Youth 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
Join us for this a pilot one-day workshop just for youth.
This event is designed for youth ages 7-17 with some handbell experience. A nationally-recognized clinician, Anne Kelley, will lead a day of ringing, learning, and fun.
$20.00 per Ringer
There must be 1 chaperone per 10 youth (no charge for chaperones)
For more information or questions, contant Anne Kelley.
★ 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.
★ What is the music?
- The repertoire is listed in the Music tab above. It will consist of three songs from a reproducible book. Copies will be available for registered directors but it is highly recommended that each group purchase a book of their own as it is an affordable and excellent ringing tool.
★ Set-up notes
- Please do not arrive before the doors to the gym are actually open. There will be plenty of time for registration. Parents will need to check their students in and out using the sign in sheet at the door. There will be an activity for students to do in Gator Hall before rehearsals begin.
- Just have patience and know that we do our best to plan everything out in advance, but there are always adjustments that have to be made once everyone has arrived.
- There will be plenty of time allotted for setup, lunch, and breaks throughout the day. Please be courteous to others and to the use of the host school.
★ Any tips for the directors?
- Directors must stay with their group for the duration of the event. There must be 1 chaperone for every 10 youth.
- Water bottles and snacks will be provided. Ringers with allergies or dietary needs are recommended to bring their own snacks.
- Ringers must bring a packed or sack lunch. A wagon will be available for ringers to store their lunches and transport them outside. A cooler/fridge is available if needed.
- All adults must sign the Handbell Musicians of America Youth Protection Policy.
- Please remind your choirs to use their best rehearsal etiquette and pay attention to the clinician!
★ Anything else?
- Hydrate well throughout the day, do some stretching, be courteous to others, be attentive to the clinician, and most importantly… HAVE FUN!
Anne Kelley is an enthusiastic handbell director, educator, and ringer who is passionate about the art of handbell ringing. She graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Music Education: Choral degree from Northern Arizona University. During her undergraduate career, Anne served as President of the Harold M. Harter Memorial Handbell Choir and was appointed Bellmaster her senior year. Anne currently resides in Apache Junction, Arizona where she teaches K-6 General Music, 3-6 Choir, and two 4-6th Grade Advanced and Beginning Handbell Choirs at Greenfield Elementary School in Gilbert, AZ. She also serves as the Handbell Director at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Mesa where she directs the Bells of Joy Handbell Choir. Anne is often invited as a guest conductor to work with secular and sacred handbell choirs around the East Valley. She is also an on-call sub for handbell choirs of different denominations. In July 2021, Anne participated in the Handbell Musicians of America Conducting Master Class under the direction of Dr. William Payne. She has taught handbell workshops at different conferences including AMEA, AzACDA, the 2024 Area 11 Festival and the 2025 Handbell Musicians of America Pinnacle National Seminar. She currently serves as Chair for Area 11 and is a recipient of The Carl Wiltse Scholarship for the 2025 Bayview Week of Handbells.
9:45 – 10:00 am – Check In (Write the Room Activity)
10:00 am – Rehearsal Part 1
10:50 am – Break
11:00 am – Rehearsal Part 2
12:00 pm – Lunch Outside (Bring a Sack Lunch) and Recess when done eating
12:45 pm – Bathroom breaks, water breaks, get ready to ring
1:00 pm – Rehearsal Part 3
2:00 pm – Break
2:10 pm – Dress Rehearsal
2:40 pm – Hallway Game to Prep for Concert
3:00 pm – Free Public Concert
3:45 pm – Clean Up/Pack Up
Repertoire will come from a reproducible book. Music will be provided but it is highly recommended that each group purchase their own book as it is an affordable and great resource for any type of ensemble.
Area 11 Anthem
Selections from “Let’s Begin!” by Sandra Eithun
- At Dawn
- Shenandoah
- Sharing the Joy!
Purchasing Link HERE: https://www.jwpepper.com/lets-begin-11202966/p
The concert will be supplemented by volunteer performances by groups in attendance.
★ What do I need to bring?
- Your bells (individual ringers can be squeezed in with another choir), gloves, mallets (if necessary), pads, folders, and music stands. Tables will be provided but depending on the number of participants, may be requested.
- Wear whatever you are comfortable in for the rehearsals, but bring your concert attire for the afternoon concert.
- Concert Attire: Concert Black (plain black shirt, black bottoms, close-toed shoes (black or white recommended)).
- Your Spring Ring music and any other ringing or educational needs (highlighters, pencils, lights, etc.)
- A Sack Lunch for your ringer.
- Water Bottle
- Special Snacks for Dietary Needs (if necessary)