Spring Ring 2008
BCGEHR annually presents “Spring Ring,” a two-day festival whose purpose is to bring bell ringers and choirs from all parts of British Columbia together; to develop an inter-generational relationship among ringers; and to stimulate and introduce new ringing skills and appreciation of music through the art of handbell ringing.
Spring Ring rotates between the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the BC Interior.
Spring Ring 2008 — “Bells Ring, Spirits Sing”
May 2-3 in KELOWNA
First United Church
721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna V1Y 6P6
250-762-3311
Download the Registration and information package here
Accommodation
Kelowna Motor Inn
1070 Harvey Avenue (Hwy 97), Kelowna
Group rate for Spring Ring registrants: $95.00/night for a regular room with two queen size beds. Rooms with three queen size beds are also available at a rate of $149.00/night. Flat rate — no extra charge for additional people in the room.
Registrants must quote “Handbell Conference” or “Spring Ring 2008” to get the group rate. Call toll-free 1-800-667-6133 or (250) 762-2533.
Accommodation must be booked no later than April 5, 2008 to receive this group rate.
Repertoire
Massed
Come Christians Join to Sing,
by F. Thomas Simpson
2-–3 octaves, Hope Publishing 2388
Chatter with the Angels by Sondra Tucker
2–3 octaves, Alfred Publishing 21847
Level 3
Allegro Spiritoso (Holy Spirit, Wind & Flame) by Greg Underwood
2-3 octaves, AGEHR 23028 OR
3-5 octaves AGEHR 35261
Level 2
Third Suite for Handbells by Michael Helman
2-3 octaves, AG23027
Level 1
Jubilee! by Arnold Sherman
2-3 octaves, Choristers Guild CGB472
Student Bursary
BCGEHR sponsors a bursary to enable student ringers to attend Spring Ring. Applicants must be a current member of BCGEHR or under the direction of a BCGEHR member, and actively involved in handbell 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/teacher with an accompanying reference letter.
Application deadline is February 29, 2008. Include your name, age, grade, school or church, and the name of your teacher/director. Describe your handbell experience and your reason for applying. Include the letter of reference from your teacher/director.
Send your application to:
Cara Beirnes
BCGEHR Secretary
3764 Howden Drive
Nanaimo, BC V9T 3V9
Conductors
Level 3 and Massed Ringing: Susan Carscadden-Mifsud
Susan Carscadden-Mifsud has a passion for handbells. They are the focus of her professional life as well as her avocation. She is one of Canada’s most accomplished handbell soloists, a noted conductor, and a clinician who has shared her expertise and love of ringing with directors and choirs across Canada. Based in Ingersoll, Ontario, Susan is the sole proprietor of Handbell Graces and a Regional Independent Sales Representative for Schulmerich Carillons, Inc. Susan’s formal music education includes an ARCT (Piano Performance), a Bachelor of Music (University of Western Ontario), and a Bachelor of Education (Queen’s University). She has been an elementary school teacher, a private piano instructor, and a music school administrator, but in the world of handbells, Susan ranks among the best.
Levels 1 and 2: Mary Hampton
BCGEHR’s own Mary Hampton will conduct Level 2 and lead the Level 1 workshop at Spring Ring 2008. Mary Hampton has been ringing for over 30 years. A piano teacher and church choir member at the time, “curiosity got the better of her” and once she started playing with the St. Andrew’s Ringers at St. Andrew’s United Church in Maple Ridge, BC, she was hooked. Some years later, she took over directorship of the bell choir, and under her guidance, the group grew from eight to 11 ringers, increased their skill level, and became more and more active in the church and the community. Mary also initiated a children’s chime choir and a two-octave seniors’ choir at the church.
Mary is a founding member of BCGEHR and has held numerous positions on the Guild executive, including eight years as an area director, four as secretary, and terms as vice president and president. She currently sits on the board as our past-president. She has also had a presence on the board of Handbell Guilds of Canada, serving as member-at-large, and vice-president. She is a frequent participant, clinician and conductor for regional and national handbell events and has attended one International Symposium. Mary currently rings with and shares conducting duties of BC Bronze. She is a driving instructor for Young Drivers of Canada, and lives in Maple Ridge with her husband and daughter.