Electives

Completion of at least one elective class is required for Certification at Level 3. This elective can be completed at any time after you have registered for Handbell Musician Certification. The elective subjects are:

  • Handbells/Handchimes in Music Education
  • Handbells/Handchimes in Worship
  • Handbells/Handchimes in the Community
  • Handbells/Handchimes with Special Populations

The electives are taught by faculty selected by Handbell Musicians of America. The current faculty are:

  • Handbells/Handchimes in Music Education: Margi Zearley, Kathy Briggs
  • Handbells/Handchimes in Worship: William Mathis
  • Handbells/Handchimes in the Community: Stephanie Rhoades
  • Handbells/Handchimes with Special Populations: Linda McKechnie, Sue Graves

Handbells & Handchimes in…

Handchimes are an inexpensive alternative to handbells. In the music classroom, at all levels, they can be a fun and effective tool for teaching notes, directionality, pitch, and harmony.  Ideas and examples will be shared on using these instruments in these ways and more.

How Long is this Class?

This class is typically taught in two 75-minute class periods. You might need to complete and submit some of the exercises after the class periods.

This course will explore various ways in which bells and chimes can be in a leadership role in worship and other areas of the life of a congregation. Topics such as repertoire, other roles for bells/chimes in worship, and the role of bells and chimes in the life of a faith community will be covered.

As a result of this course, students will:

  • Have a better understanding of a variety of forms of worship;
  • Learn to choose repertoire appropriate to both general times of worship and specific events and themes;
  • Develop a creative sense about contributions bells and chimes can make in a service;
  • Develop a rationale for various roles bells and chimes might assume;
  • Have some experience in creating musical settings of their own for particular purposes;
  • Be able to encourage open thinking and a helping attitude about how bells and chimes might have a leadership/supportive role in worship beyond performance; and
  • Look toward such activities additionally as a way of building wider support and attracting new ringers.

Students will be evaluated on class participation, composition comprehension, and ability to verbalize a philosophy of handbell/handchime ministry.

Recommended Texts

  • Hopson, Hal H., The Creative Use of Handbells in Worship, Hope Publishing Co. #1956, 1997
  • Junkert, Kermit, Handbells in the Liturgy, Concordia Publishing House CO991594, 1994
  • Behnke, John. Handbell Descants for the Divine Service, Concordia Publishing House CO976512, 1994
  • Mathis, William, After the Prelude: Handbell Resources to Enhance Worship (Years A, B & C) Choristers Guild CGB659, GCB568, CGB617

How Long is this Class?

This class is typically taught in two 75-minute class periods. You might need to complete and submit some of the exercises after the class periods.

This class examines the process of establishing and running a community handbell group. Participants will learn about recruiting ringers, holding auditions, choosing repertoire, writing contracts, securing appropriate licenses, and filing required legal and financial documents. It is particularly helpful to those who are currently involved in community choirs, who have an interest in starting a community choir, or want to be an advocate for community choirs.

As a result of the course, students will:

  • Have basic knowledge related to forming a community group;
  • Have knowledge of a wide range of repertoire for community programs;
  • Understand the financial and tax laws related to community groups;
  • Know about grant availability for state and local art agencies;
  • Know about existing copyright laws and laws pertaining to mechanical and synchronization licensing, and performance royalties; and
  • Have knowledge of insurance needs for a community group.

In order to successfully pass this course as part of the certification curriculum, students must be able to:

  • Articulate five ways to recruit ringers;
  • Write an audition process for new ringers;
  • Create a sample concert program;
  • Explain how to find and file IRS tax forms;
  • Create a sample budget;
  • Explain copyright and licensing as it pertains to recordings and performances;
  • Create a contract for a performance; and
  • Create a press kit and poster.

Recommended Texts & Resources

How Long is this Class?

This class is typically taught in two 75-minute class periods. You might need to complete and submit some of the exercises after the class periods.

This class examines the use of handbells and handchimes as a viable musical enrichment and performance opportunity for special needs communities and the aging population.

As a result of the course, students will:

Experience various teaching methods with 2–3 octaves:

  • “Instant music making” with simple melodies and chord accompaniment
  • Adaptive music notation using color-coded letters which correspond with the handbell scale
  • “Directing the handbell keyboard” by using hand cues, pointing, sign language, and Kodaly hand signals
  • Teaching the visually impaired through memorization

Determine the best music selection for all methods:

  • Analyze published music along with custom written arrangements and bell assignments
  • Explore hands-on methods in detail as a director and ringer
  • Learn to write arrangements for specific groups

Evaluation for this course will be primarily through observation of the student’s participation and progress in class.

How Long is this Class?

This class is typically taught in four 75-minute class periods. You might need to complete and submit some of the exercises after the class periods.

The Handbell Musician Certification Program
is in the process of being redesigned.

Please stay tuned for updates on this evolving program.