About Us
Twin Cities Bronze is a performing ensemble 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.
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.
