Workshop descriptions 5
SESSION 5 THURSDAY 6 AUGUST (p.m.)
5.1 – 5.4 Ringing Tracks A B C D
5.5 Latin Dance: Rhythm, Movement and Cultural Connection Cheyla Marrero & Linnette Rodriguez (USA, HMA)
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of popular Latin dance styles such as salsa, merengue, and bachata. The class focuses on basic steps, rhythm, coordination, and cultural context, creating a fun and engaging environment for all experience levels. Participants will explore how movement and rhythm connect across disciplines, enhancing musicality, timing, and expression; skills that directly complement ensemble performance, including handbell ringing. No prior dance experience is required.
5.6 Ringing Musically – Beyond the Notes Emily Li (Hong Kong, HAHK)
Handbells are a highly dynamic instrument closely connected to the ringer’s body. This workshop is designed for ringers and conductors of all levels who wish to explore musical expression through greater awareness of mind and body movement. Through guided exercises and musical examples, participants will examine how physical awareness, listening, and intentional motion influence tone production, phrasing, and ensemble blend. Concepts are scalable from foundational skills to advanced refinement, allowing each participant to discover new possibilities for producing a more expressive, musical, and confident performance.
5.7 Echoes of Hungary: Sight-Reading from Rock to Folk Operetta Márton Germán (Hungary)
Join us for a unique sight-reading session that explores the rich and emotional musical landscape of Hungary! Our main focus will be a beautiful, dynamic medley from János vitéz (John the Valiant), Hungary’s most beloved folk operetta by Pongrác Kacsóh. This piece will challenge our ensemble with exciting stylistic shifts - from a heroic march to a playful flute melody, ending with a deeply emotional, tear-jerking ballad. (Level 3+)
Time permitting, we will also read through Gyöngyhajú lány (Pearls in her hair) a legendary Hungarian rock ballad (covered worldwide by the Scorpions as White Dove).
Come and experience the passion of Hungarian music through the bells!
5.8 So you can play four-in-hand? What’s next...? Emily Franks (UK, HRGB)
Four-in-hand is easy when you only have dynamics to contend with, but what happens when you come across
staccato notes, or key changes? This class will teach you how to navigate common handbell techniques whilst playing four-in-hand. We will cover key changes, accidentals, malleting, thump damping, shaking and ringing at the same time, martellato and how to progress to Six-in-hand.
5.9 Symposium 2028 Get Exploring Singapore – Symposium 2028 Lyn Yap & Damien Lim (Singapore, HRSG)
SINGAPORE: An Island-City-State. With a land size of 780sqkm, we are smaller than New York City, half the size of London, and smaller than Tokyo. And we managed to squeeze 6.1 million people in it. Alright, you get it! But what have we to offer? We are a small nation that packs a big punch when it comes to offerings in the arts (handbells especially), economy, welfare, education… and yes! FOOD. The International Handbell Symposium comes to Singapore in 2028. So, what has the symposium to offer, in addition to what can you do in Singapore as a visitor?
5.10 Touch of Tartan: The Story, Craft & Modern Wear of Highland Dress Chelsea Hawthorne (on behalf of McCalls Highlandwear, Scotland)
A relaxed and engaging introduction to the world of Highlandwear, designed for those discovering tartan for the first time as well as those with a growing appreciation for it. This session brings the story of tartan to life, from its rich cultural roots to the craftsmanship behind a traditional kilt, and how Highland dress continues to evolve in a modern setting. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and feel garments up close, explore
how outfits are styled for different occasions, and gain a real sense of how Highlandwear comes together. With plenty of opportunity for questions and conversation throughout, the session is informal, interactive, and designed to give a genuine, memorable insight into Highlandwear in a way that feels both accessible and inspiring.
5.11 What to expect when performing in a professional theatre Derek Nance (USA, HMA)
Do you have the opportunity to rent a professional theatre for your concert? Have you been hired to perform on a concert series? Are you performing with your local orchestra? For many handbell musicians, the chance to perform in a professional venue does not come too often. This class will prepare you for the moment that opportunity comes your way! We will discuss the extra layers of planning that these performances require and what to be prepared for on the day of your performance. Participants will leave with the vocabulary to talk about their lighting and sound needs to a professional crew, and an understanding of the work flow within the venue. While specific union regulations will differ depending on the country you are in, the general principles are the same everywhere.
5.12 ACCOMBells – instant fun bell chordal accompaniments to community singing Suzanne Maslen OAM & Henrik Hogg (Australia, HSA)
Participants will be singers and/or accompanists to a fun session of popular songs accompanied by a chordal tapestry involving chordal chimes rather than guitar chords or ukuleles.
The class will be run at two levels – one very basic, with regular chords as notated on the provided song tunes – the second learning how to play along to new music using figured bass/tab notation. The difficulty is based on your ability. Everyone is welcome to join.
5.13 Drawing Celtic Knots Elena Koponen-Baikie (UK, HRGB)
Learn how to draw Celtic Knots using a grid. Celtic knots are made up of interlacing and endless lines which symbolise eternity and the cycle of life. We will practise a few easy designs first using pencils and squared paper. Then you can choose to decorate a bookmark or a greeting card. There will be several templates to choose from or you can create your own design.