Overview
February 21-23, 2020
EVALUATIONS 2020
Join us for our annual
Ringing at the Springs
Handbell Retreat
You are invited to a weekend-long handbell retreat that inspires ringers and directors, rehearses great music under skilled direction, and enhances the bond of fellowship among bell choirs.
This retreat is perfect for church handbell choirs seeking new repertoire and new skills for the upcoming liturgical year. Individual ringers are more than welcome to attend and will be joined with a bell choir or combined individual ringer choir. 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!
Come ring, come play, come make new friendships and leave this special place feeling nourished both musically and spiritually.
Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:5-6
You may call us at the office with any questions: 540-434-3829
Please contact Blake Shields with any registration questions, by phone or email blakes@massanettasprings.org
Please contact Hannah Altman with any programming questions, by phone or email hannaha@massanettasprings.org
Clinician
Nick Hanson
2020 Ringing at the Springs Clinician
Nick Hanson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University, Irvine, California, as a major in music with a concentration in handbells. He is currently in his 13th year as the director of handbell ensembles at the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, teaching private handbell lessons and instrumental music to 5th–12th grade students in four handbell ensembles. He also is in his 11th year as the handbell director at Bush Hill Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Virginia.
Nick has served as faculty, clinician, and conductor at handbell events in 15 states (including Washington, DC) and internationally in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. In 2015, Nick was chosen as the first-ever Associate Conductor for Distinctly Bronze under the mentorship of renowned conductor Dr. William A. Payn. Also in 2015, Nick conducted the Distinctly Teen ensemble at the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Dallas, Texas. Most recently, Nick was the 2018 guest foreign conductor for the “Showtime” concert performed by Ministry of Bellz, the premier handbell ensemble of Singapore, and he was the co-conductor for the All-Star Handbell Ensemble at the 2018 Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has written articles for the Overtones national handbell magazine, and has arranged and composed over 50 pieces of handbell music.
Testimonial
“Ringing at the Springs comes along at just that point between Christmas and Easter when our bell choir is looking for some fun and a challenge. Spring is just around the corner, and Massanetta is the perfect place to spend a weekend ringing bells with old and new friends. We are remembering Nick Hanson from a few years back, and are looking forward to his leadership again in February. Good music, good friends, good food, and wonderful Massanetta hospitality abound - and that is what brings our bell choir back year after year. Repertoire is already posted on the Massanetta website, so there is plenty of time to prepare. If you've never been to RATS, come and enjoy a great time!”
- Carol Lown
Registration and Repertoire
Save $20 when you register by
January 13, 2020
Cost: $245 for ringing, meals, and double occupancy lodging in Richardson Hotel. ($265 after 1/13/20)
Commuter Cost: $185 for ringing and all meals. ($205 after 1/13/20)
Please write checks to Massanetta Springs and mail registration forms to. . .
Massanetta Springs
712 Massanetta Springs Rd
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Download this year’s repertoire list above!
All ringers are responsible for purchasing and bringing their own music.
You may call us at the office with any questions: 540-434-3829
Please contact Blake Shields with any registration questions, by phone or email blakes@massanettasprings.org
Please contact Hannah Altman with any programming questions, by phone or email hannaha@massanettasprings.org
Schedule
The following is a tentative schedule for Ringing at the Springs 2020
Friday February 21
3:00 Registration and setup begins
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Welcome and Orientation
7:15 Ringing Rehearsal
9:15 Fellowship, Snacks, & Refreshments
11:30 Quiet Time
Saturday February 22
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Ringing Rehearsal
10:15 Break
10:45 Ringing Rehearsal
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Optional Workshop
2:45 Optional Workshop
3:45 Break
4:15 Ringing Rehearsal
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Ringing Rehearsal
8:00 Cookies & Free Time
11:30 Quiet Time
Sunday February 23
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Final Rehearsal - all pieces
10:15 Prepare for worship
10:30 Worship Celebration with Bells
12:00 Lunch