Handbell Retreats

Nick is a sought-after faculty, clinician, and conductor for workshops and events throughout the world, having served in this role nationally in over 25 states (as well as Washington, DC) and internationally in England, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Scotland, and Singapore. He was co-conductor for the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) All-Star Choir in 2018; has twice led HMA’s Distinctly Teen ensemble in 2015 and 2023, and most recently conducted the esteemed handbell event, Distinctly Bronze, in 2025.

In 2022, The Potomac School recognized Nick with the Bill Cook Excellence in Teaching Award, and he was featured in the Arlington Magazine article “Teachers We Love” in 2023. He is a published writer in the national handbell magazine Overtones, serves on HMA’s Bells in Schools Committee, has composed and arranged over 100 pieces of handbell music, and is co-host of the podcast Two Tacos High: A Handbell Podcast.

He currently serves as a performing and board member of the Sonos Handbell Ensemble and has previously held directorships with the Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble and the New England Ringers. Beyond his work with community ensembles, Brian was the Director of Handbell Ensembles at the Landon School and has served as a teacher and clinician for various local, national, and international events.

Brian is also widely recognized as the co-host of Two Tacos High, a handbell podcast alongside Nick Hanson. His professional background also includes significant experience in arts administration, having served as Production Manager for the Children’s Chorus of Washington and American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras and Director of Special Events for Inspire Arts & Music.

Julie has over 80 published handbell arrangements and compositions, several of which have been performed internationally, and in 2009 was named Composer of the Year by Jeffers Handbell Supply. Over the years, Julie has had the privilege and pleasure of serving as clinician for several handbell festivals, seminars, and workshops all over the United States. In the non-musical part of her life, Julie retired after working 19 years for the Tennessee Supreme Court’s lawyer disciplinary agency, the Board of Professional Responsibility. Prior to that, she was a corporate Human Resources professional specializing in employee benefits. Julie and her husband Jim have lived in Nashville for many years where they raised their two grown children, Dylan and Mallory, and are head-over-heels in love with their daughter-in-law, Kasey and their granddaughter, Brooklyn.

Jason is a full-time freelance composer, arranger, clinician, and teacher. Since his first publication in 2006, he’s had over 400 compositions and arrangements accepted for handbells, piano, strings, organ, and choir. His works have been featured at numerous festivals and workshops in the United States and beyond. He is also the owner and editor for Grassy Meadow Music, which publishes sheet music for handbells, piano, and strings.

In his spare time, Jason enjoys writing. He has spent several years working on a young adult fantasy series, The Sadonian Chronicles, and recently released his first non-fiction book, The General Theory of Creativity. He frequently participates in the National Novel Writing Month event in November.

Jason continues to live in Indianapolis with his wife Ellen and his sons Daniel and Malcolm. You can find him on the web at jasonwkrug.com and grassymeadowmusic.com.