Music aficionados in and around Rochester, NY will have the opportunity to experience the unique sights and sounds of the English handbell July 12-16 at a number of daily concerts, when Handbell Musicians of America holds its annual National Seminar for handbell musicians, directors, and educators. During the event at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, handbell musicians will participate in classes led by top handbell and handchime clinicians. 

One of the highlights of the event is the lineup of daily concerts by noted handbell ensembles and soloists, all of which are open to the public. Each year, a variety of music styles are showcased from classical to jazz and pop, as well as modern works composed exclusively for the instrument.

The concerts vary in length from a half hour to an hour, with the longer concerts generally being in the evening. Tickets for each concert are $10 and are available at the door. All concerts take place in the Empire Hall at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Barbara Brocker and Friends, Bell Trees Branch Out

Music performed solely on suspended bells with mallets            

Wednesday, July 13, 1:00 p.m.


Three Rivers Ringers, Bells of the Silver Screen

Pittsburgh-based advanced community handbell ensemble      

Wednesday, July 13, 8:00 p.m.


Christine Anderson, Christmas in July

This world-renowned handbell soloist will get you in the holiday mood     

Thursday, July 14, 1:00 p.m.


Back Bay Ringers

Boston-based advanced community handbell ensemble

Thursday, July 14, 5:30 p.m.


Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble

An advanced ensemble with musicians from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware     

Friday, July 15, 1:00 p.m.


Forté Handbell Quartet 

Four young musicians will wow you as they ring the entire set of bells with just eight hands      

Friday, July 15, 5:30 p.m.


All Star Choir and Distinctly Teen

During the event, advanced adult and teen musicians gather together for the first time and work with a notable conductor to prepare a concert. The result is this concert.        

Saturday, July 16, 2:45 p.m.


Westminster Ringers

This advanced ensemble from Maryland will present the closing concert of the event                        

Saturday, July 16, 5:30 p.m.


ABOUT THE HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA

Handbell Musicians of America is the national organization devoted to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. As the principal voice for this medium the Guild envisions a community in which handbell musicians of every skill level realize their full potential through mentorship, education, and events. They endeavor to unite with others to create a world in which the art form is musically respected and has universal appeal.

Established in 1954, the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers grew out of the previously established New England Guild of English Handbell Ringers. In 2010, AGEHR became Handbell Musicians of America. Its primary objectives are to educate, promote the exchange of ideas relating to handbell and handchime ringing, and sponsor educational activities. The Guild’s membership includes directors and musicians of handbell or handchime choirs, composers, church music leaders, and educators in all education levels from elementary through college.

For more information about Handbell Musicians of America and its mission, please visit www.handbellmusicians.org. To learn more about National Seminar, visit seminar.handbellmusicians.org.

For more information Contact: Jennifer Cauhorn
Photos