Handbell Workshop


Join us for our 1st Annual Handbell Workshop with Philadelphia Bronze!

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 8am to 4pm

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
132 E. Valley Forge Rd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406


This workshop is designed for Level 1 and 2 ringers of all ages. It will include 2 mass ringing sessions with our clinician, Martha Alford, classes for ringers and directors, and a lunchtime concert by Philadelphia Bronze. We will even have a table filled with supplies from Jeffers and tie-dyed gloves from the Raleigh Ringers available for purchase at the event!

Register early. Attendance is limited to the first 75 registrants.

Repertoire:

"Calming Peace" - Cathy Moklebust, L2, CGB439

"Advent Joy" - arr. Brian Childers, L2, Alfred 45746

Schedule for the Day:

8am - Registration and Set-Up opens

9am - 9:50am - Massed Ring

10am - 10:50am - Class Session

11am - 11:50am - Class Session

12noon - 1:50am - Lunch (on your own)

12:45pm - 1:10pm - Concert by Philadelphia Bronze

1:15pm - 2:05am - Class Session

2:15pm - 3:05am - Class Session

3:15pm - 4pm - Final Massed Ring "Putting it all together"

4pm - Pack up and head home

Available Classes for the Ringers will include:

Basic Bell Ringing and Special Techniques - This class will cover the basic movement needed to obtain the best ringing sound while keeping ringers safe from injury. Special techniques to be covered will include malleting, martellato, and plucking. We will also cover notation for these techniques.

Bass Bell Technique and Special Issues - This class will cover the special considerations for safe, proper ringing of the heavier bass bells down to C4. One session will also cover ringing techniques for the 3s for choirs that have them. Special issues will include safe body position to compensate for the extra weight of the larger bells, best arrangement of the bells for each piece, and proper damping among other things.

Battery Technique and Special Issues - The battery section of our instrument presents its own special challenges including weaving for those quick accidentals, how to four-in-hand the larger bells safely (with locked and unlocked handles), and counting challenges that seem to plague us. This class will address those issues as well as a few others. Come with questions if you have them!

Treble Techniques and Special Issues - The treble section of our instrument has its own special set of challenges. Fast bell changes, quick rhythms, exposed melodies, four-in-hand. We’ll cover these challenges and more in the treble techniques class.

We’ve Got Rhythm! - Handbells need so much more than simply counting to 4! Picking one note out of the run and playing it at the right time can be difficult! This class will cover some special ways to conquer those rhythmic challenges.

Bells and Movement - Handbells are a visual instrument and movement helps the audience hear what they’re seeing. This class will cover movement techniques that allow us as ringers to communicate the music to our audience. Good for ringers and directors alike!

Small Ensemble Ringing - Sometimes we simply can’t pull together a full choir for a particular performance. In comes the alternative - the small ensemble! This class will cover challenges specific to ringing pieces with only a few ringers - ringing off the table, traveling, the ensemble sound, playing without a director. Come and see what it’s all about!

For the Directors:  We will be offering special roundtables for each hour that will cover specific topics. These topics will include: How to expand the table with new equipment, Use of bells in worship, How to handle personnel issues, Bell Maintenance, Working with children's choirs, and more. You are also welcome to attend any of the ringer's classes. Just let us know on your registration form so we can place you in the classes.

Cost

The cost for this event is $25 per ringer and $15 per director. Payment can be made via check with paper registration or via PayPal with online registration. See the Registration section below.

Orphans

We are able to accept orphans for this event, so don’t worry if you’re the only ringer in your choir who is able to come. We’ll assign a ringing position for you and make sure you have a spot!

Note to Directors

Please be sure to bring you own bells, tables and pads for the mass ringing segment of the day. Make sure all of your equipment is properly marked with identification. Things can get a little busy when everyone is trying to pack up at the same time, and we would hate for things to get mixed up with other groups!

This event is endorsed by the Handbell Musicians of America. If you’re not already a member, we will have membership information available at the workshop. It is a wonderful resource for everyone in the handbell world!

Need help with registration? Call Sarah at 484-716-3892 for assistance.


Registration Options and Forms

Online with PayPal

For people who prefer to handle registration online, this is the quickest option for you. Please follow the steps here:

  • Download the editable registration form below (Not editable using the Microsoft Edge browser.)

    Workshop Registration Form (editable)

  • Open the PDF form, fill out the information, and save the file to your machine

  • Email the form to info@philadelphiabronze.com no later than October 15th, 2016.

  • Select "Ringer" or "Director" from the dropdown below and click the PayPal button.
Registration Options

Online with Check

For people who prefer to handle registration online, but prefer to pay with check, please follow the steps here:

  • Download the editable registration form below (Not editable using the Microsoft Edge browser.)

    Workshop Registration Form (editable)

  • Open the PDF form, fill out the information, and save the file to your machine

  • Email the form to info@philadelphiabronze.com no later than October 15th, 2016.

  • Send your check payable to "Philadelphia Bronze" to the following address no later than October 15th, 2016:
Philadelphia Bronze
Workshop Registration
128 Hunt Club Lane
Newtown Square, PA 19073

If you prefer, you can print out your completed registration form and mail it along with your check.

Postal Mail with Check

If you would like to send both your registration form and payment via USPS, please follow the steps here:

  • Download the printable registration form below

    Workshop Registration Form

  • Open the PDF form, print it out, and fill out the information

  • Send your printed and completed registration form AND check payable to "Philadelphia Bronze" to the following address no later than October 15th, 2016:
Philadelphia Bronze
Workshop Registration
128 Hunt Club Lane
Newtown Square, PA 19073