Stan was a charter member, later a life member of the Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers (ALGEHR). He was a valued resource for music teachers in Calgary and the driving force behind the handbell programs and Youth Handbell Festivals in Southern Alberta. He was a kind and generous colleague who supported education, educators and the Alberta Guild. Stan loved teaching, and his ringers and choirs were among the finest in Canada.
Stan challenged Alberta teachers to push for excellence. When the Fifth International Symposium was held in Edmonton in 1992, Stan was invited to bring a choir to play at the Opening Ceremonies. The Swanson Elementary School Bellissima Ringers played five selections and the world was introduced to the ‘Bells in the Schools’ program, begun by Cyril Mossop and John Nelson. Our international guests were extremely impressed and still come to Albertans for advice on how bells can be used to teach music. Stan Morris’ hard work gave Alberta a place of respect in the handbell community. Stan’s attention to musicality showed others what could be done on this incredible instrument with youth ringers.
Stan challenged Alberta teachers to push for excellence. When the Fifth International Symposium was held in Edmonton in 1992, Stan was invited to bring a choir to play at the Opening Ceremonies. The Swanson Elementary School Bellissima Ringers played five selections and the world was introduced to the ‘Bells in the Schools’ program, begun by Cyril Mossop and John Nelson. Our international guests were extremely impressed and still come to Albertans for advice on how bells can be used to teach music. Stan Morris’ hard work gave Alberta a place of respect in the handbell community. Stan’s attention to musicality showed others what could be done on this incredible instrument with youth ringers.