Master Series - Master Class in Conducting

Master Class in Conducting with Dr. William Payn

There are two ways to participate in the Handbell Musicians of America Conducting Master Class…

1.     As a conductor – you will be assigned one piece to conduct.  The group you conduct will be made up of other conducting students and ringer/observer participants in the class.  In addition to your conducting responsibilities, you will be assigned ringing positions on some of the music conducted by other students. Registration fee:  $450.00

2.     As a ringer/observer – you will be assigned ringing positions on some of the pieces conducted by conducting students.  Depending on registration levels, you may or may not be ringing on all pieces.  While ringing you will have a front-row seat to observe as Dr. Payn works with each conducting student.  You will have additional opportunities to observe when you are not ringing.  Registration fee:  $350.00

Registration fees include dinner on January 20, 21, and 22; and lunch on January 21, 22, and 23.

Conducting repertoire assigned individually to participants must be completely learned (close to memory) before arriving at Master Class – paying particular attention to musical nuance and how to achieve musical results through gesture and verbal communication.  Each conductor must have his/her piece assigned for 13 ringers.  Each participant must purchase all scores and learn any assigned ringing position in the pieces they are not conducting.  Ringing assignments will depend on registration levels in all categories.  The music is challenging so it is imperative that, in order to get the most out of this class, all participants (ringing and conducting) arrive fully prepared.  A baton is required, preferably a 12” shaft with an elliptical wooden handle (not cork) either from Mollard or Newlin.  If you have never used a baton, Dr. Payn will teach proper baton technique.  

Application form and payment deadline is November 1, 2011.  All completed applications will be reviewed and evaluated after the November 1 deadline but considered in the order they are received so early registration is desirable.  Successful applicants will be sent additional information, a list of repertoire, and ringing assignments, if applicable.  If an application is rejected for any reason, the payment will be refunded in full.  If rejected due to lack of space, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list should he/she so desire. 

Registrants are required to have an active Handbell Musicians of America membership. If you are uncertain of your membership status, contact the National Office or, if you don't already have a membership, join the Guild today.  

Cancellation policy:  A full refund, minus a $100 administrative charge, will be issued for cancellations made prior to December 1, 2011.  Cancellations made after December 1, 2011 will be given a full refund minus a $100 administrative charge, if the reserved space can be filled by someone on the waiting list.  If the reserved space cannot be filled, no refund will be given.