Weekend Schedule

We are only a couple of weeks away now! Below is the planned schedule for the weekend: Saturday, May 4, 2013: 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Handbell Techniques A-Z, including multiple bell techniques 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 Massed Ringing 12:00-1 Lunch 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Bass Bell techniques 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Massed Ringing 3:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. Q and A with David Sunday, May 5, 2013 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Conducting Practice on Isle Bells for interested attendees 10:00 – 10:45 a.m Master Class with Isle Bells (An opportunity to watch David work with Isle Bells on a song perfected for performance) 11:00-12:00 – Massed Ringing 12-1 Lunch 1-1:45 Dress Rehearsal 2:00-2:30 -- Public Performance, Kodiak Baptist Mission

Hotel Rooms Reserved

A block of rooms at Kodiak's Best Western Inn downtown has been reserved for seminar participants. When calling, mention you are part of the "Handbell Seminar with David Harris" group rate, and you will be offered a special price for the weekend (nights of May 3 and May 4). You can contact the Best Western Inn at 907-486-5712. The Best Western is located right downtown, within walking distance to the downtown attractions. (Please be sure to call to get the special room rate -- reserving online does not allow one to attain the special rate.)

Introducing the hosts -- Isle Bells

Isle Bells has been together for one season. Their history ringing together, however, spans a couple of decades. About half of the group rang together as middle and high schoolers in the late 80's and 90's. They were lucky enough to do a tour to Russia in the early 90's, performing in public spaces in the Moscow area. Fast forward two decades and many of the ringers have returned to Kodiak. Isle Bells rings on five octaves of Malmark handbells and handchimes. There are currently 14 ringers on the full five octaves, four of whom learned to ring just since the summer of 2012. The picture below shows some of the members together after our "Spring Ring" 2012.

Travel to Kodiak

Travel to Kodiak takes some planning. About 250 miles south of Anchorage, flights are about an hour long from Anchorage and occur many times throughout the day. Details are available at alaskaairlines.com Prices range between $400-500 roundtrip, depending on any specials occurring. Ferry travel to Kodiak on the "Alaska Marine Highway" takes time. The ferry comes to Kodiak from Homer, a 12 hour ferry ride. The drive from Anchorage to Homer is about four hours. Ferry reservations are necessary, especially if bringing a car. The ferry for the David Harris weekend arrives into Kodiak at 11 a.m. Saturday morning and leaves late afternoon the Tuesday after. Details on ferry travel to Kodiak are available at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs

Workshops

Mr. Harris will lead three workshops during his stay in the North Pacific. They are: Q and A with David, Handbell Techniques A-Z, and Bass Bell Techniques. This is your opportunity to learn in a small group setting from one of the most knowledgable handbell conductors in the country.

Massed Ringing

Visiting handbell musicians are encouraged to partake in the massed ringing available under Mr. Harris' baton while in Kodiak. The three Massed Ringing pieces are: "How Can I Keep From Singing?" arr. by Arnold Sherman (Red River Music HB0060), "Grazioso" by Arnold Sherman, (Red River HB0042) and "Rejoice, He is Risen" by Cathy Moklebust (Choristers Guild CGB721). Please email islebells@gmail.com for specifics on getting gear to Kodiak or coming as an "orphan" ringer to participate in the massed ring.

David Harris to Kodiak, Alaska

Isle Bells of Kodiak, Alaska, is hosting Mr. David Harris of The Raleigh Ringers the weekend of May 4-5, 2013, for a handbell seminar. Handbell musicians and conductors state and regionwide are invited to this special weekend of music and skills-building. Mr. Harris brings years of experience as Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed Raleigh Ringers based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The cost of the weekend is $75 -- the registration fee includes snacks on both days and all sessions with Mr. Harris, including the massed ring and final community performance. Checks can be made payable to "Isle Bells" and sent to P.O. Box 8818, Kodiak, AK 99615 to reserve a spot. This blog will act as a webpage for information on travel, lodging and the general weekend schedule. Isle Bells is very excited to host Mr. Harris and share his skills with the state of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Please check regularly for blog updates. Questions about the weekend can be emailed to islebells@gmail.com