Wisconsin Handbell Workshop

Thirty-six beginning and intermediate ringers gathered in Appleton, WI on March 14 for a handbell workshop prior to the announcement of strict COVID19 in-person proximity guidelines. We were pleased, and a bit overwhelmed, to have 48 registrants! However, due mainly to health concerns, 12 chose to stay home.

We were thrilled to welcome Anita Fraundorf, Chair, Area 7 HMA Board, and her husband, Bill, who journeyed from Duluth to attend the event. Displays were set up to advertise membership in HMA and Encore!. Happily, several people expressed an interest in joining HMA! The event was sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Appleton, Encore! Handbell Ensemble of Oshkosh and endorsed by Area 7 HMA.

Dr. Leigh-Ann Lethco, Lecturer in Music at UW-Oshkosh and Director of the UW Oshkosh Handbell Choir was the clinician. She began by reviewing bell basics, then teaching numerous techniques along the way as we worked with Michael Keller’s “Developing Coordination Skills” along with some simpler reproducible music. We ended with a reading session which included two of the ringing selections for Area 7 Festival.

Attendees included a group that uses only hand chimes, another group that currently rings on melody bells, and several ringers with a great deal more experience. For some of those beginning ringers, this was the first time they had handbells in their hands! How exciting to witness their passion to learn to ring handbells. Those of us who ring frequently take for granted the wonderful instrument and all the related equipment we are so fortunate to use.

We look forward to future events to further the art of handbell ringing. We now know, especially from the feedback we received, that there is a willingness and hunger to learn more!