BRENDA AUSTIN, festival conductor

BRENDA AUSTIN (b. 1972)is a native of Southwest Michigan, has been serving First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI, as Director of Worship and Music since 2003. At the church, Brenda directs several handbell choirs of all ages and levels, as well as directing the Chancel Choir and Praise Band. She is the newly appointed Artistic Director for the Detroit Handbell Ensemble. Brenda is active in the community directing Children’s musical theatre and handbell choirs at the elementary school. Each year, in partnership with Chelsea United Methodist Church, the church hosts an annual handbell festival where Brenda has served as conductor and clinician. Additionally, Brenda is a freelance handbell composer, arranger and clinician.

Brenda graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University. She completed her Master’s of Music degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Missouri – Kansas City under the tutorship of Master Conductor Eph Ehly. Brenda received many awards for her conducting including being a semi-finalist in the ACDA National Student Conducting Competition in Washington D.C., and a finalist in the Graduate ACDA Student Conducting Competition in San Diego, CA.

Since her first publication in 2015, she has had compositions and arrangements published at Beckenhorst Press, the Lorenz Corporation, SoundForth, Jeffers Publishing, Alfred Publishing, GIA Music, From the Top Music and Chorister’s Guild.

Massed

Acclamation in G Minor, Karen Thompson
L 2+, (two compatible versions) 2-3 octaves AG23046 or 4-6 octaves AG46030
AGEHR Publishing
VIEW AND LISTEN

All Things Bright and Beautiful, Brenda Austin
L3, 3-5 octaves, JMG1333
Jubilate Music Group/Alfred
VIEW AND LISTEN

Peals of Praise, Karen Buckwalter
L2,  (two compatible versions) 2-3 octaves CGB1322; 3-5 octaves CGB1323
(incorporates “Westminster Chimes”)
Chorister’s Guild
VIEW AND LISTEN

Intermediate Division

Somebody’s Knockin’ at Your Door, Brenda Austin
L2+, 3-5 octaves, 3071
Hope Publishing
VIEW AND LISTEN

I’ve Got Peace Like a River, Sandra Eithun
L2+, 3-6 octaves, 2892
Hope Publishing
VIEW AND LISTEN

Advanced Division

Appassionata, Michael Joy
L3, 3-6 octaves handbells, HB490
Beckenhorst Press
VIEW AND LISTEN

Milele, Jason Krug
L3+ with percussion 3-6 octaves HB and percussion RRBL5087
Percussion parts RRBL5087P
Red River Music/Handbell World
VIEW AND LISTEN

Event begins Friday at 1 p.m. and concludes Saturday by 5 p.m.

Full Schedule will be posted as available.

$125 per person Early Bird Rate
through March 15, 2026

$150 per person
March 16, 2026 through May 15, 2026

$175 per person
after May 15, 2026