January 10, Dear BC ringers,

Transcription

1 1 January 10, 2013 Dear BC ringers, We are looking forward to our upcoming Spring Ring May 17 & 18, 2013 at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. Kamloops has won the National Cities in Bloom competition for a number of years and so the theme for this year is Bells in Bloom. We hope that you will enjoy the music that Barb Plante, Janet Kyle and Imran Amarshi, our conductors have chosen for this year. This package contains all of the information you need regarding Spring Ring and all of the application forms. We have chosen Thompson Rivers University for this year as it has everything we need big rooms to accommodate large numbers of bells and ringers, accommodation that is next door to the Spring Ring workshops and rehearsal spaces and a great view of Kamloops and the twin rivers that run through it. We know that you will enjoy the comfort and convenience of this venue and that it will satisfy everyone s needs. You are responsible for making your own reservations at Thompson Rivers University. The University is extending the special rate for Spring Ring accommodation at the University from Wednesday, May 15 th to May 20, 2013 for any of you who would like to come early or stay after Spring Ring to enjoy the sightseeing and activities that the Kamloops area has to offer more about this later. To make your reservations, call (open 24 hours), or by at info@trurez.ca and quote the group name: BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers (see Registration Form for additional details about the accommodation). We are planning an exciting Friday evening concert, featuring bell choirs attending Spring Ring, solo and ensemble ringers who wish to perform and special and surprise guests. Don t miss this opportunity be sure to sign up on the registration form. Please read all the information carefully. Complete and return the registration form as quickly as possible so you don t miss the Early Bird Deadline! Please complete and the equipment form if you are able to bring bells and/or chimes with you. We are always in need of as many bells and chimes as possible to accommodate individual ringers and workshops. If you have any questions or comments regarding the conference please contact Sandy at or sjbaird@yahoo.com. We hope you enjoy Bells in Bloom Spring Ring 2013, and we are looking forward to seeing you in Kamloops on May 17 18, 2013 Sincerely, Sandy Baird Chairperson, Bells in Bloom Spring Ring 2013 Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 1

2 2 REGISTRATION AND EQUIPMENT FORMS o Each ringer needs to fill in a registration form. Be sure to indicate your workshop choices on this form. o If your choir is attending or if you are able to bring bells and/or chimes and foams, one equipment form is required. This form should be completed by the director or an appointed choir representative. o It would be very helpful if individual ringers could bring complete sets of bells. o Please clearly mark all of the equipment that you are bringing bells, chimes, foams, mallets, gloves, binders, binder stands, and table covers. o Your registration includes: o Friday evening supper and reception, o Saturday lunch, supper, and two coffee breaks o Saturday breakfast is included in your accommodation if you are staying at the Thompson Rivers University Residence and Conference Centre. Mail registration form, equipment form and cheques made payable to BCGEHR to: Peggy Bensler, Treasurer # Capistrano Dr Kelowna, BC V1V 2N7 CONDUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES Barbara Plante London, Ontario, Level 3, Massed Ringing and Quick Study Barbara has been directing and working with handbells for the past 40 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Music degree from Western University (formerly the University of Western Ontario) and studied the art of handbell ringing and conduction at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey. As well, she has attended handbell workshops in Canada, the U.S. and Great Britain. In more recent years, Barbara has presented workshops throughout Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces and has conducted at various Ontario festivals. She has also conducted at the 2004 International Handbell Symposium in Toronto. For 25 years, Barbara was the Ontario District Manager for Schulmerich Carillons. Barbara was married to Bob for 40 years and they have two sons, two daughters-in-law and two grandsons. Unfortunately, she lost Bob to cancer in She currently lives in London Ontario and attends First St. Andrew s United Church, where she has run the handbell programme since its inception in Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 2

3 3 Jan Kyle Level 2 Janet Kyle has taught elementary music from Kindergarten to Grade Seven for twenty years. She has a passion for handbells, choir, and musical theatre which she shares with her students. Trained with Level 2 in the Orff pedagogy, Janet s music room is alive with a variety of experiences for her students. Janet is the BCGEHR Director for Education and has conducted handbell ringing provincially and nationally. She has presented many workshops to teachers, adults and youth on the art of handbell ringing. Passionate about excellent choral music, she also sings in Vancouver s Phoenix Chamber Choir. Imran Amarshi Level 1 Imran s passion for handbells began at the age of 10 when he rang in Janet Kyle s beginning handbell choir at the Second Street Community School. Imran has been playing handbells for the last 8 years and began directing Synchronous Handbell Choir in 2010, a group he formed with his fellow students at Cariboo Hill Secondary School in Burnaby. He is the Youth Representative on the BCGEHR Board and loves to play handbells and the clarinet. He is excited to be attending the University of British Columbia s School of Music to pursue a career in Music Education and conducting. REPERTOIRE o Please make sure to order your music in plenty of time so that you can come with your music prepared and ready for final finessing with the conductors. We hope that you will do your note bashing and bell change practicing prior to arriving at Spring Ring. o Our showcase Concert will include O Canada rung with all delegates. We will play Chris Barron s arrangement, which she graciously makes available free of charge to all BC ringers. The music can be downloaded from or will be mailed to you if you so indicate on the registration form. o In accordance with copyright laws, the use of photocopied music at this event without appropriate permission is strictly prohibited. Massed Ring selections Joshua Fit the Battle, arr. Martha Lynn Thompson MPH 1880 Shenandoah, arr. Jason W. Krug MPH 2570 Level 3 selections Siyahamba, arr. Hal Hopson MPH 1869 Just a Closer Walk with Thee, arr. Bruce Greer MRW 8036 (3 octave) MRW 8211 (5 octave) Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 3

4 4 Level 2 selections He Knows My Name arr. Linda Lamb MRP 7520 An Expression of Joy, by John Behnke MAG Level 1 selection A Time for Joy, by Cynthia Dobrinski Agape # 2595 KNOW YOUR LEVEL We celebrate ringers at all levels! Newer ringers usually are at level 1 or level 2 or somewhere in between. Some ringers who have been ringing a long time are at Level 2 and very happy to be there. Some ringers are at level 3, 4, 5 or even 6. There is as much value if you are a level 1 ringer or a level 4 ringer. Spring Rings are held to help all of us improve our ringing ability, meet and spend time with people who enjoy ringing as much as we do, experience different parts of the country and to have FUN! Experience from past Spring Rings has shown us that it is so important for you to accurately identify your level. If ringers underestimate their ability, they are not as challenged and do not get as much from Spring Ring. If ringers overestimate their ability, they are often challenged beyond their ability to learn and master the music leading to frustration and often discouragement. To assist you in determining the level at which you should be registering, here is a short description of Levels 1, 2 and 3 as described by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Level 1 o Meter is limited to 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, common time. o Notes and rest values are whole, half, dotted-half or quarter o There is no subdivision of beats, but use of simple ties o Techniques include ring, shoulder damp, SK, TD, echo, martellato, SW, RT o There are no bell changes (accidentals) o Dynamic levels go from pp to ff, but with all ringing at the same level o Limited use of crescendo or diminuendo o Tempo is limited to slow to moderate Level 2 o All level 1 criteria plus: o Meter can be 2/2, 3/2, cut time, and simple mixed meters of 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 o Note and rest values include eighths, the dotted quarter followed by an eight, simple combinations of eighths and quarters. o Rhythmic elements can include simple syncopation patterns such as eighth-quarter-eighth, and pick-up notes or upbeats. o Techniques can include table damp, Pl, martellato-lift, malleting, and combination of two different techniques. Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 4

5 5 o There may be a limited number of changes per ringer. o Dynamic levels include crescendo and diminuendo polyphonic style with simple dynamic contrasts (such as two voices ringing in different dynamic levels). o Tempo remains slow to moderate. Level 3 o All level 1 and 2 criteria, plus: o Meter can be 6/8, 3/4 (in one pulse/measure), 3/8, 9/8, 12/8, 6/4. o Note and rest values can include sixteenth, dotted-eighth and sixteenth note patterns and triplets. o There can be more complicated syncopation. o There can be a moderate number of bell changes per ringer. o All level 1 and 2 techniques may appear in combination, but not more than two per measure. o More variety in dynamic levels. o Can include accents o Tempo ranges from slow to fast, with some changes of tempo within the work. For complete descriptions of handbell difficulty levels, please see the AGEHR Handbell and Handchime Booklet (revised 2006) STUDENT BURSARY For our young delegates BCGEHR offers a student bursary. Applicants must be a current member of BCGEHR or under the direction of a BCGEHR member, and actively involved in handbells ringing for a minimum of two years. They must be between 13 and 24 years of age, and attending school or a post-secondary institution. They must be recommended by their handbell director or teacher with an accompanying reference letter. Applicants should submit their letters of request including name, age, grade, school or church, name of Director and description of their handbell experience and reason for applying. Application deadline is February 28, 2013 and should be mailed to Helen Sanders, BCGEHR Secretary 434 Vanderline Dr, Keremeous, BC V0X 1N2 CHAPERONES Each student group requires one adult chaperone per 5 students. The charge for the chaperone is $135 and includes all meals that are being provided for ringers. WORKSHOPS If you are arriving on Friday afternoon, you can attend up to 6 workshops over the two days. If you arrive for Friday supper or later, there are three workshops to attend on Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 5

6 6 Saturday. Friday evening has opening ceremonies, mass ringing and level ringing rehearsals. For those arriving on Friday afternoon please choose eight workshops in order of preference. For those arriving Friday at supper, Friday evening or Saturday morning please choose 4 workshops in order of preference. Every attempt will be made to accommodate your top choices. Please note that if you register for the Level 4 quick study it counts as TWO workshop choices, and attendance at both rehearsals is mandatory. Level 4 quick study is limited to 2 full choirs so be sure to register early if you want this session! Most workshops will be offered twice over the one and a half days of Spring Ring in an attempt to accommodate all registrants. The sooner your registration arrives the more likely you are to receive your top workshop choices. The workshops are as follows: A. Level 4 Quick Study Barbara Plante, London, Ontario This workshop counts as two sessions. Prepare a level 4 piece from start to finish in just two hours and possibly perform it in the showcase concert. Attendance at both rehearsals is mandatory. B. Read n Learn Music Levels 1 2+ Susan Galloway/Camille Ream, Edmonton, AB This is your opportunity to not only ring through some new pieces of music but also an opportunity to learn some of the techniques and skills required in ringing the pieces brought to us by Handbells, etc. C. Read n Ring Music Levels 3+ Susan Galloway/Camille Ream, Edmonton, AB This is your opportunity to not only ring through some new pieces of music but also an opportunity to learn some of the techniques and skills required in ringing the pieces brought to us by Handbells, etc. D. Chimes Where There are None! Anne Hill, Victoria, BC We will do a short technique session on playing handchimes and then play a number of selections showing how chimes can be used in different ways to add interest and textures to a piece even if it isn t originally scored for chimes. E Singing Bells Karen McClelland, Kamloops, BC Singing bells have come from the tradition of singing bowls that are still widely used in Nepal, India, Japan, China and Korea. An exciting addition to handbell music, the technique is not difficult to learn and easy to master. In addition to learning how to make bells sing, different uses for singing bells will be explored. F. BCGEHR and FACEBOOK.com - Imran Amarshi, Vancouver, BC Join our Youth representative on an exciting journey to the world of technology and social media. Learn how to sign up and use the BCGEHR Facebook Page, Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 6

7 7 share and post videos and photos of your choirs and be a part of our online community! Come and see what social media can do for you. G. Envisioning What You Play Mary Hampton, Mapleridge, BC Have you ever read a good book? One where the words on the page take you away to the world of the author, where you can envision the scene and relate to a character or event? A composer tries to convey a story through the notes, key of music, techniques, tempo etc. We as ringers need to try and convey that story to our audience. By envisioning what we play; what we feel or picture the composer is trying to convey, we perform a piece, not just playing the notes but making music that conveys that story to the audience. Come and find out ways to envision. H. Bass Bell Techniques Mary Hampton, Mapleridge, BC Bass bell ringers are the most visible ringers in the choir and are the foundation. "The Concert Isn't Over 'til the Fat Bell Rings". Come and learn the care for a bass ringer, the techniques (ever heard of a lip ring?) and other ideas that make bass ringing safe and fun. I. What They See Is What They Hear Janet Kyle, Vancouver, BC Have you ever watched a bell choir and wondered if the choir actually liked ringing bells? Have you wondered if they were having fun as they rang upbeat music, because they looked like they were ringing at a funeral? Have you wondered why there is a director, because the ringers never raise their eyes? This workshop will explore how the audience will hear our music differently when as ringers we physically make some changes to how we ring. J. Directors Roundtable Barbara Plante, London Ontario A wonderful opportunity for directors of all levels and experience to meet and discuss issues that are relevant to directors. K. I d Like to Have My Bell Ringing Critiqued - Sandra Tremblay, Vancouver With a small group of ringers in each session, this is an opportunity to have your ringing style evaluated with helpful hints on how to improve. L. Solo Ringing, Master s Class Cara Beirnes, Nanaimo, BC If there is enough interest, M. Mastering More Advanced Music Gail Haussler, Prince George, BC This workshop will include strategies to make that Level 4 or 5 piece that you've always wanted to play achievable by your choir. We will look at musicality, getting your head around mixed metre, feeling the rhythm, changing rhythms, and other approaches that will help you master complex music. Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 7

8 8 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Friday May 17, :00-1:30 Registration opens also setup and open rehearsal 1:30 2:20 Workshop 1 2:30 3:20 Workshop 2 3:30-4:20 Workshop 3 4:30 6:15 Dinner (included in registration) 6:30 6:45 Opening Ceremony 6:45 7:30 Massed Ringing Rehearsal 7:45 8:30 Level Ringing Rehearsals 8:30 9:15 Concert 9:15 Friday Welcome & Reception Saturday May 18, :15-8:00 Breakfast (at TRU residence or on own) 8:15 9:00 Massed Ringing Rehearsal 9:10 9:55 Workshop 4 9:55 10:25 Refreshment Break 10:25-11:10 Level Ringing Rehearsals 11:20-12:05 Workshop 5 12:15 1:00 Lunch (included in Registration) 1:00 1:45 AGM 2:00 2:45 Level Ringing Rehearsals 2:55 3:45 Workshop 6 3:45 4:15 Refreshment break 4:15 5:00 Massed Rehearsal 5:00 5:30 Concert Rehearsals for performing groups if needed 5:00 6:30 Supper (included in Registration) 6:45 In place for concert 7:00 Showcase concert SIGHTSEEING AND INFORMATION ON KAMLOOPS Preliminary information on things to see and do in the Kamloops area can be found at The Canada Games Pool is located on the Thompson Rivers University site within close walking distance of the Spring Ring Conference Centre and Residence for those who would like to bring their families. It has an excellent area for children! The Wildlife Park is a short drive to the east of Kamloops. More information on potential group activities/tours and things to see and do if you want to extend your stay will be coming from the Planning Committee. Additional information will be available at the registration table on May 17. TRU RESIDENCE ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION The accommodation includes: Private Kitchenette with sink, microwave & fridge Beds are double width and queen length Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 8

9 9 Private 3 piece bathroom in each suite Local phone calls and voice mail Complimentary Parking Satellite TV Air conditioning Complementary Internet access Outdoor patio with BBQ facilities On site laundry & kitchen facilities Full Housekeeping & Linen Service Lounges & Multi-media Room Barrier free rooms for guest with physical limitations Cardio facilities on the 10 th floor 24 hour staffed front desk. The following are not provided: hairdryers, coffee makers, irons or ironing boards. Kitchenettes only include a kitchen table, chairs, full size fridge, microwave, sink, ice bucket and glasses. YOU NEED TO BRING ANY DISHES YOU THINK YOU WILL USE. Cost: 2 bedroom suite: Single or Double Occupancy: $99.95 per suite per night Triple: $ per suite per night and Quadruple: $ per suite per night. All are plus taxes. The 4 room suites are $ per suite per night. There are also some single bedrooms at $99.95/room/night. These are subject to availability. Inquire at the time of booking. You can see what the room actually look like by viewing the virtual tour You will first see the lobby and BBQ area. Click on two bedroom suite to see the 360 view. REHEARSAL NOTES Rehearsal notes were not available at time of distribution of the registration package. Please check our website at a later date for this information. IMPORTANT DATES & GENERAL INFORMATION February 9 50% of the rooms held for Spring Ring Registrants will be released to the General public February 28 Deadline for Student Bursary March 9 Final date for TRU Residence Rooms to be reserved for Spring Ring Registrants. After this date, rooms will only be available on a first come, first serve basis. Book early and get the type of accommodation you want! April 5 Early Bird Registrations due get it in early and save $25! Deadline for requesting to perform at the Friday Evening Concert April 26 Final Registration deadline May 17 See you in Kamloops for Spring Ring! Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 9

10 10 CONCERT DRESS Concert Dress is white tops & dark slacks or skirt. If you are attending with your choir, you are welcome to wear your own performance attire. WHAT TO BRING: You will need to bring the following with you to Spring Ring Gloves, music & a binder or stand, comfortable attire & footwear. If you have need of anything else, please let the planning committee know. Sandy Baird sjbaird@yahoo.com Spring Ring Bells in Bloom May 17 & 18, 2013 Page 10

11 Equipment & Bell Assignment Form SPRING RING 2013 ONE FORM ONLY PER CHOIR Name of Choir: Director: I am bringing r 2 r 3 r 4 r 5 octaves of bells, or these individual bells: I am bringing r music stands r feet of foam r table skirts r mallets r banners I am bringing r 2 r 3 r 4 r 5 octaves of chimes Please indicate the type of music stand your choir uses (free standing? attached? on top of the table? etc.) IF ALL OR MOST MEMBERS OF YOUR CHOIR ARE ATTENDING: List each ringer s name and position below. Any vacant positions may be filled by other ringers. IF YOU ARE ATTENDING AS AN INDIVIDUAL and can bring bells or chimes please complete this form. Be sure to indicate your preference of position on the registration form. Every effort will be made to accommodate your top choice. You will be informed of your position in time to prepare. IMPORTANT: Please remember to label all your equipment! Bells, chimes and mallets may be shared or borrowed by other ringers. Set up will be based on the best possible arrangement for the room and the conductor. Remember also that TRU s insurance does not cover your bells and other equipment. Don t forget: music, fold-back binder or stand, gloves Questions? Concerns? Comments? Contact Sandy Baird at or sjbaird@yahoo.ca These positions in our choir will be vacant: ONE FORM ONLY PER CHOIR Return form to: Peggy Bensler # Capistrano Dr. Kelowna, BC V1V 2N7 or fax to:

12 Registration Form SPRING RING May 17 & 18, 2013 Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC Name: r This is my first Spring Ring Address: Phone: Fax: I am attending as an individual r Choir Name: with my entire choir r Church/School/Org: ACCOMMODATION See information on reverse regarding reserving your own accommodation at Thompson River University. LEVEL There will be three levels of ringing groups. Please check the level you will ring at: Level 1 to 1+ r Level 2 to 2+ r Level 3 to 3+ r ASSIGNMENT Individual ringers please indicate your preferred ringing position: 1 st 2 nd 3 rd Equipment and Bell Assignment form to be completed by choirs and individuals bringing bells WORKSHOPS List your workshop choices in order of preference. If you are arriving Friday afternoon, choose 8 workshops. If you are arriving for Opening Ceremonies, choose 5 workshops. Remember that the Level 4 Quick Study counts as 2 choices. (Please include letter and name of workshop.) OTHER Indicate here if r you require a hard copy of O Canada to be mailed to you r I will arrive in time for Friday afternoon workshops. r I will only arrive in time for the opening ceremonies. MINI-CONCERTS Indicate here if you are interested in performing at the Friday Evening Concert as a r soloist r choir r ensemble r duet You must state your intention to perform no later than April 26, Choice of repertoire will be on a first come, first served basis. REQUIREMENTS List any physical and/or dietary requirements:

13 Fee Schedule Registration Form page 2 Name EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 ADULT EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION Deadline Friday, April 5, 2013 (includes Friday supper, evening reception, Saturday lunch, two breaks and dinner) BCGEHR member $ $ Non-member $ $ REGULAR ADULT REGISTRATION After April 5, 2013 add $25 (includes Friday supper, evening reception, Saturday lunch, two breaks and dinner) BCGEHR member $ $ Non-member $ $ Student Registration (full-time elementary, secondary, college or university) $ $ Chaperone $105 $ TOTAL $ Full payment is required to be registered. No partial payments. Post-dated cheques dated no later than April 5, 2013 for Early Bird registration, or April 26, 2013 for regular registration are acceptable. Cancellation prior to April 26, 2013: Registration fee less $20.00 administration fee will be refunded. No refund after April 26, Make cheque payable to BCGEHR and mail cheque and all forms to: Peggy Bensler, Treasurer # Capistrano Dr. Kelowna, BC V1V 2N7 Phone: You are responsible for making your own accommodation reservation at Thompson Rivers University. A limited number of rooms are being held for BCGEHR at a special rate until March 9. After that, rooms are open to the general public and will be available to BCGEHR registrants on a first come, first served basis so make your reservation early! For full details on accommodation, see the registration package. Registrations can be made by to info@trurez.ca or by calling Be sure to quote the group name: BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers. ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER PERSON. PHOTOCOPY AS NECESSARY. CHOIRS AND INDIVIDUALS BRINGING EQUIPMENT MUST ALSO COMPLETE AN EQUIPMENT AND BELL ASSIGNMENT FORM.