May 2012

We can't believe it's May already!  So much to do in preparation for Summit 2012!  We hope to see you there!

Summit 2012: Unlimited Possibilities

June 22-24, 2012
The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center
Conroe, TX (near Houston)
featuring clinicians Michael Glasgow and Beth Judd

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR SUMMIT 2012 IS MAY 15TH!

Now online are details about our host site in Conroe, Summit repertoire, our All-Star Ensemble auditions, an FAQ about our Summit 2012 event and how your Area is organizing the best biennial event to date!  All info can be found on our website, area9.handbellmusicians.org!  Also available online now is the All-Star Ensemble repertoire for those interested in auditioning! (**Note, ringers interested must complete application and submit with registration).  3 pieces will be performed at the final concert on June 24th by our All-Star Ensemble, and one is a very special composition by Michael Glasgow to be unveiled, presented, and premiered at Summit 2012!

Early Bird registration is $195 if received by 5/15, and $210 if received after.  Register as an individual ringer or as a group!  In contrast to Area events past, Summit 2012 is developed specifically with EVERY ringer in mind, whether it fit you best to attend as an individual or if you'd prefer to use the opportunity as camaraderie building for your ensemble!  Daily registration is also available!  Massed ringing opportunities, a by-audition All-Star ensemble under the direction of Michael Glasgow (application online), and great ringing tracks available for all skill sets!  Also, we’re proud to have more concert opportunities than at any previous Area 9 event, by performing ensembles from all over Texas and Oklahoma! 

In addition to our two amazing clinicians, Barb Brocker will be a guest artist and performer at the Summit 2012: Unlimited Possibilities event.  Barbara Brocker has developed the bell tree solo concept, has over 20 bell tree publications in her name and has written “The Bell Tree Keyboard Manual.”  She taught at International Symposiums in 2008 and 2010 and National Seminars in 2006, 2008, and 2009, and performed and taught at this year’s National Seminar in Minneapolis.  As a performer and clinician at the Solo and Ensemble Extravaganza (S.E.E.) in 2001, 2003, and 2005, she was selected to join their “Dream Team” Quartet.  Barb’s appearance at the festival is sponsored by the Greater Houston Handbell Association.

For more details, visit www.area9.handbellmusicians.org!  Questions about the event, and how to make the most of your Summit experience?  Contact your Area board (updated email addresses below!), or leave comments on Area 9’s website!

Area Officer Elections

It's that time again, Area 9!  Officer elections are coming up!  Watch your mail for your official ballot, voting members!  Positions voted on include Chair-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Bios and further information will be posted soon on the website, but only mailed ballots may be used to vote -- ballots will be sent out April 15th!  Remember, Area 9, this is your future you're voting on!  Be a part of the leadership of your Area!

Are you on Facebook?  So is Area 9!  Come "like" our page, and chat with other members of our Area, and get links and photos from our events!

Information is now online for Rookie Ringers 2012 events!  Begin planning now!  Currently Tulsa and Houston are both hosting September 8th events, but Area 9 also offers "Roving Rookie Ringer", which brings any level Rookie Ringer event directly to your church/site!  Email Chair Elect Michelle Tejada for more information at chairelect@area9.handbellmusicians.org!

Have you visited our new website?  Area 9 is now at area9.HandbellMusicians.org!  Designed specifically with you in mind, our new website is very interactive -- leave comments on pages, ask questions, and tell us what you'd like to see added or changed on our site! 

Be sure to visit the Guild's new website as well at www.HandbellMusicians.org.

We want to advise you that with the rebranding effort of our Guild, Handbell Musicians of America, we’ve not only changed our logo and put together a more efficient website to celebrate this change – we’ve also changed our email addresses!  We can now be found at:

chair@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Chair, Karen Thompson)
chairelect@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Chair-Elect, Michelle Tejada)
pastchair@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Past Chair, Sheryl Cory)
treasurer@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Treasurer, Ruth Seiwell)
secretary@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Secretary, Sueda Luttrell)
membership@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Membership, Steven Eddington)
education@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Education, Sondra Tucker)
publications@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Publications, Pam Adams)
okrep@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Oklahoma Representative and Financial Advisor, Wilson Van Tine)
txrep1@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Texas Representative, Patrick Murphy)
txrep2@area9.handbellmusicians.org (Texas Representative, Jayne Brown)

See you soon in Conroe! :)

Ringingly Yours,
Your Area 9 Board