About Us
Twin Cities Bronze is a performing ensemble, based in Eagan, Minnesota, specializing in the music and art of handbells. Selected by annual audition, this ensemble of advanced ringers hails from the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN.
The essence of our organization is captured in our Shared Values statement:
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As professionals-to strive at all times for musical excellence.
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As educators-to share our technical knowledge of this unique medium.
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As artists-to showcase the diversity of handbells through innovative performances.
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As friends-to support each other and have fun.
2026 Handbell Commission: Call for Proposals
Twin Cities Bronze is excited to announce its 2026 Commission!
ABOUT THE COMMISSION: the call is open to composers of any age who 1) are mid-career to professional artists with a demonstrated experience writing for advanced handbell ensembles, OR 2) are mid-career to professional artists with demonstrated experience in their medium(s) and a strong interest in actively working with TCB to develop a new work for handbells. Composers new to writing for advanced handbell ensembles will have the opportunity to workshop with TCB, with real-time readings/feedback of works in progress.
Priority consideration will be offered to proposals by composers from Area 7 of Handbell Musicians of America; though, proposals from eligible composers everywhere are encouraged to apply. Composers from unique backgrounds and/or from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
While Twin Cities Bronze greatly appreciates arrangements of pre-existing works, the expectation of the selected composer for the 2026 Commission will be to write an original work. We are seeking a Level 4-6 work, 3.5-7 minute piece, using our complement of bells/chimes/other. The work will be completed in time for premiere at the 2026 Spring Concert Cycle in May.
Proposals will be accepted through Friday, October 10, with a panel review to take place in October and notification of selection by November 1. The selected composer will receive $2,000 upon completion of a newly composed work.
TO APPLY: send an email with the following information:
1) Composer Information
– Composer’s Name
– Website (if applicable/available)
– Email
– Mailing Address
– Phone Number
– Composer Bio
— Please include a link to your website and/or other source for biographical information (e.g., CV).
2) Why Handbells?
– If you are a composer with demonstrated experience writing music for advanced handbell ensembles, what excites or motivates you to write for the instrument?
– If you are a composer new to writing for handbells with demonstrated experience in your medium(s), what excites or motivates you to explore writing for this instrument?
– If selected, are you willing to actively communicate with the Artistic Director and workshop with Twin Cities Bronze?
3) Work Samples
– Submit scores of up to three recent representative works:
— At least one of the scores submitted must have an accompanying audio file—recording(s) may be midi rendering(s) or live performance(s).
4) Optional: Proposed Work
– If you have an idea and want to share a brief description or outline of a proposed work, that is welcome but not expected.
For any questions, please contact via email at director@twincitiesbronze.org.
Mission
To provide musical excellence through innovative performances and education using the medium of handbells
ARTISTIC MANAGER
Charlie Leftridge
Charlie Leftridge grew up on a small farm in Southern Minnesota, immersed in nature and the rural church. In this way, Leftridge came to love both natural aesthetics and hymnody—these elements color much of his unique compositional and programmatic choices. Leftridge writes and directs music for choral and chamber ensembles, often setting to music his original text. He received his Masters of Music from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serves as the Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center and Director of Music at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, both in Mankato, Minnesota.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Bonnie Tranby
Bonnie is recently retired from over 20 years in public education. She is active in state, area, and national handbell events. In addition to ringing with Twin Cities Bronze, she rings with her church choir (the Mt. Calvary Carillons), directs an adult ensemble, and 3 youth ensembles. Outside of handbells she enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys breweries, spending time at the lake cabin, and vacationing. In any other spare time, she likes to read and binge watch various programming (...Only Murders in the Building, anyone?).
Meet the Ringers!
Click each image to learn more.
History in Bronze
For over twenty years, Twin Cities Bronze has engaged audiences with innovative performances in concert halls, churches, schools and community centers around the country. These concerts and educational outreach workshops inspire audiences by showcasing the possibilities of rhythmic energy and sensitive musical interpretation and the expertise of this excellent musical ensemble. Twin Cities Bronze performances include handbell and handchimes plus collaborations with other instruments and media.
