Classes

During the Saturday class session, each ringer may attend one of the following classes or take part in the challenge piece. 

Handbells in Movement

Concordia Handbell professors Erik Der and Alex Guebert teach this fun class that’s all about movement. You’ll learn how to take your ringing skills to the next level through engaging games and exercises. 

Taught by Erik Der and Alex Guebert

Alex Guebert is a composer, arranger, percussionist, music director, and teacher from Orange, California.  His compositions and arrangements have been published nationwide and overseas.  He directs 5 handbell groups in the Southern California area.  Alex’s compositional style is a result of his background as a percussionist, his love of film score, and his desire to broaden the horizons of handbell repertoire. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in percussion from Concordia University and a MM in Music Composition from CalState Long Beach. 

Erik Der is a lifelong handbell musician who loves the instrument for its emphasis on ensemble, movement, and rich sonic textures. He is an active director, ringer, and clinician in Orange County and Los Angeles, California, and has experience directing a variety of age groups (middle school, high school, college, adult). He is currently the director of handbell activities at Concordia University Irvine, where he directs the Spirit Bells ensemble, teaches handbell pedagogy and directing, instructs private lessons, manages national tours, and runs the annual handbell invitationals and festivals.

Care and Feeding of Your Handbells

Whether you play Malmark or Schulmerich handbells, come learn how to take care of your bells.  You will see how the bells are put together and learn basic adjustments to get the bells playing the way you want them. 

Taught by Beth Loebig

At 8 years of age, Beth Mays Loebig picked up a C7 behind her mother’s back one afternoon at the church handbell rehearsal.  Upon discovery of her daughter’s transgression, director Linda immediately assigned Beth said C7 as a member of the choir.  Over thirty years later, Beth graduated from Azusa Pacific University with Masters degrees in both Handbell Performance and Conducting.  She is now an accomplished soloist, music teacher, and conductor.  Beth is now continuing her studies at Claremont Graduate University, working on a Ph.D. in Musicology.  She is a founding member of the professional handbell ensemble Timbre and serves as Education Director for Area 12 of the Handbell Musicians of America.