Welcome to
Area 12

Serving California, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam (and other US Pacific Islands)

Neon City Rhythms - June 18-20, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV

Plan on joining Area 12 members ringing together for our biennial conference!

Nominations open for elected officers

It is that time to prepare for elections. We are looking for nominations for the three elected positions: Chair (6-year-cycle), Secretary (2-year cycle), and Treasurer (2-year cycle). We need two candidates to be placed on the ballot for each position. Would you or someone you know be interested in a nomination for the ballot?

If you are interested in or know of someone who might be interested in any of these elected or appointed positions, please contact Marci Nuoffer at [email protected] with any nominations.

Do you want to be a mentor?

Would you like to be a resource for handbells in Area 12? Please click to submit your information to be added to the Area 12 list of teachers and mentors.

(If you are looking for a mentor, please contact the Education Coordinator.)

Volunteer to serve on the Area 12 Board

There are many appointed positions on the Area 12 Board.  Do you have a few hours every month?  Consider volunteering to serve on the board. Openings include Membership Director, Historian, Member-at-Large, and Event Director.
Contact the Chair if interested in serving on the board.

Area Website Banner Advertising now available!

Do you have an upcoming handbell event? Have a concert? Sell handbell items?  You can now advertise on the Area 12 website right here!  Click for details.

Check out the latest issue of the 12th Tone Newsletter

Learn more about what upcoming events are happening and what the Area 12 board is up to.

Calendar

  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 6, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    Churchill County Museum 1050 S Maine St, Fallon, NV 89406

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.

     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
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  • A Handbell Christmas Story with Velocity Handbell Ensemble

    December 6, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    First Covenant Church 4000 Redwood Road, Oakland CA

    Velocity invites you to share in our Christmas story through memories, poems, stories, jokes, and of course music!

     https://www.velocitybells.org

     
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  • Holidays with Harmony with Harmony Handbells

    December 6, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Faith Community Lutheran Church, 3505 S Town Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA

    Harmony Handbells (southern Nevada's community handbell ensemble) will perform holiday pieces on 5 octaves of bells and 5.5 octaves of chimes. Pieces will range from religious to secular and even Hannukah! Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
     
    http://harmonyhandbells.com/events
     
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  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 6, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Carson Valley United Methodist Church 1375 Centerville Ln, Gardnerville, NV 89410

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.

     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
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  • A Handbell Christmas Story with Velocity Handbell Ensemble

    December 6, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Immanuel Lutheran Church 14103 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga, CA

    Velocity invites you to share in our Christmas story through memories, poems, stories, jokes, and of course music!

     https://www.velocitybells.org

     
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  • Ringing Comfort and Joy with South County Community Handbell Choir

    December 7, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Pelican Hill Resort (22701 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Beach, 92657)

    Join us Ringing Comfort & Joy. Whether your holiday memories are filled with watching Charlie Brown and Rudolph, or a church fill with Joy to the World and Silent Night, Ringing Comfort & Joy is the can't miss concert of the holiday season. Admission is free and you do not have to be a guest of the resort.

            https://www.schandbell.org/

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  • Handbell Advent Concert with 3 Concordia University handbells ensembles

    December 7, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    First Lutheran Church, 815 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

    Concert Handbells
    Spirit Bells
    Resound Chamber Handbell Ensemble

    Concert handbells and Spirit Bells perform thrilling and contemplative repertoire during this unique musical celebration of the advent season. This concert is a part of First Lutheran Church of Venice's Masters in the Chapel Concert Series. 

    Concert Handbells and Spirit Bells are the touring ensembles of Concordia, representing a program that has become highly respected internationally for its performances and for its preparation of handbell musicians and directors. They have performed in 12 nations of Asia, Europe, and Australia as well as 38 states and provinces of North America. Concert Handbells performs the highest difficulty of Handbell Repertoire at a virtuosic level, including original compositions written by faculty and student composers. Concert Bells is featured annually across the nation during the Concordia PBS Special. Spirit Bells is open to both seasoned handbell musicians and those interested in learning the instrument for the first time. Both groups are comprised of music majors and non-music majors.

    Tickets: Free, no tickets required (Free will offering) 
     
    https://www.simpletix.com/e/handbell-advent-concert-tickets-232321 
     
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  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 7, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Sparks United Methodist Church 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.

     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
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  • Christmas Concert with San Diego Harmony Ringers

    December 9, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Faith Presbyterian Church, 5075 Campanile Dr #2334, San Diego, CA 92115, USA

    San Diego Harmony Ringers invites you to attend our Christmas Concert, featuring holiday music to help you get in the holiday spirit!
    We are an advanced, auditioned community handbell group dedicated to bringing the art and enjoyment of handbell music to the community through excellence in performance and musicianship.
    Concert is free and open to all. Good will offering accepted.

     
    https://sdhr.org/
     
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  • Love Came Down with Tapestry Ringers and Singers

    December 10, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Dr, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA

    This season, Tapestry, under the direction of Tessique Houston, is preparing a musical journey into the realm of angels, those benevolent messengers who symbolize hope and joy to a needy world. Come, join us!
     

       https://www.tapestryringersandsingers.org

     
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  • South County Community Handbell Choir at Casa Romantica's Christmas Nights

    December 12, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Casa Romantica (415 Avenida Granda, San Clemente, 92672)

    Come listen to the music of "Ringing Comfort" and Joy while strolling the beautiful grounds of Casa Romantica. Christmas Nights tickets are $15 for non-members and $5 for Casa members. The event includes much more than just South County's music. Tickets may be obtained at the Casa's website. https://www.casaromantica.org/events/christmas-nights-the-casa-763/
     
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  • Love Came Down with Tapestry Ringers and Singers

    December 12, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 2925 Bonifacio St, Concord, CA 94519, USA

    This season, Tapestry, under the direction of Tessique Houston, is preparing a musical journey into the realm of angels, those benevolent messengers who symbolize hope and joy to a needy world. Come, join us!
     

       https://www.tapestryringersandsingers.org

     
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  • Holidays with Harmony with Harmony Handbells

    December 13, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
    St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 2300 Sunridge Heights Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052, USA

    Harmony Handbells (southern Nevada's community handbell ensemble) will perform holiday pieces on 5 octaves of bells and 5.5 octaves of chimes. Pieces will range from religious to secular and even Hannukah! The Bells of St. Francis will open the concert. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
     
    http://harmonyhandbells.com/events
     
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  • Emmanuel, A Concordia Christmas at Segerstrom Concert Hall

    December 13, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
    Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

    Concordia Choir
    Concordia Master Chorale
    Donne di Canto
    Men's Chorus
    Concordia Symhpony Orchestra
    Concordia Wind Orchestra
    Concert Handbells

    Michael Busch, Jeff Held, Dan Wessler, and Erik Der, directors

    Celebrate the season of hope at Orange County’s beloved Concordia Christmas Concerts at the stunning Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This treasured event features choirs, handbells, and orchestra combined in a joyful mix of carols, old and new. Secure your tickets early from the Segerstrom Hall Box Office at https://bit.ly/CUI-XMAS-2025.
     
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  • Love Came Down with Tapestry Ringers and Singers

    December 13, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USA

    This season, Tapestry, under the direction of Tessique Houston, is preparing a musical journey into the realm of angels, those benevolent messengers who symbolize hope and joy to a needy world. Come, join us!
     

       https://www.tapestryringersandsingers.org

     
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  • Emmanuel, A Concordia Christmas at Segerstrom Concert Hall

    December 13, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

    Concordia Choir
    Concordia Master Chorale
    Donne di Canto
    Men's Chorus
    Concordia Symhpony Orchestra
    Concordia Wind Orchestra
    Concert Handbells

    Michael Busch, Jeff Held, Dan Wessler, and Erik Der, directors

    Celebrate the season of hope at Orange County’s beloved Concordia Christmas Concerts at the stunning Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This treasured event features choirs, handbells, and orchestra combined in a joyful mix of carols, old and new. Secure your tickets early from the Segerstrom Hall Box Office at https://bit.ly/CUI-XMAS-2025.
     
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  • Ringing Comfort and Joy Benefit Concert for Family Assistance Ministries with South County Community Handbell Choir

    December 14, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
    Casino San Clemente, 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

    December 14th at 3:00 pm, the South County Community Handbell Choir is excited to bring our benefit concert for Family Assistance Ministries to The Casino San Clemente. This historic venue is beautiful inside and out and has great acoustics. This year's concert is entitled "Ringing Comfort & Joy" and whether your holiday memories are filled with watching Charlie Brown and Rudolph, or a church fill with Joy to the World and Silent Night, Ringing Comfort & Joy is the can't miss concert of the holiday season.

    Admission to the concert is free. It is requested that you get a ticket, either by going online (http://bit.ly/46Fuvmn), ask a South County Community Handbell Choir member, or you can contact us at [email protected] and we will get you a ticket. This will allow us to ensure there are enough seats for everyone.

    We are also delighted to announce that "Bellissima" from St. Junipero Serra Catholic School will be joining us for the concert.

    Family Assistance Ministries is the south Orange County homeless prevention organization. A free will offering will be taken during the concert.

    Please note that parking near The Casino is via parking meters; the ones next to the Casino take coins or the ones in the larger parking lot next door take credit/debit cards. There is free parking in the neighborhood south of The Casino or you can take the trolley from the Outlets and be dropped off less than a block from The Casino.

         

    Venue website: https://www.thecasinosanclemente.com/
     
    Ensemble website: 

            https://www.schandbell.org/

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  • Opus Holiday Concert

    December 14, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Rd, Modesto CA

    The holidays are all the more delightful when you include Opus Handbell Ensemble in your entertainment plans! This advanced community handbell choir has been performing their extraordinarily beautiful music in the Modesto area since 1992. They play a highly unique instrument requiring precision eye-hand coordination, music reading ability and great teamwork.
    Tickets may be purchased at the door and are $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $10 for children under 12. 

           

            https://opushandbell.org/

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  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 14, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    First United Methodist Church 209 W 1st St, Reno, NV 89501

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.

     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
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  • Opus Handbells at the Haggin Museum

    December 18, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Haggin Museum, 1201 N Pershing Ave, Stockton, CA 95203, USA

    This fourteen-member group from the California Central Valley performs on five octaves of Malmark handbells and five plus octaves of Malmark hand chimes. Opus has been featured guest artists for several community concert series and has rung with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. They have shared this unique instrument and their music locally, nationally, and internationally.

    1st and 3rd Thursday events vary from special guests to live music and everything in between. This evening, hosted by the Junior Women’s Group, is perfect for a night out with friends or a date! Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beginning at 6:30 pm, as you socialize with friends before the program starts at 7 pm.

    This program is included with regular museum admission. The museum and store are open until 9 pm. Seating at events varies and is limited to ensure the safety of visitors and the museum’s collection.

    Regular admission prices
    $8 Adults (ages 18-64)
    $7 Seniors (ages 65+) & Military
    $5 Youth (ages 10-17) & Students (with school ID)
    Free admission for:
    Haggin Museum Members
    Children under age 10, accompanied by an adult

           

            https://opushandbell.org/

     
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  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 21, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    First United Methodist Church Carson City 200 N Division St, Carson City, NV 89703

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.

     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
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  • A Caroling We Go! with Concordia Community Handbell Ensemble

    December 21, 2025 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Zhang Hall, Concordia University, 1455 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada

    Join the Concordia Community Handbell Ensemble for a magical afternoon of cherished carols! Directed by alumni Mitchel Piantanida, this ensemble consisting of alumni and local handbell players performs a wide variety of beloved repertoire. Free, no tickets required.  

    https://www.simpletix.com/e/a-caroling-we-go-concordia-community-handb-tickets-248473
     
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  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 21, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 357 Clay St, Reno, NV 89501

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.

     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
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  • Carols of the Bell with Tintabulations

    December 21, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    This year, Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble invites you to experience Carols of the Bell — an exuberant holiday concert exploring the meaning behind our favorite carols and the stories they tell. From timeless classics to fresh arrangements, each piece celebrates the wonder, humor, and heart of the season.
    Audiences will be transported through songs that have become part of our collective holiday soundtrack — reminders of gathering, giving, and rejoicing. With the ensemble’s signature artistry and sparkle, Tintabulations will deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
    All performances are free of charge; donations are cheerfully accepted to support the ensemble's mission of promoting handbell artistry and music education.
     
    https://www.tintabulations.com
     
    Streaming at       
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjkGYKulCt8
     
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Recent News

Remembering David Ruder

The Area 12 Board has recently learned that Dave Ruder has passed away. David Ruder served the Area 12 Board from 1990 through 1994, and 2000 to 2008, including as the Area 12 Chair from 2004-2006.  He also served on AGEHR/HMA Education committees in the intervening...

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Nominations open

It is that time to prepare for elections. We are looking for nominations for the three elected positions: Chair (6-year-cycle), Secretary (2-year cycle), and Treasurer (2-year cycle). We need two candidates to be placed on the ballot for each position. Would you or...

read more

New board officer: Member-at-Large

At the most recent Area 12 Board of Directors meeting, the board created a new officer position: Member-at-Large The duties include: Assist with Area 12 projects, initiatives, and events as assigned by the Chair or Executive Committee; Support the work of other board...

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Area 12 at Pinnacle 2025

Check out all the folks from Area 12 at Pinnacle in Kansas, including the Concordia University choir who performed in a showcase concert.

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August 12th Tone – upcoming events

Check out the latest issue of the 12th Tone here. Read up on some upcoming events (for directors and ringers) in Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada, Southern California, Northern California,  And a recap of some of the events folks traveled to this summer including...

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