Capital Area Handbell Festival

November 9, 2024

North Carolina State Fairgrounds  |  Raleigh, NC | 9 AM-5 PM

Join hundreds of other ringers to work with clinician Brenda Austin at the 35th Capital Area Handbell Festival. Massed pieces (plus an optional piece) will be rehearsed in preparation of a concert at the end of the day. In addition to the massed ringing, choirs may choose to perform a solo. Registration includes lunch and a lunchtime concert by The Raleigh Ringers. Saturday’s activities begin with a downbeat at 9:00 am and conclude with a free massed choir concert at 4:00 pm.

Clinician

Brenda Austin is in demand nationally as a conductor and clinician because of her dynamic and energetic approach to connecting musicians through handbells. In 2019, Brenda joined the team at Hope Publishing Company in Carol Stream, IL, as Editor. In 2023, she was named Music Director for Embellish Handbell Ensemble. Before joining Embellish, she served as the Artistic Director for the Detroit Handbell Ensemble since 2016. Under her baton, DHE was honored to open the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in 2018 and to be the featured concert for HMA’s Area 2 2019 Festival in Lancaster, PA. Additionally, she has served First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI, as Director of Music since 2003. She is also active in the community directing children’s musical theatre. Brenda graduated with degrees in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She studied with Craig Arnold, Steve Zegree and Eph Ehly.

Brenda is sought after as a handbell clinician throughout the year and has been the conductor and clinician at numerous festivals and workshops including HMA National Seminar, and many of the area festivals. Additionally, she has had more than 90 titles published for handbells and sacred choral since 2015. For more information about Brenda, please visit her website. www.BrendaEAustin.com

Repertoire

Courage and Grace / Mike Joy (Hope 3030)
Fantasy on All Creatures of Our God and King / arr. Sandra Eithun (GIA MGIG10915)
Shades of Forest Green / arr. Tim Waugh (Jeffers/Ring Out 920202115)
In The Bleak Midwinter / arr. Brenda Austin (Lorenz 20-1900L)
He Is Born, How Great Our Joy / arr. Brenda Austin (Beckenhrost HB708)

Optional: Wade in the Water / arr. Ben Tucker (Alfred 45230)

Cost

$48/person if registered or postmarked by September 30
$55/person if registered or postmarked October 1 or after

Cancellations/Refunds

If you or a member of your group registers but cannot attend, we are offering refunds on the following schedule:
Before November 1 – Registration Minus $5/Person (administrative fee)
November 1-November 5 – Registration Minus $15/Person (administrative fee plus expenses incurred)

Additional Weekend Activities

Workshop

Friday, November 8, 7-10 pm at the Kerr Scott Building. $20 per person.
Clinician Brenda Austin will lead ringers through a sight-reading packet and workshop.

Advanced Read & Ring

Sunday, November 10, 1:30-5:30 pm at Raleigh Ringer Central. $20 per person.
Director David Harris will lead this reading session of advanced handbell music.

Registration for these standalone events is done through the CAHF registration (online or paper form).

Registration

Register online using the link below, or download, print, and return a paper-based registration form.

Hotels

Rates are for a certain number of of rooms blocked for booking for our event. They may sell out earlier and not be available before the cut-off date. Book as soon as possible to get these rates.

Hampton Inn
111 Hampton Woods Lane
Raleigh, NC 27607
King or double queen room: $169/night plus tax
Call 919.233.1798 and request Capital Area Handbell Festival or book online
Cut-off date for reservation: October 18, 2024
Cancellation policy: 24 hours prior to arrival day
Rates good for Friday and Saturday nights

Springhill Suites
1128 Ledsome Lane
Cary, NC 27511
King or double queen room: $159/night plus tax
Call 919.977.7244 and request Capital Area Handbell Festival or book online
Cut-off date for reservation: October 18, 2024
Cancellation policy: 48 hours prior to arrival day
Rates good for Friday and Saturday nights

Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena
1200 Hurricane Alley Way
Raleigh, NC 27607
Double queen room only: $164/night plus tax
Call 919.854.0502 and request Capital Area Handbell Festival
Cut-off date for reservation: October 8, 2024
Cancellation policy: 24 hours prior to arrival day
Rates good for Friday and Saturday nights, plus 2 days before and after the event