Kyle Webber was the 2018 Area 5 Associate Conductor and worked with Conductor Brenda E. Austin at the Spring Festival in Charleston, West Virginia. He had this to say about his experience:
“The Area 5 Associate Conductor [Program] was a truly remarkable experience! Much of what I have learned about handbells has come from attending festivals and learning from the masters. For me, this event has allowed it to come full circle. The experience of being on the podium in front of hundreds of ringers proved to be valuable and exceptionally rewarding. The feedback from the featured clinician, Brenda Austin, was exceptional. It helped me to grow as a conductor throughout the event and transformed me forevermore in my work as a church musician and my work with community groups. Additionally, the time spent simply watching and taking notes from Brenda was incredibly priceless. I am grateful for the ways this program helped shape me as a massed festival conductor and how it acted as a springboard to continue conducting in a massed setting. I am grateful to the Area 5 board and the Associate Conductor selection committee for giving me this opportunity. “
The Associate Conductor Program is currently accepting applications for the 2019 Spring Festival in Dayton, Ohio. To learn more about the program click here.
