Bell Tree Solutions, November 14, 2020

 

This is a virtual event hosted on Zoom
A link will be sent to you in the registration confirmation

As handbells get reintroduced to worship services either in person or virtual, bell tree is a great way to extend the capability of ringers. Join us for a journey from “new to bell trees” through “bell tree creativity” to “exploring bell tree and choir music”.

TENTATIVE AGENDA

9:00     Welcome

9:15     Bell Tree Beginnings – Where Do I Start?

Start with a single strand of bells and inexpensive equipment. String a tree, discover the $5 BT pole, and ring.  You will be given simple melodies to play that sound great on the bell tree.  From solo to ensemble, we will talk about ways you can be creative with bell trees in your situation.  Bell trees are handy to have in your toolbox anytime but especially during this time of virtual music.

10:00    Break

10:15    Bell Trees Beyond 1st Tree

Got a taste of BT ringing and want more? Expand from one tree to four, from one octave to two, from single pole to BT stand.  Explore various equipment options including stands, separators, and mallets. Ring melodies that transition from one string to another and back again. Incorporate flats/sharps giving you full range of two octaves. Investigate published music and learn practical applications for skills learned.

11:00    Bell Tree Creativity – Hymn Embellishments Made Easy!  

There are so many easy ways you can add embellishments to make a hymn shine – through ostinato phrases, rhythms, and more.  A few basic skills will empower you. We’ll turn your creativity loose so you will return home with ideas of how to embellish a hymn tune using a simple bell tree. Bell Tree Beginnings or BT ringing experience are required. 

11:45   Bell Trees Plus Choir – Extending BT Skills   

Bell trees were introduced to the handbell community in the 1980’s by Louise Frier. She developed this concept to extend her choir and involve more people by combining handbells and chimes at the table with Bell Tree as a processional element. It also added an element of show to concerts and special occasions. I will take you on a journey through BT & choir music and adapting music for BT & choir.

12:20   Close/Opportunity for open discussion.

Registration

This event is open to all Handbell Musician of America members. Please have your membership number available to register.
If your membership if for an Organization, each ringer in your organization can register FREE. Make sure everyone knows your HMA membership number.

Registration is FREE with a deadline of November 13th
The Zoom Link will be emailed to you upon registration and verification of HMA membership.

Register Here

Registrar:
[email protected]
Event Coordinator, Area 7

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS SEMINAR?

  • Conductors who are exploring ways to re-enter in person/virtual worship
  • Musicians who are looking for a new way to express themselves in worship

Karen Van Wert

With an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a passion to share what she has learned, Karen Van Wert is at home in a classroom or at the podium. She will tell you “There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing a ringer grasping a concept and executing it in their music. Building skills and instilling confidence in a ringer is the goal of every rehearsal, for then we can make music.”  Karen and her bellboy, James, make their home in Savage, Minnesota.

Please make a donation to VEAP in the name of
Area 7, Handbell Musicians of America

VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People)

click here

VEAP Mission

Together we create pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing stability, and supportive services.