Virginia Bronze's Fall Back Into Bells Workshop 2024


REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!
​Be sure to join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on our workshop next season, as well as all of our events. 

INFORMATION
Date: 
Saturday, October 5, 2024

Location:  
St. Matthew's United Methodist Church
8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Time: ​
9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: 
$50 per person (+ optional processing fee)
(Lunch is included)

Registration: 
Registration has closed! We hope to see you next year.
​
Registration ends September 27!
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
  • 9:00 to 9:30 Registration
  • 9:30 to 10:30 Session 1
  • 10:30 to 10:45 Break
  • 10:45 to 11:45 Session 2
  • 11:45 to 12:30 Lunch (provided)
  • 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 Massed Reading Session (Level 3/4)
WORKSHOP LOCATION
ST. MATTHEW'S ​UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
8617 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003
For any questions, please contact:
workshop@vabronze.org
CLASSES
Session 1 Options (9:30-10:30am)
  • 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. 
  • Problem Solving: Is there a tricky section of a song and you have no idea how to handle it? We'll go over how to break it down and look at possible solutions including 4-in-hand, asking a neighbor, using a duplicate bell, and others. Examples will be provided, but if you've got something specific you'd like help with, feel free to bring it along.
  • Small Ensemble (Part 1 of 2): 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 groups and work on quartets together. This is a two-session class.
  • Beginning Track Session 1: Handbells 101, The Basics: Learn the basics of handbell ringing– bell anatomy, typical bell assignments, how to ring a bell and more!

Session 2 Options (10:45-11:45am)
  • Decoding Rhythms/Mixed Meters: Yikes! What is this weird time signature? How does this septuplet work? This piece has multiple 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!
  • 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, though we will also explore British, Japanese, and other set ups, plus briefly cover how to play three bells in each hand.
  • Small Ensemble (Part 2 of 2): 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 groups and work on quartets together. This is a two-session class.​​
  • Beginning Track Session 2: Handbells 102, Techniques: Continue learning the basics with a focus on handbell techniques and their notation. ​
Session 3 Options (12:30-1:30pm)
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • Problem Solving: Is there a tricky section of a song and you have no idea how to handle it? We'll go over how to break it down and look at possible solutions including 4-in-hand, asking a neighbor, using a duplicate bell, and others. Examples will be provided, but if you've got something specific you'd like help with, feel free to bring it along.​​
  • Beginning Track Session 3: Handbells 201, The Next Level: This session will show you how to do beginning bell weaving, and how to mark your music to prepare for rehearsal.

Session 4 Options (1:45-2:45pm)
  • Mallets and More: Learn how to properly mallet, pluck, thumb damp, ring touch and other percussive and stopped sounds on a range of bells.
  • Decoding Rhythms/Mixed Meters: Yikes! What is this weird time signature? How does this septuplet work? This piece has multiple 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!
  • 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, though we will also explore British, Japanese, and other set ups, plus briefly cover how to play three bells in each hand. (THIS CLASS IS FULL!)
  • Beginning Track Session 4: Level 1-2 Reading Session: Finish the day by putting your knowledge together and reading through a few pieces of level 1 and 2 handbell music!
​
Massed Reading Session, Level 3-4 (3-4pm): ​​Sight-reading level 3-4 music.
Registration has closed!
We hope to see you at our next workshop.​​​