Mel Tully touched many lives with his ministry, kindness, and laughter. Many knew Mel from his handbell business West Coast Handbell Supply that he ran with his wife, Gail. He attended California State University, Long Beach, where he received his BA in Music, then began a career as a Minister of Music at Malibu Presbyterian Church. In 1980, he moved his family to Visalia to continue his ministry at First Presbyterian Church, Visalia, and then at First Presbyterian Church, Lindsay.
It was in 1980 that he became involved in handbell organizations. Mel served in several board positions for Area 12, including Area Chair and Central California Regional Coordinator. He also served as Conference Chair and taught classes at several Area 12 conferences. Mel was loved by all in the handbell community.
Based on Mel’s love for Area 12 and those that are new to directing handbells, the family requested a scholarship be established. This scholarship will provide assistance to new conductors attending an Area 12 Director’s Seminar or other director-centric conference/workshop. Further information about applying for this scholarship will be posted as soon as it is available.
The Mel Tully Scholarship assists one or more directors in to attend a conference or workshop associated with improving their directing skills. These include, but are not limited to, the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar, Handbell Musicians of America Master Class (directing), Handbell Musicians of America Virtual Winter Workshop, Area 12 director seminar. The scholarship funds will cover registration fees, room (at half the double occupancy rate), and board.
Applicants must:
Reside within Area 12 (California, Nevada, Hawaii, or Guam)
Be attending their first director event
Be a member of Handbell Musicians of America (formerly AGEHR)
Currently be a director, or have contracted to be a handbell director within Area 12 (including volunteer directors)
2025 Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis for events through August 2025. To be considered, download the application form, fill it out, and email it to the Area 12 Past-Chair at [email protected]. Applicants who submit forms via email should receive a confirmation response within 72 hours; please resend again if there is no confirmation received within that time. Decision on application will be made within 30 days of submission.
Click here to download the application form.
Payment of the scholarship will be made by reimbursement to recipient, unless otherwise negotiated. The recipient shall write an article of their experience for the Area 12 newsletter, The Twelfth Tone.
If you are interested in donating to this scholarship, please make checks payable to AGEHR Area XII, and put “Mel Tully Scholarship” in the memo line. For information on where to mail your check, contact the Area 12 Treasurer. You can also donate to this scholarship via Paypal by clicking here (please include “Mel Tully Memorial Scholarship” in note field when paying.