About Us
Get To Know HMA Area 4!Handbell Musicians of America
Handbell Musicians of America (formerly the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) is dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication. The Guild was constituted in 1954, growing out of the previously established New England Guild of English Handbell Ringers.
Quoting from the Bylaws of the Guild,
“The primary objectives of the Corporation shall be to educate, promote the exchange of ideas relating to handbell and handchime ringing, and sponsor educational activities that may be adjudicated but which exclude direct competition between handbell and handchime choirs, ensembles and/or ringers.” The approximate 7,500 members, mostly directors of handbell/handchime choirs, are organized in District, State and Area (2-5 states) units, and the National level.
All seek to carry out the motto:
“Uniting People through a Musical Art.”
Area 4 Board of Directors
2023-2025 Area 4 Board Members
Elected Board Members
Chair: William J. Murphy
(Six-year term, effective October 2021; previously served as Chair-Elect 2021-2023)
Email William – [email protected]
Chair-Elect: Carlos Rivera-Aponte
(Six-year term, effective October 2023)
Email Carlos – [email protected]
Past Chair: Jenny Freeman
(Six-year term, effective October 2019; previously served as Chair-Elect 2019-2021 & Chair 2021-2023)
Email Jenny – [email protected]
Treasurer: Mike Lamb
(Two-year term, effective October 2023)
Email Mike – [email protected]
Secretary: Suzanne Holton
(Two-year term, effective October 2023)
Email Suzanne – [email protected]
Appointed Board Members
Education Chair: Marcia Brantley
Email Marcia – [email protected]
Communications Chair: Katy Ellis
Email Katy [email protected]
Florida Chair: Katherine Lamb Chico
Email Katherine – [email protected]
Georgia Chair: Steve Coldiron
Email Steve – [email protected]
South Carolina Chair: Michael Lopez
Email Michael – [email protected]
Islands Chair: Alkelis Rodriguez
Email Alkelis – [email protected]
Become A Member!
Membership in Handbell Musicians of America now offers more benefits, resources, and opportunities to grow and improve your skills as a handbell musician. In addition, the My Membership Rewards Program provides periodice specials and discounts for Guild events, music, and merchandise. Go to the link below to learn about the different membership levels available from Handbell Musicians of America!