Benton, Douglas J
Douglas J. Benton has been directing handbell choirs since 1973. He is a published composer/arranger of handbell, choral, organ, brass and orchestral music. Mr. Benton is a frequent contributor to OVERTONES, the official journal of the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA), writing articles on various ringing techniques including Bass Bells and Multiple Bells, conducting, rhythm & counting and the first major research on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Repetitive Strain Injury and handbell ringing.
He is an internationally respected Clinician and is in demand nationally as a Festival Massed Conductor. Mr. Benton was appointed Bellmaster at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, in 1989 where he founded the NAU Harter Memorial Handbell Choir and directed the NAU Summer Music Camp Handbell Choirs through 2000. He has served the AGEHR as Arizona State Chair, Area XI Chair and on the National Board of Directors of AGEHR as Area XI Chair and Chair of the Director Education Department.
Mr. Benton is currently Bellmaster and Choral Director at Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona, and is a Brand Ambassador for Malmark, Inc.
