FALL INTO BELLS
HANDBELL WORKSHOP
Registration is now closed
EVENT DETAILS
Date
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location
Herndon United Methodist Church
701 Bennett Street
Herndon, VA 20170
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Time
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost*
$45/Individual​ (+ optional processing fees)
Lunch is included
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*No refunds will be offered after registration
FULL SCHEDULE
9:00-9:30: Registration
9:30-10:30: Session 1
10:30-10:45: Break
10:45 to 11:45: Session 2
11:45 to 12:30: Lunch
12:30 to 1:30: Session 3
1:30 to 1:45: Break
1:45 to 2:45: Session 4
2:45 to 3:00: Break
3:00 to 4:00: Small Ensemble Performance
For any questions, please contact info@vabronze.org
CLASS OFFERINGS
Session 1 (Options)
9:30-10:30 AM
Directing 101
New to directing handbells? Want to brush up on your skills? This class will help you learn how to organize a bell choir, conduct ringers, choose repertoire and other basics.
Pop Music Reading Session
Sight read through some of your favorite songs in the pop genre.
Small Ensemble I
This is a two class session. Want to take your ringing to the next level? This hands-on session will cover the beginning skills for ringing solos, duets, trios, and quartets. Ringers will divide into small groups and work on music together.
Session 2 (Options)
10:45-11:45 AM
Director Roundtable
Join us for a collaborative roundtable discussion focused on topics such as assigning ringers effectively, optimizing rehearsal planning and more. This open forum invites participants to share challenges and successful strategies, so bring your questions, ideas, and experiences!
Weaving
Do you ever feel like you have two left hands? Are you faced with a scale that you just can’t get? You need to learn the art of weaving– playing three or more bells in a row... and some notation so you remember for next time!
Small Ensemble II
This class is a continuation of the class in Session 1.
Session 3 (Options)
12:30-1:30 PM
12 Bell Christmas Reading Session
Does your group get requests for small ensemble Christmas performances? We'll read through some secular and sacred pieces that are handy for those last minute requests.
Bass Bell Ringing
Ringing on the low bass bells requires very specific approaches regarding physical health, proper ringing technique, the execution of other techniques, and assignments and set-ups. This class will focus primarily on beginning bass handbell ringing, safety, and assignment ideas.
Shelley/4-In-Hand
This class will cover the basics of ringing two bells in each hand, in shelley and in four-in-hand, how to decide which to use when, and how to do them safely and musically. Four-in-hand will focus primarily on Ring and Push or Ring and Knock, as well as other set ups.
Session 4 (Options)
1:45-2:45 PM
Before You Pick Up That Bell
You just got a new piece of music – there is a lot to learn before you even pick up a bell for the first time. We will cover some basic score study techniques to prepare, mark, and even get some practice in before starting to ring.
Techniques
Learn how to properly mallet, pluck, thumb damp, ring touch and other percussive and stopped sounds on a range of bells.
Rhythms and Mixed Meters
Yikes! What is this weird time signature? How does this septuplet work? This piece changes meters - what do I do? Learn how to break down more complex rhythmic ideas into easily processed information. We’ll practice counting, clapping, and ringing wonky rhythms and unusual meters!
Small Ensemble Performances
3:00 PM
Groups from both Small Ensemble classes perform what they learned for the rest of the workshop attendees!