Music To Free

05/21/2026

We have 2 performances left the first weekend in June. We would love to have you join us as we highlight some wonderful music from around the world!

04/29/2026

Bells are polished & packed! Our first performance is this Friday evening in Fairfax, Virginia and part of Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Spotlight on the Arts!! We hope to see you at one of our performances.

04/15/2026

🌍✨ Take a journey around the world—no passport required!

Join us for Songs of Many Lands, a vibrant handbell concert celebrating music from across cultures and traditions. From the lively energy of American folk tunes to the haunting beauty of international melodies, this program showcases the incredible versatility and artistry of handbells.

04/10/2026

Please join us at one (or more...) of our upcoming concerts as we celebrate not only our country's 250th but some of the other cultures that make us one people!

04/02/2026

This group of ringers continues to amaze me, and today’s rehearsal provided yet another example.

For context, when they began ringing five years ago, none of them had ever played a musical instrument, and none could read music. We started from the very fundamentals. This semester, however, they have progressed so quickly on their primary piece that I introduced two additional pieces just a couple of weeks ago.

When preparing for rehearsal, I typically set out the bells in advance—pulling them from their cases and giving each ringer their appropriate bells (naturals, flats, sharps) to minimize stress. Up to this point, only one piece—last semester—has included an accidental.

This semester, two of our pieces are in the key of C (no sharps or flats), and one is in the key of G (with F-sharps). During rehearsal this afternoon, as we transitioned between pieces, those ringers responsible for F naturally switched to F-sharp—before I even had a chance to say anything.

As I began to remind them, they responded almost in unison:
“Yes, Teacher—F-sharps.”

A small moment, but a powerful reminder of just how far they’ve come.

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

With warmer temperatures, the spring duckies are starting to arrive and join us in rehearsals. Always dream big! 💜

03/07/2026

Area 3 getting a workout before lunch.

03/07/2026

Wake-y wake-y bells it’s almost time to start the day at Area 3’s festival in Rehoboth Beach. The boss Kathryn Jurado will be here soon 💜

02/07/2026

Fairfax City Parks and Recreation We’re ready for a great weekend of chocolate