February 17-19, 2023
Join us for our annual
Ringing at the Springs
Handbell Retreat
Contact Sarah Grace Hall, Program Assistant, with any questions:
540-434-3829 or sarahgraceh@massanettasprings.org
Join us for a weekend-long handbell retreat featuring great music under skilled direction and fellowship among bell choirs. Individuals as well as full choirs are invited to attend.
$320 includes meals, program, and single occupancy in Hubler Lodge
$290 includes meals, program, and double occupancy in Hubler Lodge
$275 includes meals, program, and single occupancy in Richardson
$245 includes meals, program, and double occupancy in Richardson
$185 commuter rate includes meals and program, no housing
Come ring, come play, come make new friendships and leave this special place feeling nourished both musically and spiritually.
Dottie Tweedie
Dottie grew up in north Richmond, VA, surrounded with church music. After graduating from Barton College, she returned to New Kent County, VA, in 1975 to take over the directing duties her mother’s church in Hanover Co., VA. It was there that she first encountered handbells. In 1998, she founded The James River Ringers and they held their first concert that spring. Dottie has taught a variety of classes at Handbell Musicians of America’s Area III Adult Festivals, Directors Seminars and Bravissimo!, and led JRR’s many Ringer Workshops for beginning and advanced ringers. She also served as the guest conductor for the Genesis track at HMA’s Ocean City Festival in March of 2011 and rang with Distinctly Bronze (East) from 1999 to 2013. In 2016, Dottie retired as Director of JRR, although she is still active in supporting the group. Dottie is currently serving on HMA’s Area 3 Board of Directors as a member-at-large.
Participants are responsible for purchasing and bringing music.
Kum Ba Yah – arr. John Wilson; Level 3 (2+), available in 2 compatible versions; Hope Publishing 1650 – 2-3 oct.; 2168 – 4-5 oct. https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=2917
A fun arrangement of the old camp song with lots of stopped sounds. Melody goes from top to middle to bass.
Song of Peace – Arnold Sherman; Level 3+; 3-5 oct.; Red River Music (now under Jeffers Publishing) HB0046. https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=8966
Don’t let this one scare you! Lots of discordant sounds with changing accidentals start the piece, but the tempo is slow. Center section calms somewhat to a plaintive feel before leading into big brash chords. Everything resolves to a peaceful setting of Dona Nobis Pacem, which can be accompanied with unison or 3-part singing.
All Creatures of Our God and King – arr. Cynthia Dobrinski; Level 3; 3-5 oct. Agape 1737. https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=3539
An exciting arrangement of the Lasst Uns Erfreuen hymn tune, using multiple techniques to keep everyone busy – typical Dobrinski style!
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – arr. Arnold Sherman; Level 2+; available in 2 compatible versions. Red River Music. 2-3 oct. - HB0010A; 4-6 oct. - HB0010B. https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=4210
Lent, Easter, communion, or general use. Arnold Sherman has woven When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and Near the Cross into a musical expression of the text of both hymns. Although not called for, we will be using 3 oct. of chimes in the center section, m.35-m.55.
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head – arr. Cathy Moklebust; Level 1; available in 2 compatible versions. 2-3 oct. CGB240; 3-5 oct.- CGB444; Choristers Guild; Advent/ Christmas https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=8797
A simple but lovely setting of this old Appalachian carol, this piece requires expression and flexibility to allow the piece to stretch and bend. 3 oct. chimes may also be used. (TBD!)
Now the Green Blade Riseth (Sing We Now of Christmas) – arr. Kevin McChesney; Level 3; 3-5 oct. plus opt G2 & C2; Agape 1892. (Note - There is a compatible separate SATB choral setting and band orchestration available that we will not be using.) https://www.handbellworld.com/music/MusicPiece.cfm?Piece=4674
If this piece isn’t already in your library, it should be! With lots of mallet, marts, shakes and dynamics, it just rockets to the end.
Registration for Ringing at the Springs 2023 is open! To sign up as an individual or a group, click on the REGISTRATION FORM button below. If you have any questions or issues with registration, please contact our Program Assistant sarahgraceh@gmail.com or call (540) 434-3829.
This handbell retreat began in 2005 under the leadership of Kath Wissinger and Laura Holbrook (former Director of Programs) who saw the opportunity and imagined the possibilities for a handbell event in the Shenandoah Valley. After a successful first year, Ringing at the Springs has continued to provide instruction and renewal for handbell ringers from all over, even outside of the state of Virginia!
Ringing at the Springs Schedule
February 17-19, 2022
Clinician: Dottie Tweedie
Friday February 18
3:00-6:00 Check in, set up, settle in Stewart
6:00-6:45 Dinner Dining Hall
7:00-7:30 Welcome, Introductions, and Orientation Stewart
7:30-9:15 Ringing Rehearsal (with breaks) Stewart
9:15-9:45 Fellowship, Snacks, & Refreshments Stewart
Saturday February 19
8:00-8:45 Breakfast Dining Hall
9:00-12:15 Ringing Rehearsal Stewart
12:30-1:15 Lunch Dining Hall
1:15-2:15 Rest
2:15-3:15 Workshop: Team Handbell* Stewart
3:00-5:45 Ringing Rehearsal (with breaks!) Stewart
6:00-6:45 Dinner Dining Hall
6:50-7:00 Group Photo Stewart
7:00-8:00 Ringing Rehearsal Stewart
8:00-9:30 Refreshments, Games, AMA with director Stewart
Sunday February 20
8:00-8:45 Breakfast Dining Hall
9:00-10:15 Final Rehearsal - all pieces Stewart
10:15-10:30 Prepare for worship
10:30-11:45 Worship Celebration with Bells Stewart
12:00-12:45 Lunch Dining Hall
1:00 Check out and departure
*This workshop will focus on rhythmic precision, artistry in ringing and team building. Ours is an instrument which requires anywhere from 2 to 30 hands to play. In order to achieve musical excellence, we have to work together as a well-oiled machine. We’ll utilize rhythm exercises and listening skills (and tennis balls!) to help build the team all without handbells!