Who We Are

Area 9 of the Handbell Musicians of America serves Texas and Oklahoma. Area 9 is a non-profit corporation recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charitable organization organized under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. The primary objectives of Area 9 are to educate, to promote the exchange of ideas relating to handbell and handchime ringing and to sponsor educational activities that are not exclusively competitive. For details about the organizational structure of Area 9, please download the PDF of our Bylaws.

Events

In addition to local and regional events, Area 9 puts on one major conference every other year. This conference is a great way to network with other ringers and directors, take amazing classes from some of the best teachers and clinicians in the country, and hear new and exciting music for handbells. To find out information about what is happening with handbells in Area 9, visit our Events page.

Programs

In order to provide further opportunities for music education, Area 9 offers a chime loan program. Visit our Chime Loan Program page for more information.

Area 9 also promotes handbell education through several scholarship programs. For more information on the various scholarships offered, visit the Scholarships page.

Youth Protection Policy

Effective February 17, 2018, Handbell Musicians of America – Area 9 requires all board members, event staff, clinicians, faculty, and general event volunteers to adherence to the national organization’s Youth Protection Policy at all Area 9 events involving youth under the age of eighteen (18).