February 14-16, 2025
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 in September 2024.
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.
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, including an optional challenge piece. 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 2024. An online form will be available for individuals and choirs to register, or you may register by phone. Payment may be made by mailing a check or calling the office to make a credit card payment.
QUESTIONS? Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
Dave Harris, Raleigh Ringers
David M. Harris has been the director of The Raleigh Ringers since January of 1990, when he was instrumental in the formation of the group. Under his leadership, The Raleigh Ringers have performed across much of the United States; in France and England; on International Television on the “Hour of Power” program; as a showcase choir for the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar and Area Festivals; with the North Carolina and Virginia Symphony Orchestras; and as special guest performers at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. The Raleigh Ringers are in constant demand as featured guest performers for various artist series and handbell festivals around the country.
David is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has studied conducting privately with Dr. William Payn (Bucknell University). David was the director of the handbell program at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, and has served The Handbell Musicians of America in many capacities. In July 2023, David was awarded Honorary Life Membership in HMA, the highest award presented by the organization.
David has taken on a position as adjunct professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, where he leads the Meredith College Ringers. He also conducts the educational groups sponsored by The Raleigh Ringers, the Millbrook and Atlantic Ringers. He has written several articles for Overtones, the national publication of The Handbell Musicians of America.
After growing up in the Northeast, David moved to Raleigh with his wife, Kristina. Dave and Kris have three grown children and one granddaughter.
music purchasing options
Full packets will be available for purchase as part of registration. We will learn all music together during the weekend, so no need to pre-purchase and prepare. 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 wish to only buy some of the titles. Links are included below.
repertoire and clinician’s notes
To be announced!
To be announced!
Registration will open September 16, 2024.
The early bird deadline is January 13, 2024. Get $20 off your registration with the discount!
Registration closes on Monday, February 3, 2025.
2024 Prices (2025 to be announced when registration opens)
Commuter Rate: $185
Richardson Single Occupancy (private suite): $285
Richardson Double Occupancy (single room, shared bathroom): $249
guests are welcome to join us for worship!
They may also join us for lunch on Sunday at noon afterward.
The 2024 cost for lunch is $14.50 for adults, $9 for youth, and $7 for children (no charge for infants).
This is the 2024 schedule; 2025 will be similar!
Friday 2/16
3:00-6:00 Check in, set up, settle in (Stewart)
6:00-6:45 Dinner (Dining Hall)
7:00-7:30 Welcome and Orientation (Stewart)
7:30-9:15 Ringing Rehearsal (Stewart)
9:15-9:45 Fellowship and Refreshments (Stewart)
Saturday 2/17
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 (Stewart)
3:00-5:45 Ringing Rehearsal (Stewart)
6:00-6:45 Dinner (Dining Hall)
6:51-7:00 Group Photo (Stewart)
7:00-8:00 Ringing Rehearsal (Stewart)
8:00-9:30 Ask the Director Anything and other fun! (Stewart)
Sunday 2/19
8:00-8:45 Breakfast (Dining Hall)
9:00-10:15 Final Rehearsal (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