National Events

The Kristopher Jon Anthony Memorial Scholarship

Handbell Musicians of America Area 9 is pleased to offer a scholarship to the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Hartford, Connecticut, from July 9-13, 2024. The $500 scholarship assists attendees with their registration fee with any remaining funds allowed for other event expenses. Deadline for application is May 15, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements
• Handbell Musicians of America member in good standing
• Area 9 resident (Oklahoma or Texas)
• Any handbell ringer or director may apply.
• Consideration may be given to applicants who would be a first-time attendee of National Seminar
• Consideration may be given to applicants who have attended an Area 9 Summit.
• Write a summary (at least 500 words + photos) of their experience at the National Seminar for publication

Area 9 Summit

The Marvin E. Reecher Memorial Scholarship

Handbell Musicians of America Area 9 is pleased to offer a scholarship to Summit 2024. The scholarship pays your registration fees. All other expenses (lodging, meals, transportation to/from the festival site, sightseeing, etc.) are the responsibility of the recipient. Deadline for application is May 1, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements
• Handbell Musicians of America member in good standing
• Director or ringer in at least one handbell choir at time of application and also following the Summit
• Area 9 resident (Oklahoma or Texas)
• Write a summary (at least 500 words + photos if possible) of their experience at the Summit for publication

The Mary Kay Parrish Scholarship

Handbell Musicians of America Area 9 is pleased to offer a scholarship to Summit 2024. The scholarship pays your registration fees. All other expenses (lodging, meals, transportation to/from the festival site, sightseeing, etc.) are the responsibility of the recipient. Deadline for application is May 1, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements
• High school/college/university student in Area 9 (Oklahoma or Texas)
• Currently ringing in or directing a handbell choir or enrolled in a handbell methods class
• Recommended by handbell director/instructor
• Write a summary (at least 500 words + photos if possible) of their experience at the Summit for publication

More About the Honorees

Kristopher Jon Anthony

A native of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Kristopher Jon Anthony received degrees in music at the University of Wisconsin, composition at the University of Miami, and pursued doctoral studies in composition at the University of North Texas. In 1982 he joined the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas and remained a member until his passing. His composition When We No Longer Touch: A Cycle of Songs for Survival was commissioned by the Chorale and premiered under the direction of Timothy Seelig at Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas in October 1991. Anthony was a member of the Dallas Handbell Ensemble.

Dr. Marvin E. Reecher

Marvin E. Reecher served four years as the Guild vice-president, then succeeded Robert Hieber to become the Guild’s third president, serving from 1963 to 1967. Marvin served as the minister of music at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 32 years. His graded choir program, including multiple handbell choirs, numbered more than most church memberships in the country. He set an all time festival attendance record in 1971 by taking 110 ringers from Boston Avenue to the National Festival in Morehead, Kentucky. Marvin lists as one of his special memories the honor and pleasure he received conducting 1,500 ringers at the National Festival in Orlando, Florida.

Mary Kay Parrish

Mary Kay Parrish was born in Pascogoula, Mississippi. She was educated at Oklahoma Baptist University and received her Masters degree from North Texas State University. She has been a resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, since 1964. She served as Associate Professor of Music at Oklahoma Baptist University for many years.

Ruth Seiwell

Ruth Seiwell held a master’s degree in physical organic chemistry, and her career included teaching at North Texas University and SMU and managing the office at Focus on Family Healthcare.  Music was a huge part of her life.  She was a handbell director at her church, was a member of Houston Bronze, and served in multiple positions on the Area 9 board of Handbell Musicians of America.  She also was part of the Texas Conference Choir Clinic for over thirty years.  Her love of the musical arts was exceeded only by her love for her family.