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
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