About Us
Twin Cities Bronze is a performance ensemble based in Eagan, Minnesota, dedicated to exploring the full musical and artistic potential of handbells. Our ringers—selected through annual auditions—come from across the Twin Cities and bring a shared commitment to craft, creativity, and collaboration.
Our Values
These are the principles that shape how we work, create, and show up for each other:
Craft
We pursue musical excellence with intention, curiosity, and discipline.
Knowledge
We share what we know, elevating the art form and the people around us.
Artistry
We push the boundaries of handbell performance with inventive, expressive work
Community
We support one another, celebrate the joy of making music together, and cultivate a welcoming ensemble culture.
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.
