Registration

Registration: $25

Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Both HMA members and non-members are welcome to attend! More information on joining HMA can be found at handbellmusicians.org.

Overview

Whether you’re preparing to direct your very first handbell choir or looking to strengthen your current conducting and leadership skills, this engaging three-hour workshop will provide practical tools and valuable resources to help you lead with confidence.

Designed for both new and developing directors, the workshop features hands-on instruction and practical demonstrations led by H. Dean Wagner, assisted by Cheryl Onesky and Sherri Stoffer. Get ready to connect with other handbell directors from across Area 5, expand your skills, and gain fresh ideas to inspire your ensemble throughout the coming season!

Topics include:

• Basic conducting techniques for handbell ensembles
• Fundamental ringing techniques and handbell notation
• Selecting music and discovering valuable resources for your program
• Resources for handbell equipment, care, and maintenance
• Directors’ roundtable—an interactive discussion to share ideas, ask questions, and exchange solutions with fellow directors

Please reach out to Cheryl Onesky at oh.area5@handbellmusicians.org if you have any questions about the event.

Dean Wagner holds a Master of Music degree in organ performance from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Music education degree from Cedarville University. His organ teachers include Barbara MacGregor and Karl Stahl. Besides being awarded the John E. Kohl Music Scholarship and Trophy while attending Cedarville, Mr. Wagner also won two statewide competitions in 1987: The Frentz Organ Scholarship for organ performance and the Marguerite Imhoff Church Musician Scholarship for Church Music Studies, both awarded by the Tuesday Musical Club of Akron. His master class studies include performances for organ virtuosi such as Simon Preston, Peter Hurford, and Gillian Weir from England; Gottfried Preller from Germany; and Robert Delcamp and Bruce Neswick from the U.S.

Mr. Wagner currently serves as director of sanctuary services and organist at Church of the Lakes in Canton, Ohio, and previously spent 38 years serving as director of music and organist for First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He has extensive experience conducting vocal and handbell ensembles, both youth and adult.

As an organ recitalist, he distinguished himself by performing the complete organ works of Bach at First Methodist, and his concert engagements have included the National Cathedral in Washington. Mr. Wagner has recorded a solo organ recording, “Four Centuries of Organ Music.”

In the realm of handbells, Mr. Wagner is known nationally for his work as a handbell composer, arranger, and clinician. He serves as a clinician and conductor around the country, and has led two European tours with his own ringing choirs from church.