I was in Rochester, MN June 22-24 with our Celebration Ringers participating in the Area 7 Handbell Festival Conference. This event happens every other year, and our ringers’ enthusiasm for this event has always been strong. After 2014, this year is my second time going to the event, and I enjoyed it again with our ringers. Learning some new things about the instrument and technique may be important, but personally, learning to be a player in a group, in this case a BIG group of about 400, was even more important. Directing a musical group is pretty different than playing under someone else’s direction, and it’s a very essential experience to be a good director.

Another pleasure is meeting all the devoted and enthusiastic ringers and directors from many other places. It was an encouraging moment to share the joy of making music with the same goal of glorifying God as His children.

I will have another learning and sharing moment in participating in the American Guild of Organists national convention in Kansas City the week of July 2. Summer is a time dedicated to growing and learning for many church musicians, and I will enjoy it.

Thank you for your support and prayers for me and our church choir members, and I believe that we all will share the fruit of our efforts during the coming choir year.