Area 5 Workshops

Area 5 offers one-day education events for ringers and directors, with opportunities for repertoire reading and improving techniques, rhythm, coordination, musicality, and other aspects of handbell ringing.

See below for information on 2023 workshops!

COVID-19 Policy for Workshops

Building a community of handbell ringers through educational events is central to our organizational existence. Before vaccines became widely available, we made difficult decisions to cancel in-person events to protect our ringers and align with broader health and safety regulations. We acknowledge that information and guidance from various health, state, and local authorities can change rapidly. Furthermore, individual comfort levels and approaches to safety will differ. We believe that holding in-person, hands-on events is the best way for us to fulfill our mission and further the art of handbell ringing.

Please click here to read our full COVID-19 policy.

COVID-19 Policy: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ringing setup? Will tables be distanced? 

The ringing floor/room will have a standard setup. Tables and ringers will not be distanced. 

 What happens if the event is cancelled due to COVID-19? 

Every effort will be made to inform attendees of event cancellation no later than 3 days before the event is scheduled to occur. If we cancel the event for any reason, full refunds for registration will be given. 

 Is vaccination required to attend? 

Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended for all attendees.  

 Is masking required to attend? 

The host venue may require masking indoors. Otherwise, masking indoors is strongly recommended for all attendees. 

2023 Workshops

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Chapel of the Resurrection
Valparaiso University
1600 Chapel Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Clinicians: Linda Haddix, Jeff Doebler, Kaitlyn Matthews, Drew McElhaney

With help from:
Valparaiso University music education students
Valparaiso University Resurrection Ringers Handbell Choir

Youth Handbell and Hand Chime Workshop
Youth ringers, age 8-18, and their directors are invited to a day of rehearsal and skill building with Valparaiso University music educators and students. The workshop will cover ringing techniques, rhythm skills, and a final performance, plus a tour of the Chapel.

Registration Fee: $20 per ensemble

Membership in Area 5 is not required for this event.

Youth ringers should already have experience ringing and should have a basic understanding of music notation (whole notes, half notes, etc.).

Repertoire list coming soon. Ensembles are expected to purchase the music and bring it to the workshop, but are not expected to learn it ahead of time. The music will be learned and rehearsed at the workshop.

Northern Indiana, Sept 30

Register Now

Saturday, October 14, 2023
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Trinity Lutheran
3701 Jefferson Ave
Midland, MI 48640

Host: Julie Hyatt
Clinician: Brenda Austin

Great Rep Ring

New Music Plus Techniques Class with Brenda Austin.

This workshop offers the chance to gather and make connections within the handbell community. Brenda brings many new releases from Hope Publishing so attendees can sightread and experience the latest repertoire from many composers. As an added bonus, Brenda will teach and refresh techniques and ringing skills.

Registration: $20 per person (HMA membership not required)

Music packet (optional):
– $10 if purchased in advance with registration
– $12 if purchased on-site

HMA membership is not required to attend. The music packet is optional for attendees and will be distributed at the event; music packets will not be mailed in advance.

This event is open to individuals, ringers and directors, and partial or full choirs. To ensure that we have enough equipment for everyone, we are asking full choirs to bring their own equipment. We will provide equipment for individual ringers.

There is no choral session at this event.

Central Michigan, Oct 14

Register Now!

2023 Traveling Handbell Clinicians

An experienced handbell clinician will travel to your church or location and lead your rehearsal with your music. Directors will consult with the clinician prior to the event to highlight areas of growth for the choir. Sessions will be available between mid-September and early November according to your rehearsal schedule. The cost for up to a two hour rehearsal will be $50 for your entire choir, unless other arrangements are made.

Contact your State Chair to register for a workshop to come to you!