Brian Childers - Clinician for Festival 2025
February 28 & March 1, 2025 – Pleasant Hill UMC, Bessemer, Alabama
Brian has earned degrees from Appalachian State University and the M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University. In 2022, he conducted Distinctly Bronze East, an auditioned group of ringers from throughout the nation in New Bern, NC. He has served several churches throughout the Southeast, building vibrant programs for choirs, handbells and instrumentalists at each. He is on the music staff at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. Brian is an avid runner and a rabid fan of the San Antonio Spurs.
Brian’s compositions are published through a variety of publishers, including Bellissimo Publications and Cantate Press. Brian enjoys partnering with others in creating and shaping commissioned music that is meaningful, expressive and timely. His two books “Ringing Deeply” and "Boo and His Amazing Bells" have been received with strong reviews.
Brian is married to Keely Childers, a professional counselor and has two adult children, Hannah and Spencer, both of whom served as drum majors in their respective High School and College marching bands. Brian is an avid runner and a rabid fan of the San Antonio Spurs.
Participating Choirs:
- Asbury Church Handbell Choir
Lori Bailey
- Carillon Choir, Hartselle First Methodist Church
Linda Guyton
- Celebration Ringers (All Saints UMC, Holy Cross Episcopal, Woodlawn UMC
Kelley Clegg Neal
- Exultation Ringers, Golden Springs Baptist Church
Dunaway Conner
- Hope Church, Gardendale
Ginny Hughes
- Hueytown First Methodist Church
Alan Brooks
- Huffman United Methodist Church
Mary Alice Hart
- Bell Hill Ringers, Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church
Pearce Cowart
- Praise Ringers, Leeds First Baptist Church
Pat Kotal
- Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Ann Jones
- Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church
Beverly Wood
- Riverchase United Methodist Church
Jessica Kaufholds
- Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
Marty Watts
- Orphan Ringers
Terry McCartin, Alpharetta, Georgia
Dr. Paul McGhie, HMA Area 6 Mississippi State Chair
Emma Oliver, Huntsville, AL
Susan Franklin, Huntsville, AL
Music List:
Alleluia, Amen
Brian Childers
Bellissimo Publications
3-5 Octaves Handbells, Keyboard, level 2
Joyous Spirit
Valerie Stephenson
Red River Music
3-6 Octaves Handbells, Level 2+
Built on the Rock
arr. Matthew Compton
Evergreen Music
3 – 6 Octaves Handbells, Optional 2 octaves Handchimes, Level 2+
Here I Am, Lord
arr. Sandra Eithum
Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
3-6 octaves Handbells, Optional 3-5 Octaves Handchimes, Level 3
At the Cross Medley
arr. Kevin Stewart
Ring Out Press
3-5 Octaves Handbells, Optional 3-5 Handchimes, Level 3-
Gloria Hodie
arr. Julie Turner and Kevin McChesney
Jeffers Publishing
3-6 Octaves Handbells, 3-6 Octaves Handchimes, Level 3
Festival Photos:
Pictures and video courtesy of Skip Pennington
Download full-resolution photos from this album here.
Video:
2025 Festival