Handbell Musicians of America - Area 4

11/08/2026

For anyone who was not able to view the livestream of Martha Lynn Thompson's Celebration of Life service at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, you can still view it here: https://www.facebook.com/stjameslr/videos/1396310145986866

08/08/2026

San Juan Bronze from Puerto Rico – Area 4 (Islands), making its presence felt at the 22nd International Handbell Symposium in Aberdeen, Scotland!

04/08/2026

HMA is saddened to share that handbell composer, luminary, and HMA Honorary Life Member Martha Lynn Thompson has passed away.

Martha Lynn served as organist and associate director of music at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, from 1969 until her retirement in 2002. Alongside her late husband, Felix, who served as director of music, she directed the church’s 14 handbell choirs.

She also served as national secretary of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, now Handbell Musicians of America, and as a member of the Choristers Guild Board of Directors. In 2001, she was named an AGEHR Honorary Life Member, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

Last fall, Martha Lynn was interviewed for HMA’s online ThanksRinging event. You may view the interview at https://handbellmusicians.org/thanksringing-martha-lynn-thompson/.

We will share additional details as they become available. A full tribute will also be forthcoming.

19/07/2026

Area 4 represented at HMA National Seminar in Cincinnati, Ohio

19/07/2026

Area 4 Chair Carlos E Rivera Aponte, Chair-Elect, Danny Lyons, and past-chair, William J. Murphy at HMA NATIONAL SEMINAR in Cincinnati, Ohio

16/07/2026

Carlos and Katy are having so much fun at Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar, they’ve forgotten to take pictures!

It’s officially halfway through the weekend and have met so many new friends! Be sure to tune in tonight for Ring Sarasota’s performance at 6 pm!

🎥 https://www.youtube.com/live/x9sjYVrxERA

26/06/2026

Hey Tampa International Airport, I think we found your flamingo! 🦩You can come pick up Phoebe at the Bronze Under the Sun handbell concert tomorrow in Fort Myers. You have a direct to RSW, right?
Gateway Trinity Church, 3 pm.

24/06/2026

We were saddened to learn of the passing of former Area 4 Chair Linda Cox.

Linda was a dedicated advocate for handbell music and served both Area 4 and the national organization during her many years of involvement with AGEHR, now Handbell Musicians of America. A national clinician, composer, educator, and church musician, she shared her love of handbells with countless ringers and audiences throughout her lifetime.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Linda's family, friends, former students, and all whose lives she touched through music. Her contributions to the handbell community will not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:30am at the FUMC of Port St. Lucie Sanctuary.

View Linda R. Cox's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

16/06/2026

2026 Bells of the Caribbean - Puerto Rico

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Bells of the CaribbeanRing to the Rhythm of the Islands November 6-7, 2026 Make Music & Memories at“Bells of the Caribbean” November 6-7, 2026University of Puerto Rico–Carolina Thinking about joining us for a handbell adventure? We thought so. Turn your next ringing event into a getaway. Sunsh...

14/06/2026

Area 4 is active and keeps reaching out and collaborating with other members in the Caribbean.

First Presbyterian Church Vero Beach
Youth Music program bringing their music and talents to Puerto Rico in their 2026 Summer Tour.

Peter Mahtani, music director

Don’t miss any concert.