It's finally spring in Maryland:
flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and bells are ringing! In
mid-March, Lexington Park Baptist Church hosted its first
mini-festival involving its own bell choir and one from a nearby
Bible Church. The clinicians was Kevin Schilkdknecht, music director
at Lexington Park Baptist Church. The concert involved both choirs in
massed ringing and included works by Cathy Moklebust and Nancy Tipton
as well as one published in Handbells magazine. Each choir played two
solo pieces as well. It was exciting to note that attending the
concert were several members of the local United Methodist
congregation. Their church has just purchased a set of handbells.
Their new ringers will be candidates to attend next year's
mini-festival. Congratulations to Lexington Park Baptist Church on
their successful event.
On March 18 one of Area III's Adult Festival Conferences was held at
Towson University. The guest conductor was Dr. William A. Payn, and
Jean Wilmouth was a guest instructor. Wilmouth led five Dalcroze
eurythmics classes that were very well received. If you ever have a
chance to take one of his classes, don't miss it! He also attended
the final massed ringing rehearsal to cheer on the percussion session
coordinated by Lynn Bogovitch. David Tiller and Eddie Asten were the
percussionists for Hart Morris' "Praise Him with Cymbals and Drums."
A variety of African drums were played by ten volunteers during the
performance of Robert Ward's arrangement of "Siyahamba."
Susan O'Neill was a guest clinician for classes on change ringing. A
tower ringer for many years, she brought with her the person who had
been her mentor in England, where she learned the art.
There were 350 well-prepared ringers at tables for the final concert.
Several groups said it was their first festival, and when asked if
they would attend another one, they said, "absolutely!" When asked
why, they replied that it was the caliber of the guest conductor,
"hands down!" Dr. Payn was the highlight of the event.
I had a great team of people from both Areas II and III who worked
very hard to make the Towson festival a success. As chair of the
event I give a heartfelt thanks to all of them.
On Mothers Day, Sunday, May 14, Capital Carillon, directed by Ann Y.
Schmidt, will give a joint concert with the sanctuary choirs of
Broadview Baptist Church of Temple Hills and the First Baptist Church
of Camp Springs. It will be held at 7 P.M. at Broadview Baptist
Church. Bring your mothers, grandmothers, wives (or husbands), and
anyone else. Capital Carillon will also present a concert at Silver
Spring (Maryland) Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 4, at 4
P.M.
On Saturday, May 20, the Chesapeake Bronze Carnival will be in town
at the Friendship (Maryland) United Methodist Church. This is a new
concept show including a calliope to lead off; lions, panthers, and
bears (oh my!); a trapeze artist, magician, elephant trainer,
acrobat, gypsies, a carousel, and petting zoo. How do they do all
that on handbells? Come and find out. Lynn Bogovitch directs
Chesapeake Bronze.
Over the past few months there have been several startup handbell
groups in Maryland. They want to learn; and we are here to help.
Contact me with your questions about getting started or other
handbell-related issues. If I can't find the answers, I will find
someone who can. Keep up the good work, Maryland!
Joyce Terry, Maryland Chair