert in the Tabernacle
Saturday, June 15: OPTIONAL Saturday ONLY- Educational Sessions
Saturday, June 15 at 5:30 pm: Ring of Fame Banquet 7:30 pm- Wesley Bell Ringers Concert Sunday, June 16 at 4:00 pm: Festival Concert & Closing Bell in the Hilton Ballroom

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+) Copper-Bronze (Level 3-4)     Polished Bronze (Level 3-5)

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.

Classes: 

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, 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.    

 

 

Area 11 Festival 2024 Repertoire

Massed Choir – ALL RINGERS
JOYFULLY RING – Doug Benton (Area 11 Anthem) – available for FREE on our Area 11 website

ALLEGRO – Cynthia Dobrinski – Level 2:  3-5 Oct  AGAPE 2958

Handbell World | Allegro Dobrinski, Cynthia | Handbell World

PSALM 139 – Fred Gramann – Level 3-: 3-5 Oct  Choristers Guild

https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=19935

 

COPPER-LITE

AH, HOLY JESUS – Michael Mazzatenta – Level 2: 3-5 Oct  Alfred/Jubilate JMG1332

Handbell World | Ah Holy Jesus Mazzatenta, Michael Cruger, Johann | Handbell World

RECOLLECTIONTim Waugh – Level  2+:  3-5 Oct  Choristers Guild  CGB974 (violin, cello, flute)

Handbell World | Recollection Waugh, Timothy | Handbell World

 

COPPER-BRONZE

EMBRACE THE DAY – Jason Krug –  Level 2+: 3-5 Oct   Hope 3046

EMBRACE THE DA-KRUG-3-5OC – Hope Publishing Company

KINGSFOLD TE DEUMSondra Tucker –   Level 3: 3-6 Oct  Alfred/Jubilate JMG1338

Handbell World | Kingsfold Te Deum Tucker, Sondra K. Various | Handbell World

 

POLISHED BRONZE 

SCATTER THE MORNING LIGHT – Sandra Eithun – Level 3+:  3-5 Oct  Choristers Guild  CGB1262 (triangle/tambourine, low muffled drum, flute)

Handbell World | Scatter the Morning Light Eithun, Sandra Traditional Scottish Tune | Handbell World

TONGUES OF FLAME – Alex Guebert – Level 5:  3-7 Oct  Choristers Guild  CGB1317 (percussion)

Handbell World | Tongues of Flame Guebert, Alex | Handbell World

HOTEL INFORMATION:
Registration fees DO NOT include hotel accommodations. 

The Hilton Salt Lake City Center is located at 255 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
You must make your own room reservation by  contacting the hotel.
Reservations must be made by individuals no later than May 1, 2024. 

**To make your reservation, https://book.passkey.com/e/50656408

 

Room rates: Room rates are exclusive of local taxes and fees. Room rates include, 24 hour business center, 24 hour Fitness Center, heated pool and spa.  Onsite breakfast available and restaurant available at your own expense.  

Single/Double – $189.00 per night/room (divide by 2 people)

Triple – $209.00 per night/room (divide by 3 people)
Quad – $229.00 per night/room (divide by 4 people)

Parking is available and costs $15/day OR self-parking is $6/day.  

Transportation: Trax is available from airport to hotel.

Off-Site Lodging Surcharge: 

Registrants who live outside a 25 mile radius from the hotel and choose not to stay at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center Hotel must pay an off-site lodging surcharge of $100.00. This helps ensure  we meet our contracted room blocks, keeping all costs as low as possible.  


FULL FESTIVAL REGISTRATION FEE includes admission to concerts, select meals (listed below), festival clinician, and the meeting space for classes and performances. 

 

Meals that are included with registration are Thursday opening reception, Friday lunch, Saturday lunch, Saturday evening Ring of Fame Banquet, and Sunday lunch.

Registration: 

Registration must be completed online at area11.handbellmusicians.org/festival. 

 

Payment:

Pay by credit card via PayPal. A 3% additional Processing fees will apply when paying online.  A link will be available on the registration for.

 

Pay by check and mail to:

Anne Kleve, Area 11 Events Chair.  

14706 Williams St, Thornton, CO 80602

 

Non-Refundable Deposit of $200 due at time of registration.  Balance due by May 1, 2024.

Early Bird Registration Fee (by February 15, 2024) $399.00
Registration Fee (from February 16 and May 1, 2024) $450.00 

Guest Only Registration (before May 1, 2024) $300.00 (includes ALL concerts and Festival Meals, may not attend classes or rehearsals)

 

Festival T-shirts are available for purchase for $15

Adult Small through 3XL (six sizes available)

 

Saturday ONLY Registration: $150

Although we hope you will want to have the Full Festival experience, a Saturday ONLY option is  available which includes six classes, ringing track observation for Saturday ONLY and Saturday lunch. Professional Development Credit available for educators through Area 11 HMA for 8 hours!  Tickets to Saturday Evening Ring of Fame Banquet are available for an additional fee. Registration must be paid in full online or postmarked on or  before May 1, 2024.  

 

Saturday Evening Ring of Fame Banquet ONLY  $85.00

Festival Refund Policy: 

Refunds, minus a $200 cancellation fee, will be allowed until May 1, 2024. After that date, if  special circumstances prevent a registrant from attending, you may petition the Area 11  Executive Committee for a refund. Please contact the Area 11 Chair,  LeAnna Wilmore at

[email protected].  

 

Medical Emergency Form- Adult & Youth- Special Accommodations Needed

Allergies

Youth Protection Policy

Director & Chaperone Duties

Class Proposal Form- Faculty Application

Locals: Can you bring equipment? (Google Doc)

If you would like to donate/sponsor to help another attendee?

 

Attendees will need to bring their own music, binder, gloves, mallets for assigned position, final concert attire (???)

 

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

 

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

Registration must be completed online.

Payment:
Pay by credit card via PayPal. A 3% additional Processing fees will apply when paying online. A link will be available on the registration for.

Pay by check and mail to:
Anne Kleve, Area 11 Events Chair.
14706 Williams St, Thornton, CO 80602

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

We can’t wait for the next Area 11 Festival in 2024!

Save the Date, Subscribe to our Newsletter, and Follow Us on Social Media so you don’t miss a single detail!

Questions: Contact our Events Chair, Anne Kleve, at [email protected]