Q. I'm interested in participating only in the massed ringing. How do I register for that?
In order to participate in massed ringing you will have to register at the full Festival registration fee. Workshops are included in that but you don't have to attend them if you don't want to. However, there is always something new to be learned in our "wonderful world of handbells" even if you are a seasoned ringer or director. Look over the discriptions of workshops and you'll surely find some that will be of interest to you. Click here for the list. In addition, "Three Times the Fun" is offering unique opportunities to "meet with the composer" a couple of different times. This is something that isn't often available at any festival and it's also included in the registration fee.

Q. What/who are Orphan Ringers?
Orphan Ringers are individual AGEHR members who are not affiliated with an active choir/ensemble OR are members of a group that is not planning to attend an event. These orphans can sometimes be worked into another choir for the massed ringing, using that choir's equipment. Orphans will probably have to purchase their own music since they will want to prepare it ahead of time. If they do find a space, as a courtesy to their "adopted" group, they might offer to contribute to the cost of tables rented. NOTE: An Orphan is ONE individual. Two or more individuals from a choir/ensemble should register as a choir, bring their equipment and arrange for the necessary space needed on the ringing floor.

Q. I really want to attend "Three Times The Fun." However, no one else from my choir is able to attend. What should I do?
You can register as an individual (check that box on the registration form) and attend as an "orphan" ringer. (See explanation above.) If you want a spot on the ringing floor, check the "Who's Coming" page on the web site and contact someone who seems to have registered less than a full choir. They might have a space for you. If so, you will probably still need to purchase music. Then you can mark it up if you need to. If you don't find a space, you are welcome to observe the massed ringing rehearsals and there will be plenty of learning opportunities in classes and reading sessions with our three clinicians. If you will also need a roommate, you might check with choirs that have registered an uneven number to see if anyone is looking for a roommate.

Q. What opportunities will a "Saturday only" festival registration provide?
A. "Saturday only" registration will offer plenty of opportunities to ring (bring your gloves) and attend workshops - and don't forget the vendor displays. They'll be open from 7am to 7:30pm on Saturday. You may observe the Massed Ringing rehearsals. With three different directors working at three different levels (Copper-Lite, Copper, Bronze), there will be plenty of tips and ideas you can take home with you. (And, if you live in the area, you might want to return for the final concert on Sunday at 4pm to see how those ideas work out!) There will be a variety of workshops from Bass Bell techniques with the "buckets" to ringing 4 in hand with the "thimbles", and plenty of other ideas to put excitement into your program if you are a director, or learn a lot if you are a ringer. Our "Meet The Composer" (Cathy Moklebust and Michael Helman) sessions will meet twice on Saturday. Saturday only registration ($75) includes lunch if you register by May 1. You may register after that for the same price but lunch will be on a space available basis. Come join us!

Q. Will there be a young ringers portion of the Area XI Festival 2006?
A. "Three Times the Fun!", the 2006 Area XI Festival, offers many opportunities for ringers. The tiered/level event offers opportunities for ringers of all ages. However, this festival does not offer young ringer "specific" activities. Take a look at the repertoire. Would the Copper-lite selections work for your ringers? The 2007 Camp at Glorieta, NM will be the next Area XI opportunity planned specifically for young ringers.

Q. Some of my ringers are at a beginning level and some are at an intermediate level. Would you recommend both copper-lite and copper level for some or split my choir into two different sections?
A. Some scheduling information first......sometimes the Coppers and the Copper-Lites will ring together (ie the massed selections). And at other times the Coppers will rehearse while the Copper-Lites attend workshops and classes....and then the reverse happens.

Plan #1 - What a great idea for you to consider "dividing up" your ringers according to ringing ability. Your Copper-Lite ringers will be "very comfortable" and your Coppers wil enjoy a challenge that they probably don't get to enjoy very often.

Plan #2 - Another good possibility is to ring the massed music and the Copper-Lite music. That way you'll have music that you can actually perform as a choir for church. No need to purchase lots of repertoire - especially if budget is a concern.

Plan #3 - Go ahead and register for the Coppers - yes - ALL OF YOU! So what if the Copper-Lites are "challenged" a little bit. There will be other choirs on the ringing floor - and if a ringer is uncomfortable, they can "sit out" a few measures and join back in on the fun when they are ready. You might be surprised! Those Copper-Lite ringers might just turn into Copper ringers by the time the rehearsals are all over and the Sunday Concert arrives!

Remember - this is all about FUN and LEARNING! Whatever is best for you and your ringers is the way to go.

Q. Why are we having this conference at an airport hotel? Won't this be inconvenient? Most people will be driving to the conference.
A. This hotel isn't really 30 miles from the city. It is in a very convenient location and it has SPACE...LOTS of space! Just what we need for workshops and massed ringing. Plus they guaranteed a room rate of $95 per night almost two years ago. That is a GREAT room rate!

Q. Must I stay at the convention hotel? I'm sure I can find a cheaper room somewhere.
A. Staying at the convention hotel is not obligatory. However, everyone should know that the rental rate for the large spaces that will be used for the ringing activities is on a sliding scale - according to the number of room nights and food and beverage (non-alcoholic) consumed. Besides if you don't stay at the hotel you miss out on the fun and networking which goes on between and after all those scheduled workshops and rehearsals. It's also much easier to run up to your room and get something which you forgot and will be needing during the day or maybe even catch a quick nap if you have a break in your schedule.

Q.Why should I be charged a fee if I choose to stay somewhere else?
A. See the answer above. The big spaces a handbell conference requires are rented on a sliding scale according to the number of room nights the conference participants book. Less people staying at the convention hotel means that we need to pay more rental for the large spaces. Your fee will help to offset those charges, just as your booking a room would help with them. Bottom line, why not just book a room at the hotel and enjoy the fun that occurs when handbell folks get together.

Q. How many meals will be included in the festival package?

FIVE MEALS are included!
• Friday Supper
• Saturday Breakfast - $10 voucher
• Saturday Lunch
• Sunday Breakfast - $10 voucher
• Sunday Lunch