Clinicians

Diane Burke

DIANE BURKE was inspired to take up handbells by her mom over 30 years ago. She is proud to be the director of the Joyful Ringers at First Church Congregational in Marlboro, MA, the Lincoln Ringers of First Parish in Lincoln, MA, and the Sudbury Bellringers of Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury, MA. Beyond handbells, Diane’s other passions include gospel music, competing in ballroom dancing, and watching NFL football. Diane lives in Marlboro with her incredibly supportive husband Ron, tabby cat Perch, and several outdoor furry friends.

Sue Lee

Sue Lee is the Director of Handbells at St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Acton, MA. She holds a bachelor of music education degree from the University of Lowell and a Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State College. Sue taught vocal and instrumental music for many years in public schools, as well as directing vocal, instrumental, and English handbell ensembles in public schools and churches. She is now retired from the Acton Public School system. Sue enjoys playing trumpet, baroque recorders. Sue has also served as the Massachusetts State Chair for Area1/Handbell Musicians of America.

Karen Leonard

KAREN E. LEONARD, the artistic director of the Merrimack Valley Ringers, is a graduate of Boston University and UMass Lowell with degrees in church music, organ performance and conducting. She is now in her 53rd year as Minister of Music at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church in North Chelmsford, MA where she directs a graded choral and handbell program of seven choirs and also serves as organist. Karen served the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) as Chair of Area I and National President. In 2008, Karen was awarded Honorary Life Membership in AGEHR, the highest award given for extraordinary service to the organization. She continues to serve as Chair of its National Master Series Classes. Karen was recently accepted as an ACME Honoree. ACME stands for Artists, Composers, Musicologists and Educators. It is an honor bestowed upon Mu Phi Epsilon members who are distinguished in their field of musical endeavor. She and her husband Mark have two wonderful sons, a lovely daughter-in-law, a soon to be new daughter-in-law equally as delightful, and two awesome grandchildren.

Jennifer Stack

JENNIFER STACK began playing handbells in 2012 at the invitation of a coworker and fell deep down the rabbit hole. She has been ringing with Merrimack Valley Ringers since 2018 and runs the handbell choirs for The Holy Rood Collaborative in Chelmsford, MA. She is also currently serving as the Area 1 Chime Loan Chair. Her lifelong study of music began with piano lessons at age 5, singing in the choir and playing her French Horn everywhere from her local church to Symphony Hall. When not working or playing music, Jennifer enjoys knitting and baking, and is a newly published author of several children’s books. Jennifer studied Music Education at UMASS Amherst before pursuing work in the Early Childhood field. She lives in Chelmsford with her husband Mike and their tuxedo cat Bronx. She currently works as a PreK teacher for Lowell Public Schools where she shares her love of books and music with her students.

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