Debra Garvey

Job title

• Adjunct Instructor of Music
  Music and Theatre, College of Arts and Sciences

Highlight

Handbell Ensemble

Started at Bethel

2023

Education

• St. Olaf College - B.A. in Music Education, 1979
• Hamline University - M.A. in Education, 2001

Biography

Deb Garvey conducts the Handbell Ensemble at Bethel University. She began playing piano in second grade and clarinet in fourth, which led to many musical opportunities and a music education major from St. Olaf College. Her career was dedicated to teaching band, general music and piano to many students. As owner of Gracenotes Band Program, Deb loved teaching 4-8 grade band students at Nativity School in St. Paul, where band participation tripled. 

Handbells quickly became a lifelong passion when Deb started ringing in 1996. As a member of Twin Cities Bronze, an auditioned community ensemble, Deb presented handbell workshops and concerts throughout the Midwest and Canada. She continues to play clarinet in her church wind ensemble and is lead clarinetist in the Fridley City Band. 
 

Publications

"Self-Assesment Strategies for the Middle School Band Student," Minnesota Music Educators Journal

Presentations

“Your Brain on Bells” - Area 7 Handbell Seminar, 2016
"Building Better Beginning Woodwinds" - Minnesota Music Educator’s Midwinter In-Service Clinic
"Self-Assesment Strategies for Musicians" - Minnesota Music Educator’s Midwinter In-Service Clinic

Hobbies and interests

Travel, hiking, music, crafting, reading

Areas of expertise

Handbell Ensemble, Instrumental Music Education

Quote

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28