National Seminar 2009

Celebrating 25 Years of HIC (Handbell Industry Council)
July 15-18, 2009
Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort
Tucson, Arizona

 

General Information

AGEHR’s annual National Seminar offers intense learning opportunities, access to all the latest handbell products and literature, concerts by top-notch performers, and valuable networking with the best and brightest in the handbell community.  This year’s event is at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort in Tucson, Arizona.  This beautiful resort offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation in addition to its top notch meeting facilities.  So come early or stay late to enjoy all they have to offer!  See Lodging for all the details.

Seminar gets started Wednesday, July 15, with HIC Reading Sessions at 9:30 AM and concludes Saturday evening with a closing concert presented by Bronzeworks and the Desert Bells Chamber Orchestra – a first for an AGEHR National Seminar!  In between, you will have opportunities for learning, ringing, networking, socializing, discussing, sharing and fun.  A tentative daily schedule is available below.

In Tucson, we are celebrating 25 years of the Handbell Industry Council (HIC), the organization formed to coordinate and represent the efforts of those with a business interest in handbell and handchime ringing to the handbell community at large.  Be sure to arrive in time for the HIC Reading Session on Wednesday morning so you can sample all the best handbell literature from the HIC music publishers.  Join us in the HIC exhibits Wednesday evening to start the 25-year celebration and visit the HIC exhibits every day to take part in prize drawings including a daily grand prize of a one-year regular AGEHR membership and the event grand prize of paid tuition (travel and lodging not included) to the 2010 National Seminar.

There will be more opportunities for socializing and networking this year.  Here are just a few of the options that will be available:

• Old West Party at the Last Resort – enjoy an outdoor concert by soloist Ruben Mendoza then dine on an old west barbeque buffet (optional)and line dancing – only $27 (for the dinner – concert is included in your registration).
• Area Breakfasts – enjoy breakfast with others from your Area and learn about what’s happening in your handbell community.  Check back here in May for more details about your Area’s gathering.
• Pool-Side Round Table Discussions – relax by the pool or under the shade of a giant umbrella while you sip iced tea (or a prickly pear margarita) and discuss the challenges facing our community now and in the future.

Registration is now open.  We have kept the fees the same as last year - $395.00 for members, $460.00 for non-members.  Registration forms are due, with payment, by May 15 to avoid additional fees.

National Seminar offers Something for Everyone! 

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Concert Performances:

The following concerts will be presented during National Seminar are included for all paid registrants (daily registration includes the concerts offered that day). Non-registrants may purchase tickets at the registration desk during the event. Ticket prices are listed below:

• Wednesday, July 15, 8:30 PM -  Southern Miss Carillon from the University of Southern Mississippi
  • TIckets may be purchased for $5.00 per person.
• Thursday, July 16, 1:15 PM - Bronze Ambassadors from the United Christian Academy
  • Tickets may be purchase for $45.00 per person. Lunch is included.
• Thursday, July 16, 7:00 PM - Soloist Ruben Mendoza – outdoor sunset concert
  • Concert only tickets may be purchase for $5.00
  • Concert and dinner is available for $27.00
• Friday, July 17, 5:30 PM – Christmas in July with Bells of the Sound
  • Tickets may be purchased for $5.00 per person
• Saturday, July 18, 8:00 PM - Bronzeworks and the Desert Bells Chamber Orchestra
  • Tickets for the concert and dessert reception following are availabel for $25.00 per person
  • Tickets for the concert, desser reception and the pre-concert banquet (6:00 PM) are available for $85.00 per person.

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Handbell Industry Council:

• Celebrate 25 Years of HIC, organized in 1984 to serve as the official liaison between AGEHR and those who have a business interest in the world of handbells
• Browse the HIC exhibits each day and find the latest in handbell equipment, music, resources, collectibles and many other wonderful finds
• Be entered in daily prize drawings including a daily grand prize of a one-year regular AGEHR membership and the event grand prize of paid tuition (travel and lodging not included) to the 2010 National Seminar

HIC Exhibit Hours:

HIC Exhibitors:

AGEHR Music	Jeffers Handbell Supply
AGEHR Silent Auction	Lorenz Publishing Company
Alfred Publishing	Malmark, Inc.
Choristers Guild	Music Mart, Inc,
Desert Bells International	Port-A-Bell Cases
Discount Handbell Supply	Red River Music
From the Top Music	Schulmerich Bells
Genesis Cantabile Press	Soundforth
Gertner, Inc.	Whitechapel Bell Foundry
GIA Publications	Witte Travel & Tours
Hope Publishing Company

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Classes/Faculty

More detailed class descriptions are available here.

Most of the classes offered at National Seminar are appropriate for and will appeal to many of the categories listed below. While we’ve attempted to place classes in the categories where they may have the greatest appeal, attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend any class that is of interest to them.

Class Offerings for Directors:

Beginning Ringers & Directors Track – Nancy Jessup

Beginning Conducting – Kathy Ebling-Thorne

B4U Ring – David Davidson

Creative Use of Handbells in Worship – Beth Judd

Cultivating Musical Habits – Griff Gall

Engaging Your Audience through Good Concert Programming – Kermit Junkert

Handbell Assignments A to Z – Allured to Zinsmeister – Monica McGowan

Handbell Assignments for 2-3 Octaves – Monica McGowan

I’m Excited, Now Where is Everybody? – Michael Glasgow

Incorporating Bell Trees into the Bell Program – Barbara Brocker

Intermediate-Advanced Conducting – David Davidson

Malmark Maintenance – Kathy Ebling-Thorne

Rehearsal Techniques – Beth Judd

Schulmerich Maintenance – Kermit Junkert

Social and Computer Networking to Create a Youth Ensemble Community – John Pfeiffer

What’s the Music’s Story – Stephanie Wiltse

Whitechapel Maintenance – Kathryn Hughes

Class Offerings for Ringers:

Advanced Ringing Track – Jim Meredith

Beginning Ringers & Directors Track – Nancy Jessup

The Bell Tree Solo – A new Idea in Handbell Ringing – Barbara Brocker

Change Ringing – Kathryn Hughes

Don’t Just Stand There! – Performance Skills for Ringers – Rima Greer

First the Music…Then the Notes (Ringing Track) – Arnold Sherman

Foundations of Solo Ringing – Sueda Luttrell

Handbell Soloist – Fearful of Free? – Sueda Luttrell

It’s New, It’s Crazy, I Love It! (new techniques) – Michael Glasgow

Making Music from the Middle – the Unsung Heroes:  Musicality and weaving for the battery bells (G4-B5) – Debbie Rice

Musical Mallets:  Turn Handbell Hazards into Handbell Havens – Debbie Rice

Playing Passionately from the Heart and Soul – Stephanie Wiltse

Rhythms and Ringing – Nancy Jessup

Ringing Basics – David Weck

Ringing Track – Level 2-3 – Tammy Waldrop

Socially Acceptable Bell-Hoggery Skills for Ensemble Ringers – Rima Greer

Stop, Look, and Listen:  Strategies of musicality in the family of Stopped Sounds – Debbie Rice

They Ain’t Heavy, They’re Just Bass Bells – Monica McGowan

Treble Techniques (multiple in hand) – Sueda Luttrell

Class Offerings for Church Musicians:

Creative Use of Handbells in Worship – Beth Judd

Church Musician Round Table Discussion – Beth Judd

Incorporating Bell Trees into the Bell Program – Barbara Brocker

Introduction to Composition – Arnold Sherman

Orff-Schulwerk in the Church – Paul Weller

Social and Computer Networking to Create a Youth Ensemble Community – John Pfeiffer

Class Offerings for Music Educators:

Cultivating Musical Habits – Griff Gall

An Orff Approach to Handchimes – Griff Gall & Paul Weller

Ringing to Reading: making the leap in the general music classroom – Griff Gall

Music Educator Round Table Discussion – Griff Gall

Class Offerings for Composers:

Introduction to Finale – Martha Lynn Thompson

A 7-Class series on Finale® - take all seven or the one or two that fit your needs – Martha Lynn Thompson

Introduction to Composition – Arnold Sherman

Composer/Publisher Round Table Discussion – David Weck

Unpublished Music Reading Session -  Michael Glasgow

Class Offerings for Community/Professional Ensembles:

Branding Your Organization: The Fine Art of Promotion & Sales – Kay Cook

Engaging Your Audience through Good Concert Programming – Kermit Junkert

Goal-Oriented Handbell Group Strategies – Find Your Solutions by Finding Yourselves – Rima Greer

Playing Passionately from the Heart and Soul – Stephanie Wiltse

What’s the Music’s Story?

Even More Class Offerings:

History of Bells – Alan Hughes

Malmark Maintenance – Kathy Ebling-Thorne

Schulmerich Maintenance – Kermit Junkert

Whitechapel Maintenance – Kathryn Hughes

Roundtable on Area Communication – Michael Glasgow

Roundtable – Ringing Wet – Optimizing a Volunteer Organization – John Pfeiffer

Roundtable – Special Needs – Non Music Readers – Linda McKechnie

Roundtable – 14th International Handbell Symposium – Sun Joo Shin from the Handbell Ringers of Japan

Multi-Class Tracks:
We offer several multi-class tracks during National Seminar.  Registering for any track is optional; however, to attend any part of a track you must be pre-registered.  If you do register for a track, your attendance is required at every class within that track.  All tracks include 5 class sessions.

Beginning Ringers & Directors with Nancy Jessup

Ringing Level 2 and 3 with Tammy Waldrop

Music First… then the Notes (levels 1-5) with Arnold Sherman

Advanced Ringing with Jim Meredith

Preliminary list of Clinicians (subject to change):

Read more about the Clinicians

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Ringing Repertoire

Beginning Ringers and Directors – Nancy Jessup

Aria by Michael Helman, Choristers Guild #CGB582, 3-5 oct.  L2
Fantasy on Terra Beata  arr. by H. Dean Wagner, Agape #2477,  3-7 oct. L2+
I've Got the Joy arr. by Valerie W. Stephenson, Choristers Guild #CGB579, 3-5 oct L2
Meditation on “Lord, I Want to be a Christian” arr. by Sandra Eithun,   AGEHR #AG35277, 3-5 oct. L2
This Joyful Day  by Douglas E. Wagner, Agape #1850, 3-5 oct. L1+

Ringing Track Level 2-3 – Tammy Waldrop
We Three Kings  arr. by Valerie Stephensen,  Alfred Publishing #31745  (Available by June 1, 2009),  L 2
Over the Rainbow – 70th anniversary edition  arr. by Tammy Waldrop, Alfred Publishing #31753 (Available June 1, 2009),  L3-
He Leadeth Me arr. by Arnold Sherman, Agape Publishing  #2369,  L3-
Rise Up, O Church of God arr. by Tammy Waldrop, Red River Music   #BL5016, L2
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?  arr. by Anna Laura Page, Alfred Publishing #25367, L 3

First the Music…Then the Notes – Arnold Sherman
Immortal, Invisible  arr. Arnold B. Sherman, Red River Music #HB0008, 3-4 oct., Level 1-2
Joyous Spirit by Valerie Stephenson, Red River Music #BL5019, 3-6 oct., L 2
Cantabile by Emily Li, AGEHR #AG35244, 3-5 oct.,L3
Te Deum by H. Dean Wagner, Red River Music #BL5027, 4-6 oct.,  L4
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair by Claude Debussy, arr. Robert Currier, AGEHR #AG46021. 4-6 oct., L5

Advanced Ringing Track – Jim Meredith

Crush Collision March by Scott Joplin, arr. by Larry Sue, From the Top Publishing #20151  L 5
When Johnny Comes Marching Home arr. by Valerie Stephenson, From the Top Publishing #20161  L 4
Rondo Alla Turca by W.A. Mozart, arr. by James Meredith, Meredith Music Press #9805  L 4+
Pastoral Symphony by G. F. Handel, arr. by James Meredith, Meredith Music Press  #9902  L 4

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Daily Schedule

Updated 6/4/09 (subject to change)

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Unpublished Reading Session

Composers and arrangers of all types, styles and levels of music: here’s your chance to share your newest (unpublished) creations with your peers in a friendly, fast-paced and constructive environment.  This two-part session meets at the end of the day Wednesday and Friday.  Pre-registration for composers is required, as is attendance at both sessions.  Ringers or observers may attend either or both sessions.  More information HERE or contact Michael Glasgow (michael@michaeljglasgow.com or 919-845-0303).

Scholarships

We would like to congratulate the following scholarship recipients for this year's event:

Sheryl Cory

Debra Vinkemeier

None - no applications received

None - no applications received

Many of the 12 AGEHR Areas also offer scholarships to National Seminar.  Please check your Area’s website for more information.  Links to Area websites can be found here.

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Registration Information

Reigstration is $395 for AGEHR members if paid in full by May 15. Registration includes all classes, concerts, two lunches, the closing banquet and access to HIC Exhibits. Registration for Non-members is $460 (if received by May 15) and includes a one-year membership in AGEHR. After May 15, registration fees are raised $30.

To register, complete this form and return it to the AGEHR National Office by mail (1055 E. Centerville Station Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459) or fax (937-438-0434).

Full payment must accompany registration form. Registration forms not accompanied by check or credit card information will not be processed.

Registration and payment must be received by May 15, 2009, in order to qualify for early registration discounts.

After your registration is processed, you will receive a receipt confirming registration and additional information about the event and your chosen track(s).

Registration does not include lodging.  Registrants are responsible for making their own travel & lodging reservations (see Lodging for more information).  Registrants who choose not to stay at the event hotel will be charged a $100 non-resident fee.

Class sizes for pre-registered tracks are limited.  Classes will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

You may select only one of the pre-registered ringing tracks.  Registering for any track is optional, not required.

Gloves are required whenever you are handling handbells provided in classrooms.  Bring your own gloves, mallets, and a stand-up binder. These items will not be provided in class sessions.  

For registration assistance, call or e-mail Vickie Iverson at the AGEHR office at 800-878-5459 or viverson@agehr.org

Cancellation/Refund Policy (per registrant)
Refunds will be made for Seminar registration cancellations received in writing or by email until June 1, 2008, less a $150 administrative fee per registrant. Cancellations made after June 1 for any reason (including medical issues, family emergencies, etc.) are not refundable.

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Special Notes

* All registrants are expected to purchase any required music before arrival at Seminar.  NO photocopies of the music will be allowed.

* Recording the sounds, or sounds and images, of the musical performances is not permitted. Any such recording is in violation of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §1101).

* The AGEHR makes every effort to check the accuracy of educational training offered for this event; however, no guarantee is extended as to any errors or omissions.

* The views expressed by the event clinicians may but do not necessarily reflect the views held by the AGEHR, its members, Areas, officials, or employees.

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Lodging

The Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort – the Official Hotel of the AGEHR National Seminar 2009
This beautiful Tucson hotel is set at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain range in Northwest Tucson, AZ. Inspired by the beauty of its pristine natural canyon views and lush desert surroundings, this luxury full-service Tucson hotel is equipped with golf, tennis and conference facilities.   

The Hilton El Conquistador is the largest golf resort in Southern Arizona offering 45-holes of championship golf on three different courses: The Hilton el Conquistador, The Canada and Pusch Ridge. We cater to all levels of golf enthusiasts with a comprehensive golf academy.

This Renowned Tucson Resort offers:

45-holes of Championship golf

31 lighted tennis courts

Luxury spa services

143-foot waterslide

Five distinctive restaurants

On-site equestrian facilities

100,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor conference & meeting facilities

The Hilton El Conquistador offers 428 guestrooms in the Pusch Ridge complex with spectacular views of the mountains, pool, city or desert landscape. You may also choose a Casita Suite if you want lodging with an apartment feel.  After a day of classes, networking and concerts, retreat to the luxurious Tucson lodging accommodations for a restful night's slumber.

In Tucson, Arizona, the possibilities are endless. The first-class Hilton Golf Resort has been awarded the prestigious AAA 4-Diamond rating 20 years in a row. The impressive resort, located just northwest of Tucson, Arizona, provides luxurious rooms for weary travelers. Every guest room is designed with the corporate and leisure traveler in mind, and this Tucson resort is elegantly appointed for your total comfort. Come and visit the El Conquistador lodging accommodations, and see why they have been named one of the best Tucson, Arizona resorts year after year.

The Pusch Ridge guest room features 420 square feet of space with your choice of one king or two queen beds. Each room affords a patio or balcony with city, mountain, pool or spectacular desert views.  All guestrooms and suites include amenities such as: minibars, luxurious guest robes, hairdryer, in-room movies, double data-port and wireless high-speed Internet access.

For more information about the Hilton El Conquistador, visit their website at www.hiltonelconquistador.com.

Room rates for National Seminar are:

Rollaway charge is $30.00 per night. Children under 18 may stay for free in their parent's room using existing bedding.

Taxes and Service Charges
Currently, Resort rooms are taxed at a rate of 14.05%. All other resort purchases may be subject to sales tax. Please note that these taxes are subject to change under Arizona State tax laws.
The following service gratuities are suggested and are at individual’s discretion:
* Porterage:                          $5.00 in / $5.00 out per person
* Housekeeping Services:            $2.00 per room per night

Reservations may be made online. Reservations may also be made directly with the hotel by calling 1-800-Hiltons. Please refer to the group rate for American Guild of English Handbell Ringers National Seminar.    A one-night deposit is required to secure your reservation.  To guarantee our preferred room rates, please make your reservation no later than June 23, 2009.

Hotel Surcharge: To insure that we are able to meet the room block required by the Hilton El Conquistador, registrants who opt for alternate lodging will pay an additional surcharge. To avoid this surcharge, please bring confirmation of your Hilton El Conquistador reservation to the event registration desk at sign-in.  This surcharge does not apply to registrants with a home address within a 50 mile radius of the event site.

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Transportation

There are several options available for transportation between the Tucson International Airport and the Hilton El Conquistador. We have made special arrangements for discount with two companies. No shared ride shuttles have responded to our requests for a group discount shuttle. Please review the options below and follow the links/instructions to make your own arrangements:

Hilton El Conquistador Meet & Greet Service - $40+tax per person, one-way: Service provided by the Hilton El Conquistador. You will be greeted in the baggage claim area with a sign and transported directly to the hotel,no stops. Must be scheduled in advance. To reserve, complete this form and return as indicated to the Hilton El Conquistador. Fees can be charged directly to your room or billed to a credit card.

A1 Town Cars - Car Service - $50 per car, one-way: Cars may be shared by up to 3 people. You will be greeted at baggage claim by the driver and taken directly to the Hilton El Conquistado, no stops. Must be scheduled in advance. To reserve, e-mail a1towncars@yahoo.com and provide your name, cell phone number, time of arrival at the Tucson International Airport, airline and flight number. Please mention that you are part of the AGEHR group in your e-mail. You may also call A1 Town Cars at 520-203-2218 to make you reservation. Cars are also available from the Phoenix Airport for $175 per car.

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