This open Q & A session allows the participants to tap the combined 80+ years of handbell ringing and handbell leadership by these two presenters.
Handbells
Bob Avant and David Harris – Musicality in Handbells (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Using several pieces of handbell literature as examples, the presenters will demonstrate possibilities for increased musicality with what we offer to our congregations and audiences. We will focus on score study, creative use of handbell techniques, and unique musicality topics related to our instrument.
Bob Avant – Making Excellent Rehearsals Happen with Level 1-3 Music (2021 Alleluia Conference)
How do you make the most of the precious rehearsal minutes you have with your handbell group? We’ll discuss thorough planning before the rehearsal, efficient execution of the plan with strong leadership during the rehearsal, and analysis after the rehearsal. We will also discuss how to approach problem solving for some of the more difficult passages using Level 1-3 music.
David Harris – Making Excellent Rehearsals Happen with Level 3-5 (2021 Alleluia Conference)
How do you make the most of the precious rehearsal minutes you have with your handbell group? We’ll discuss thorough planning before the rehearsal, efficient execution of the plan with strong leadership during the rehearsal, and analysis after the rehearsal. We will also discuss how to approach problem solving for some of the more difficult passages using Level 3-5 music.
Bob Avant- Understanding Improvement in Handbells (2021 Alleluia Conference)
As musicians, we have training and experience in what it takes to make improvements on our main instrument/voice. While there were classes to guide skills development on that from public education through college and perhaps beyond, there was not the same emphasis available on how to develop the handbell or any other type of ensemble.
David Harris – Starting a Handbell Ensemble (2021 Alleluia Conference)
Are you thinking of getting involved with handbells, and not sure where to start? This class will explore the equipment needed, ringing fundamentals, damping, handbell exercises, assignments, and beginning handbell techniques.
David Harris – Essential Techniques and How to Teach Them (2021 Alleluia Conference)
The focus in this session is on the teaching strategies for every known one-bell handbell technique, starting with the proper ringing stroke. This session is appropriate for both beginning handbell ringers/directors as well as those who may need a refresher on some of the more obscure techniques.
Bob Avant – Advanced Techniques and How to Teach Them (2021 Alleluia Conference)
This session will explore techniques used by more experienced handbell ringers. Some of the subjects we’ll discuss include low bass bells, multiple-bell techniques, bell passing, weaving, and if time, several of the more ‘rare’ handbell techniques.
Ron Mallory – Handbells in Contemporary Worship (2018 Alleluia Conference)
More and more churches are switching to contemporary worship styles, and there’s no reason handbell musicians can’t participate. Come explore…
Ron Mallory – Composing and Arranging for Handbells (2018 Alleluia Conference)
Learn methods of creating your own arrangements and original compositions for advanced handbell choirs, from hymn settings to processionals and beyond.
Ron Mallory – Techniques for Handbell Ringers and Conductors (2018 Alleluia Conference)
Good technique provides a foundation for good musicianship. We’ll explore advanced techniques for both handbell ringers and conductors, and along the …
Bob Avant – Ringing Skills & Techniques for Levels 3-5 (2017 Alleluia Conference)
This session will focus on the skills required to perform music that is more challenging. This will…
Michael Joy – WYSIWYG (2016 Alleluia Conference)
WYSIWYG is an acronym for “What you see is what you get.” David Davidson said that audiences and congregations often hear what they see. This hands on class examines the visual impact of…
Michael Joy – Moving Right Along (2016 Alleluia Conference)
Ringing handbells while moving in a processional can be a wonderful visual and musical experience. Many groups move with little regard to what is happening in the music with…
Michael Joy – Glide and Dab Your Way to Better Musicianship (2016 Alleluia Conference)
Whether you are a ringer or a director, everyone can benefit by finding new ways to improve their musicianship. Using ideas from Kim Strepka’s book “Handbell Artistry from…
Michael Joy – Developing Rhythmic Feeling (2016 Alleluia Conference)
Many ringers and directors spend too much time trying to decipher notation. Instead, as author Stanley Schleuter suggests, they need to be developing rhythmic feeling…
Debbie Rice – Moving from Score Study (2014 Alleluia Conference)
Go behind the scenes to observe a strategy that begins with score study and ends with the ringers’ ability to make music that becomes worship.
Debbie Rice – Handbells as the Sound of Music (2014 Alleluia Conference)
Handbells continue to evolve as an instrument of worship. While this session will “start at the very beginning”, up to date tips…
Debbie Rice – Bells Outside the Box (2014 Alleluia Conference)
Bells Outside the Box shares creative ways to use your bells in conjunction with magazines, empty paper towel rolls…seriously?
Debbie Rice – Becoming Team Players through Critical Listening (2014 Alleluia Conference)
Critical listening represents an area of essential skills that directors and ringers navigate together in order to become a stronger team.
Bill Mathis – The Many Techniques and Possibilities (2013 Alleluia Conference)
This session will explore a number techniques for handbell players and how they can improve playing levels.
Bill Mathis – After the Prelude: Bells in Worship (2013 Alleluia Conference)
This session will address the opportunities for handbells outside of preludes. Bill will explore creative ideas for incorporating handbells in worship.
Mary-Kay Parrish – Will It Be on the Test? (2011 Alleluia Conference)
Do you have a brand new handbell choir? Has your choir reached a plateau and can’t seem to get better? Or maybe you …
Mary-Kay Parrish – It Takes Two to Tango (2011 Alleluia Conference)
Whose job is more vital, the director’s or the ringer’s? What does each owe to the other? We’ll talk about how a ringer can be the…
Mary-Kay Parrish – Are Handbells Relevant in Today’s Church Music (2011 Alleluia Conference)
Perhaps not if we don’t make some changes in the ways we use bells in our worship services. Maybe playing a piece for the Prelude or…
Tracy DePue – Strategies for Handbell Assignment (2010 Alleluia Conference)
Learn the various ways to assign 3, 4 and 5 octaves of handbells involving various numbers of ringers. We will also discuss strategies for placing ringers in certain positions…
Tracy DePue – Rehearsal Planning for Effective and Efficient Rehearsals (2010 Alleluia Conference)
Do you have a specific plan for rehearsals or do you shoot from the hip? We will discuss ways to plan out the rehearsal using score study techniques. We will also…
Tracy DePue – Ready to Take on Two Bells in One (2010 Alleluia Conference)
This class explores various multiple bell techniques – how to play them and how to teach them successfully.