2025 Florida Handbell Festival

March 21-22, 2025 – Brandon, FL

March 21-22,
Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon, FL
Clinician: Karen Buckwalter

Join Us for the 2025 Florida Handbell Festival!

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2025 Florida Handbell Festival, set to take place on March 21- 22 at the beautiful Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, Florida, just east of Tampa. This is an incredible opportunity for handbell musicians of all levels to come together for a weekend of music, learning, and camaraderie.

World-Class Instruction

Learn from the best! Karen Buckwalter will be our esteemed clinician, guiding participants through a variety of challenging and rewarding repertoire. Karen’s expertise and passion will elevate your handbell skills to new heights.

Why You Should Attend:

  • Elevate Your Skills: Learn from Karen Buckwalter,a respected figure in the handbell community, and challenge yourself with exciting repertoire.
  • Connect with Others: Network with fellow handbell enthusiasts and build lasting friendships.
  • Immerse Yourself in Music: Experience the joy of ringing together in a supportive and inspiring environment.

This festival promises to be a memorable experience filled with music and community spirit. We invite you to mark your calendars and join us for a weekend dedicated to the art of handbell ringing!

Registration forms linked below!

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Florida Handbell Festival!

2025 Florida Handbell Festival
March 21-22, 2025
Nativity Catholic Church
705 E Brandon Blvd,
Brandon, FL 33511

A Diverse Repertoire

This year’s festival features a diverse selection of pieces, catering to ringers of all levels:

  • Massed:
    • Easter Joy – John Behnke – AGEHR AG35260  Level 2+
    • Alleluia (Honduras Alleluia) – Patricia Hurlbutt – GIA G-10221  L3
    • A Highland Blessing – Derek Hakes – From the Top 20788 L3
    • The Lord Now Sends Us Forth – Cathy Moklebust – Choristers Guild CGB1331 L2+
  • Coppers:
    • In the Shadow of Your Wings – Karen Buckwalter – Beckenhorst HB787   L3
    • Gypsy Song – Glen Adkins and Tammy Waldrop – Alfred AP36510 L3
  • Tins:
    • Larghetto in D minor – Matthew Mazzatenta – Lorenz  20/2142   L2
    • Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – Shawn Gingrich – Choristers Guild CGB1351  L2
  • Bronze:
    • Prayer for Healing – Karen Buckwalter AG46017 L4
    • American Carillon – James Weber – Beckenhorst HB625  L4

Online Registration

Downloadable Registration:Registration Packet FL Festival 2025

Advertising Form (Online)

Bronze Choir Registration (Online) (Deadline 2/15/25)

Registration Deadline: March 1, 2025

Date:

Friday, March 21 – Saturday, March 22, 2025

Location:

Nativity Catholic Church
705 E Brandon Blvd,
Brandon, FL 33511

Clinician/Conductor:

Karen Buckwalter

Ringers Registration Fee:

$85 – HMA Members (Early Bird by 2/15/25)
$95 – HMA Members (2/16-3/1/25)
$110 – Non-members (Registration opens 1/22/25)
$35 – Guest Registration (non-ringers) (for meal)

Hotel Information

We have secured room blocks at two hotels near the venue. Please use the links below to book your stay!

Questions?

Please reach out to chair.area4@handbellmusicians.org for more information or any questions.

Participants Under 18?

For participants under 18 years old, a notarized parental consent and medical authorization form MUST be filled out. Please email chair.area4@handbellmusicians.org for more information.

 

Tentative Schedule 

Friday
9:30am Bronze Choir Rehearsal
10:30am Check-in Opens
12:00pm Lunch on your own*
1:00pm Opening Bell
1:15pm Mass Rehearsal
3:00pm Session 1: Tin – Rehearsal; Copper – Workshops
4:00pm Session 2: Tin – Workshops; Copper – Rehearsal
5:00pm Mass Rehearsal
6:00pm Bronze Choir Rehearsal
6:00pm Dinner/ Social Event 

Saturday
8:00am Bronze Choir Rehearsal
9:00am Announcements
9:15am Mass Rehearsal
10:15am Session 3: Tin – Workshops; Copper – Rehearsal
11:15am Session 4: Tin – Rehearsal; Copper – Workshops
12:00pm Lunch/Shopping
1:15pm Mass Rehearsal
3:00pm Showcase Concert
4:00pm Depart and Safe Travels 

*Prepay lunch option available for $12 per person 

Karen Buckwalter, a distinguished organist, pianist and composer, served as a full time Minister of Music for 37 years in Hanover, PA. A graduate of Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, she is internationally known in the field of handbell composition.  Recognized for her original compositions such as “Soliloquy for Bells” and “Nocturne in a minor,” she now has over 140 handbell/choral compositions in print.  She has earned enthusiastic praise for her creative compositions, her colorful harmonies and her use of chromatics that have raised the musicality in handbell music as a genre.  Sought after as a handbell conductor/clinician throughout the country, her works have been performed and recorded in the United States, Asia and Europe.