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Twin Cities Bronze is a performing ensemble specializing in the music and art of English handbells. Selected by annual audition, this thirteen-member ensemble of advanced ringers hails from the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota. Read more...Monica S. McGowan, Artistic & Music Director Retires
After 12 years as Artistic Director, Monica S. McGowan has led Twin Cities Bronze in her final concert with the ensemble. The traditional Twelfth Night Concert was held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Peace United Methodist Church in Shoreview Minnesota with a reception and celebratory dinner following.
McGowan who has been a driving force in shaping the ensemble will continue her passion for handbells as a festival conductor, preeminent workshop teacher of handbell artistry and through her Ringing Restorations business. With husband Joe McGowan, she plans to spend leisure time at their ranch in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Twin Cities Bronze Seeks Artistic and Music Director
A search is underway for a new Artistic and Music Director. details
Bronze Buzz
The end of a great year
January 15, 2012
It's always kind of sad to end a year, especially the fantastic year Twin Cities Bronze just completed this past weekend. We held an Insights into Artistry workshop in Hutchinson on Saturday, Jan. 14, helping 34 participants learn different aspects of ringing bells.
These workshops are a lot of work, but it's so enjoyable to see connections happening, both in the art of handbells, and with other people in neighboring communities who share a similar interest. And at the end of the day – a full 10 hours crammed full of classroom and large group learning – when the entire group rang together (sight-reading of course) applying the techniques they had just learned, it was almost magical.
Of course, TCB ringers had a good time as well, hanging together officially for the final time. (There will be plenty of unofficial gatherings down the road since we're all such great friends.) We spent Friday night in Hutchinson, sharing stories, soaking in the hot tub, even playing the ukulele and singing songs that some people knew the words to. Maggie rated the hotel a four star – the continental breakfast Saturday morning had waffles, sausages and muffins. It was a good time for all.
This will be the final posting for the 2011 season. We'll bring you more news as we finalize our search for a new artistic and music director. But until then, have a wonderful January and February, and keep ringing!
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