tentative dates: feb 12-14, 2027
Ringing at the Springs
Annual Handbell Retreat
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!
Registration will open september 2026.
Questions? Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org.
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.
2026 PRICES PER PERSON:
Commuter: $195
Richardson Double (single dorm-style room, shared bath): $259
Richardson Single (single dorm-style room, private bath): $295
Hubler Double (shared hotel-style room): $309
Hubler Single (private hotel-style room): $375
WHO MAY ATTEND? Individuals as well as choirs come to this retreat. If you come as an individual, you may decide what bells to bring and what position to play, or request to be matched with a choir that might be missing a member. Choirs of 2, 3, 4, and more octaves have attended. If you wish to bring youth participants, please contact Colleen Earp, Program Director (colleen@massanettasprings.org) to discuss chaperones and other Child Protection Policy measures.
WHAT DO WE PLAY? Each year, the repertoire is chosen by the guest clinician. You may order the music yourself, or opt to purchase a packet with your registration. There is no expectation to prepare before the retreat— we’ll all learn it together!
The music includes a range of skills and playing levels. The repertoire tends to touch on a variety of of the church’s liturgical seasons, as well as some plain old fun! The retreat culminates Sunday morning with an ecumenical worship service featuring the practiced handbell pieces.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING? Handbells and any equipment like table pads, mallets, music stands, stand lights (let us know if you can’t and we’ll do our best to help coordinate); clothes and toiletries (we provide linens); other friends who play handbells!
WHERE DO WE STAY? Participants will have the option to stay in single or double occupancy rooms in Hubler Lodge (hotel-style rooms) or Richardson (dorm-style rooms). There is a commuter option for those who live nearby.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THIS EVENT? Ringing at the Springs is an opportunity to practice and hear new handbell music, learn from a skilled director, and enjoy the fellowship of other people who love playing handbells!
HOW DO I REGISTER? Registration opens in September 2026. An online form will be available for individuals and choirs to register, or you may register by phone. We do not offer or accept paper forms.
HOW DO I PAY? Payment may be made by mailing a check or calling the office to make a credit card payment. A nonrefundable $25 deposit is due upon registration; 50% of the balance is due 60 days before the beginning of the program; the remaining balance is due by the start of the program.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY? Cancellations 60 days or more before the program begins will receive a refund, less the $25 non-refundable deposit per registration (and a 5% processing fee if a credit card was used for payment). Cancellations between 59 and 10 days of the start of the program will receive a 50% refund. Generally, there are no refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the program start date.
QUESTIONS? Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
To be announced!
music purchasing options
Full packets will be available for purchase as part of registration for a discounted rate. We will learn all music together during the weekend, so no need to pre-purchase and prepare! Pre-ordered packets will be at Massanetta Springs waiting for you.
Participants may purchase music in advance if desired, or may already own some of the pieces and want to only buy some of the titles.
repertoire
Repertoire packets may be pre-ordered during registration for pickup at the event, or you may purchase the packet or individual pieces through our partners at Jeffers. A link will be posted when registration opens, and the repertoire will be listed below.
To be announced!
Registration WILL OPEN SEPTEMBER 2026.
Please submit the form below for each individual participant. If you prefer to register by phone, please contact our registrar Cherokee Adams at 540-434-3829.
2026 PRICES PER PERSON:
Commuter: $195
Richardson Double (single dorm-style room, shared bath): $259
Richardson Single (single dorm-style room, private bath): $295
Hubler Double (shared hotel-style room): $309 HUBLER IS NOW FULL
Hubler Single (private hotel-style room): $375 HUBLER IS NOW FULL
Ordering full repertoire through Massanetta: $30 (for additional options, see repertoire tab)
Printed copies of the schedule will be available at check in. The 2027 schedule will be posted in early January. It will be similar to last year’s schedule, posted below.