COURSE CREDITS & HOURS
PROGRAM PURPOSE
Guest Clinician
Cathy Moklebust
Cathy Moklebust has developed and directed handbell programs since 1983, and has played bells since childhood. She is a nationally known clinician and festival conductor and one of today's most popular handbell music composers, with approximately 250 compositions and arrangements in print. Cathy is an active percussionist and her music has been described as having a uniquely delightful sense of melodic and rhythmic interaction. She has been commissioned to write music for festivals and other events, as well as for many individual handbell ensembles.
Cathy earned both her B.A. (Music/Percussion, 1982) and M.Ed. (Teacher Education/Music, 1988) at South Dakota State University, in her hometown of Brookings, SD. She was encouraged in composition by her music theory professors, and studied instrumental conducting extensively.
She is an active percussionist, and has performed as principal or section percussionist with several professional and community bands and orchestras throughout the upper Midwest. Cathy has played in, conducted, and coached church and community handbell ensembles in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Since 1989, she has worked in the music retail and publishing industry; currently she and her husband David operate Moklebust Music Services, a music preparation service.
During the days that we are "At Sea" there will be ringing activities, including massed ringing with our guest clinician and classes. There is usually time to help people with bass techniques, treble techniques, special techniques, solo and ensemble ringing or other topics cruisers find interesting. When bell activities are not scheduled, the bells are available for rehearsing, practicing ensembles (formed by those interested on the first day), and more.
The final day at sea, handbell cruisers will present the pieces they have learned. The showcase is open to the ship's passengers, but space is usually limited. Bells of the Cascades will also play a concert at some point during the cruise that is open to all.
People coming on the cruise with us do not need to bring their handbells. We supply all of the bells, music (no need to prepare in advance) and other equipment.
The only things you need to bring are yourself, your luggage, an easel (split-back) binder and gloves in your choice of color.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
