Coppers Classic

We have a few more openings in Coppers Classic 2020. The 2020 event is exciting in new ways. Yes, we are excited about the location and it’s amenities—complementary airport shuttle, free on-site parking, 6 meals included for everyone, walk to shops and restaurants and, more!

But, more than the great location, we are excited that 2020 will bring the World Premiere of a piece by Puerto Rican composer/arranger Carmen M. Jiménez-Medina, two pieces for SATB choir and handbells and a composition for alto solo and handbells plus, a piece with handbells. There are classics of the handbell literature and new works, transcriptions and original compositions. And, that’s not all!! WOW!

Questions? Click directorcoppersclassic@gmail.com

Coppers Classic is pleased to announce that scholarships have been awarded. This year we are able to give two (2) full scholarships and four (4) partial scholarships to musicians from Area 10.

Our scholarship fund comes entirely from donations. We are honored that

we have had so many generous gifts allowing us to include more and more musicians. Let the ringing begin!

We are celebrating the new decade with some major changes to our favorite handbell event!  Make your plans now to join us!  You will not be disappointed!

A New Date:  March 27-29, 2020

A New Location:  Monarch Hotel & Conference Center

• • • • Complimentary Airport Transportation
      • Free Parking
      • Breakfast and lunch or dinner each day included with registration(We are still working out details)
      • On site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
      • Walking distance to restaurants and shopping
      • Easy access to MAX light rail green line.

Hello Ringers!

If you have not booked your hotel rooms yet, please contact University Place as soon as possible.  They have agreed to extend a few double standard rooms at our $99 rate only until August 30.

Book online at www.uplacehotel.com reservation page and enter Booking Code:  GROUP, or Call 866-845-4647 and choose Option 1 to make your reservation.

For those brave souls that are ready to enter the realm of . . .  paperless music (GASP).

Link to HMA policy.

We are gearing up for another great event! The Coppers Classic 2019 Repertoire is now posted. Enjoy your summer! Looking forward to seeing everyone in October!

Since 2006, Julie Turner has been the Associate Conductor, Composer in Residence and a Board Member of Music City Bronze, Nashville’s advanced community handbell group under the direction of Principal Conductor and former Handbell Musicians of America (AGEHR) National President, John Pfeiffer. Julie’s also a ringing member of a handbell quartet called MCB-4, which is a sub-group of Music City Bronze.

Julie has been the handbell director at her church in Nashville since 1999. She holds a B.A. in Music from Cumberland University and was a contract music engraver for the United Methodist Publishing House for nine years. She has around 40 published handbell arrangements and compositions and was named Composer of the Year in 2009 by Jeffers Handbell Supply. Coppers Classic 2018 features her composition, “Jericho”.

Julie and her husband Jim have lived in Nashville since 1986, where they raised their now-grown kids, Dylan and Mallory (who are handbell ringers, of course!). Dylan and his wife Cynthia are both members of the Tennessee National Guard, and Mallory lives in Colorado pursuing her passion for singing and songwriting. Now that they’re empty-nesters, Julie and Jim shower affection on their two very spoiled cats, Ivy and Cosima.

Martha Lynn Thompson was the Organist and Associate Director of Music at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, from 1969 until her retirement in July 2002 when she was made Organist Emeritus. Together with her husband, Feilx, they directed the handbell program which grew to include 13 bell choirs!

Martha Lynn is a 1962 graduate of Henderson State University and, in recognition of her outstanding career achievements, in 2011 she received the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor the University bestows.

In 1989 she was elected American Guild of English Handbell Ringers National Secretary and for two years served on its Board of Directors. In 1995 she was given the status of Master Instructor of Handbell Notation, and in 2001 she was made an Honorary Life Member – the highest honor bestowed by the Guild.

Martha Lynn has many published arrangements and transcriptions that range from music for the beginning bell choir to music for the most advanced choirs.

Coppers Classic is delighted to include Martha Lynn’s arrangement of the Leroy Anderson classic, Sleigh Ride in our 2018 repertoire.