This scholarship fund has been established to further the mission of Area 8 Handbell Musicians of America, that is, to advance the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education and community, by providing funds to qualified individuals to participate in the Area 8 Biennial Festival. The festival offers the scholarship winner support for their school, church, or community group program through workshops, concerts, and networking opportunities with directors and ringers from across the five-state Area 8 region (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska).

Due to the generous support of the membership of Area 8, the recipient(s) of this scholarship will be awarded:

• One full registration to the Area 8 Biennial Festival, including Pre-Conference Seminars and included meals.
• A $400 lump sum reimbursement to assist with travel or lodging.
• A one year membership to Handbell Musicians of America.

Applicants for this scholarship must:

• have the intent and desire to establish, revive, or help continue a handbell program. Applicants could be a handbell ringer, handbell director, or someone that appreciates handbells that has some big ideas.
• be a first time attendee of Area 8 Festival.
• be a resident of the five-state Area 8 region (Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska).
• agree to write an article for Quavers following the 2026 Festival summarizing their Festival 2026 experience and sharing how what they learned will be put into practice.

Other important information:

Applications are due: April 17, 2026

Recipient(s) will be chosen by a 3-person committee of past board members appointed by the Chair and winner/s will be notified by May 1, 2026.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to register for the festival and make hotel reservations on their own. Area 8 will reimburse the winner/s following the Festival.

It will be the committee’s responsibility to determine whether one or two recipients will be declared. No recipient may be also declared by the scholarship committee if, in the opinion of the committee, such a decision preserves the integrity and standards of Area 8 and the Handbell Musicians of America.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.