HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA
CONTACT: JENNIFER CAUHORN
Photos available at
September 13, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Handbell Musicians Return to New Bern for Annual Performance Event and Public Concert
NEW BERN—Once again, Handbell Musicians of America will bring its annual Distinctly Bronze East event to the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center.The organization’s premier performance event attracts advanced handbell musicians from across the country and abroad, and residents will have the opportunity to experience the sights and soundsof their unique instrument in a public concert Sunday, October 8 at 4 p.m.The concert is the culmination of a four-day event where the musicians rehearse under the baton of master conductor Dr. William Payn.
Founded in 1999, Distinctly Bronze has delighted audiences on the east coast every fall on the east coast and,since 2009,late winter on the west coast. The musicians will ring in mass on six sets of English handbells and handchimes in a program that includes a diverse repertoire of musical styles and genres from classical to jazz to contemporary.
The late David Davidson, a nationally recognized church music, choral, and handbell clinician, helped to start the event to provide a unique opportunity for highly accomplished handbell musicians to ring advanced literature. Ringers must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the art in order to participate in Distinctly Bronze, and for four days they work from morning until night, perfecting the music for their public performance.
The closing concert promises to be a spectacular visual display of musicianship and skill. Admission for the concert is $5.00 and will be collected at the door.
ABOUT DR. WILLIAM PAYN
Dr. William Payn recently retired as professor of music, director of choral studies, and chair of the department of music at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he directed the Rooke Chapel Choir and Rooke Chapel Ringers. Both choirs have performed all over the world and have appeared nationally on public television. He has also been music director and conductor of Susquehanna Valley Chorale and Orchestra.
With many compositions to his credit, one of Dr. Payn’s major contributions to Handbell Musicians of America has been to write quality music that raises the bar for handbells. His compositions also help to bridge the divide between the world of handbells and other types of music. Several years ago, he wrote “Heart Melodies,” possibly the first original work for handbells and orchestra, which was performed by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in 2002.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments, awards, and recognitions, Dr. Payn has been the festival conductor and clinician at many Handbell Musicians of America events. He is always in great demand as a clinician, teacher, and conductor.
ABOUT THE HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA
Handbell Musicians of America is the national organization devoted to uniting people through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing. As the principal voice for this medium the Guild envisions a community in which handbell musicians of every skill level realize their full potential through mentorship, education, and events. They endeavor to unite with others to create a world in which the art form is musically respected and has universal appeal.
Established in 1954, the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers grew out of the previously established New England Guild of English Handbell Ringers. In 2010, AGEHR became Handbell Musicians of America. Its primary objectives are to educate, promote the exchange of ideas relating to handbell and handchime ringing, and sponsor educational activities. The Guild’s membership of approximately 7,000 includes mostly directors of handbell or handchime choirs.
For more information about Handbell Musicians of America and its mission, please visit