What: 24th Annual Sierra Spring Ring
When: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Where: Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431
Fee: $20/person by April 27, 2026, $40/person after April 27
How to register: Complete the paper form and mail with registration fee(s) OR register online.
Via mail: 2026 Registration Form (print, complete, and mail with payment)
NEW! Online: Registration Form (complete online and pay via PayPal)
Massed Pieces:
Ah, Holy Jesus arr. Cathy Moklebust, pub. Choristers Guild, 2-3 oct. CGB1408, 3-5 oct. CGB1408
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, arr. Arnold Sheman, pub. Agape/Hope, 2-3 oct. 1652, 4-6 oct. 1851
You can order both at https://handbellworld.com. We’ll also learn a short processional during the event.
Director’s Notes for both pieces are coming soon to help you prepare for the massed ring sessions. These notes are crafted with helpful tips about the history, style, and techniques used in the music and a deeper dive into the musicality of the pieces with information specific how the clinician will be rehearsing the massed sessions. Basically, they’re the Cliff Notes, and equally valuable!
Schedule:
- 8:15 Check in & setup
- 9:00 Warm up & announcements
- 9:10 Massed rehearsal
- 10:50 Break
- 11:05 Class session I
- 11:50 Lunch break & solo rehearsals
- 12:40 Class session II
- 1:30 Massed rehearsal
- 2:45 Break
- 3:00 Sharing (public welcome)
- 3:30 Pack up
Solos: We encourage choirs, ensembles and soloists to favor us with a piece during our public sharing time. There will be substitutes available if needed.
Bring: Tables, pads, bells, gloves, pencils, folders & prepared music (no photocopies, please). We have a limited amount of tables. If you can, please bring your own. Contact us ASAP (no later than April 27) if you need us to provide tables*. There may be a rental fee if we run out of tables and need to use a party supplier. *Please note: we are not able to supply pads.
Session I Classes :
- Weaving: It’s not just for hair and baskets! Learn how to handle multiple bells using this technique.
- How and Why Do Warm-Ups?– Warm-ups are a great way to begin every rehearsal! Not only do they mentally and physically prepare you, but they can teach so much in a short amount of time – and they’re fun!
- From Pulse to Precision: Rhythm Training for Ringers– Elevate your rhythmic accuracy by internalizing meter and subdivision with body percussion and hand drums. We’ll be using movement and “saying and playing” techniques to bridge the gap between notation and playing.
Session II Classes:
- 4 in Hand: Learn the basics of the 4-in-hand technique, which truly means just two bells per hand (its inventor wanted to sound really impressive!)
- What?! There’s More than Ringing and Damping?!– Come and learn what they’re called and how to play all those dots, plusses and squiggly lines next to your notes in this handbell articulations class.
- We’re All Playing the Same Song…Right? – Come play some games and learn how to improve communication, foster trust, and encourage collaboration. No bells needed!
Support Sierra Spring Ring and other handbell community outreach events:
Help keep SSR and Bell Jam low-cost and accessible to all by donating to Tintabulations through this link or purchasing our merchandise on Red Bubble.