tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80568911223440130792024-03-05T00:11:11.726-06:00Chicago Bronze<a href="http://www.chicagobronze.com">Chicago Bronze</a> is an English handbell ensemble, with concerts in Winter and Spring across the greater Chicago area.
For more information, visit http://www.chicagobronze.comChicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-84351659223537359232013-03-03T10:29:00.000-06:002013-03-03T10:29:39.857-06:00Member Profile: Jennifer Bundy<br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b>Jennifer Bundy</b> of Chicago has been ringing handbells since
elementary school. She has played in a number of ensembles around the country
and is excited to be joining Chicago Bronze. Originally from St. Louis,
Jennifer received a degree in Music Education from Syracuse University and an
MA in Education from Stanford University. She is currently a Sr. Educator at
the Adler Planetarium. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys travelling, going to
the beach and snowboarding. <o:p></o:p></div>
Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-48141027083979830262012-12-01T16:57:00.000-06:002012-12-01T16:58:09.806-06:00Flash mob at the Bean<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKkYP0vvAi8d7eweKD8VmxRofBPVhg-5BcJ6DzSIYdC79HfopkKUfcndslWIuYdXYZmMp3WlvMBJQ5J41SVCsyqFHBnYQuTRFRd2gxIU04K9I5r6hB-lmNP9dWZMAdFW5z4Ld16Cd9-U/s1600/photo-789807.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKkYP0vvAi8d7eweKD8VmxRofBPVhg-5BcJ6DzSIYdC79HfopkKUfcndslWIuYdXYZmMp3WlvMBJQ5J41SVCsyqFHBnYQuTRFRd2gxIU04K9I5r6hB-lmNP9dWZMAdFW5z4Ld16Cd9-U/s320/photo-789807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5817115260545088882" /></a></p>The C2 is big, but not as big as the Bean.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-77556378891565678042012-12-01T15:42:00.001-06:002012-12-01T15:42:32.912-06:00Flash mob!We just flash-mobbed Daley Plaza and the Kristkindle market with Joy to the World!Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-15156954724393038512012-11-27T12:17:00.002-06:002012-11-27T12:18:28.714-06:00Member Profile: Kathe Cunningham<br />
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<b>KATHE CUNNINGHAM</b><span class="apple-style-span"> began playing handbells in <st1:place w:st="on">Northern
Michigan</st1:place> in 1994. She studied piano performance at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Western</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and is currently in production of her third CD with 4-hand piano partner, Hyoun
Joo Song. When not involved in music, Kathe is a total sports mom - you can
find her watching her son play lacrosse or cheering on <st1:place w:st="on">Auburn</st1:place>
football. Kathe and her husband, Jeff, have three young adult sons.</span></div>
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Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-51683780271857245932012-11-20T09:53:00.004-06:002012-11-20T09:54:01.983-06:00Member Profile: Jayne Griese<br />
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<b>JAYNE GRIESE</b> learned
to ring handbells in 1980 as a counselor at a music camp in Wisconsin. Since then, the only time she hasn’t been an
active ringer was while living in England. Because her whole family rings, they
have occasionally done ensemble work together. Jayne currently lives in <st1:city w:st="on">Barrington</st1:city> and rings with
her church choir. With her four kids grown, and in or out of college, she
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Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-80663258272308473962012-11-18T10:27:00.000-06:002012-11-18T10:27:38.093-06:00Member Profile: Eileen Swanson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slKdrF4LWTM/UKkMIwO4qoI/AAAAAAAAADw/wKGzWhIoyEM/s1600/Eileen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slKdrF4LWTM/UKkMIwO4qoI/AAAAAAAAADw/wKGzWhIoyEM/s320/Eileen.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">EILEEN SWANSON </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">of Hoffman Estates was
first introduced to handbells in 1981 while living in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city>. She was hooked!
Since then, she has rung and/or directed bells in <st1:state w:st="on">South
Carolina</st1:state>, <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state> and now <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>. A school music
teacher, Eileen currently teaches choral/vocal music at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Christian</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Heritage</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place>. She loves
spending time with her family. In her spare time she enjoys practicing
piano, reading, nature photography and scrapbooking.</span>Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-2021208080893010892012-05-06T15:33:00.001-05:002012-05-06T15:33:35.584-05:00Concert in Belvidere<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAiL30t66k_NP_w5tHxuTXv7XakxeU1Pti96WtewtRjp9IQ-qVCnGYNORJqSIAWsxyy3nT_QKPcMGCj8G1yIahMs9Z4rPYvG5nmwoaKXue-DzzT1vn69cT9XlzwvQkb7Hfl5hxGlXW6I/s1600/photo-715585.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAiL30t66k_NP_w5tHxuTXv7XakxeU1Pti96WtewtRjp9IQ-qVCnGYNORJqSIAWsxyy3nT_QKPcMGCj8G1yIahMs9Z4rPYvG5nmwoaKXue-DzzT1vn69cT9XlzwvQkb7Hfl5hxGlXW6I/s320/photo-715585.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5739521206789753730" /></a></p>No, we will not be ringing this bell as part of our concert tonight at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-50059523074180360202012-05-05T18:35:00.001-05:002012-05-05T18:35:50.637-05:00Concert tonight!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRQ2U5YI4jpioOLpTLn9fx3BbuLH-kTQTZr-MGDVa8qT9CDo5nmvSr6u2MAJ3E8XNAU6HgA5JZLSa2nBYS5RQsCs5_cYW1fJJW7e2OEeHC4kejt8uvL930S2cMSdvfApzgg91Ehhv47I/s1600/photo-750638.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRQ2U5YI4jpioOLpTLn9fx3BbuLH-kTQTZr-MGDVa8qT9CDo5nmvSr6u2MAJ3E8XNAU6HgA5JZLSa2nBYS5RQsCs5_cYW1fJJW7e2OEeHC4kejt8uvL930S2cMSdvfApzgg91Ehhv47I/s320/photo-750638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5739197080560058418" /></a></p>All set up for the 7pm concert at Lutheran Church of the Cross - benefitting the NW Chicago Food Pantry!Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-17394819760494334052012-04-28T12:27:00.000-05:002012-04-28T12:32:28.443-05:00Sulzer library<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xYTTYyYYOxpw1BFqsjajdQvkSv0yllu5E6qsdmnT2ZE79oSWB_LfEKufcxIi_jTd6GiU9xAE3fGPgKTFofJBMsZr7ybb4Mt6LIs9wfJOpbkyffRsgAhO9s_Jpts3EceY4OufUyxoVe4/s1600/photo-748444.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xYTTYyYYOxpw1BFqsjajdQvkSv0yllu5E6qsdmnT2ZE79oSWB_LfEKufcxIi_jTd6GiU9xAE3fGPgKTFofJBMsZr7ybb4Mt6LIs9wfJOpbkyffRsgAhO9s_Jpts3EceY4OufUyxoVe4/s320/photo-748444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736505849793014114" /></a></p>The auditorium at Sulzer library. OK, the bells and tables haven't arrived yet, but they will soon. 3pm concert today.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-86688703406489355342012-04-12T16:38:00.000-05:002012-04-12T16:38:47.619-05:00Bwana Asifiwe: Behind the MusicIn our upcoming concert series, we are playing "Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord!)," by Cathy Moklebust.<br />
<br />
Ms. Moklebust has published many handbell pieces and won awards for her composition work. You can learn more about her at the <a href="http://www.cathymoklebust.net/">Cathy Moklebust web site</a>.<a href="http://www.cathymoklebust.net/"></a><br />
<br />
Bwana Asifiwe stands out from most handbell music, by conveying a strong African sound, not to mention the percussion section in the middle of the piece. So we wanted to ask what inspired her to arrange the song for handbells. She graciously agreed to tell us the story:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-450l7tB5Y/T4dKxUa9t-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/4nmRLrHan9g/s1600/Cathy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-450l7tB5Y/T4dKxUa9t-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/4nmRLrHan9g/s320/Cathy4.jpg" width="254" /></a>Back in 2003 I was commissioned by the Community Presbyterian Church in Grand
Rapids, Minnesota, to write a piece in honor of their
music director Darcy Reich, and her 25 years of music ministry. I recall that
they wanted something with an African sound, as they had used my “African
Alleluia” before, and liked that style. Being a percussionist myself, I have
all sorts of rhythms and motives going through my head, so it was easy to find
inspiration. What I envisioned was a procession of people heading to worship
over the African landscape, singing,
dancing, and playing instruments along the way. At first we can barely hear
them, but as they come closer, their music and drumming becomes louder and more
involved. The music is loudest and most rhythmic in the middle of the piece, as
if the worshippers are directly in front of us. As they trail off, the music
returns to the opening theme, and ends joyously. I did some internet searching
on various “praise” phrases used in the Swahili language, and I learned that
“Bwana Asifiwe” means “Praise the Lord,” and is often used as a greeting among
African Christians. I did learn later on that the words “Bwana Asifiwe” are
actually pronounced as one word: BWA-na-sa-FEE-way.<br />
<br />
This original composition delights ringers and listeners alike with its upbeat
and rhythmic African flavor in ¾ meter, and it is hard to
stand still and ring, and equally difficult for the audience to sit still! The
African percussion instruments needed are 2 hand drums, and small and large
shakers, but congas, maracas, and guiro may be substituted if necessary. The
percussionists are encouraged to improvise freely throughout the piece, and
especially in their solo between measures 69-76. During the percussion solo,
ringers are encouraged to clap, dance in place, and invite audience
participation. The handbell techniques included are pluck, mallets, martellato,
and martellato-lift. There are 3 easy key changes, but no bell changes within
each section. Over the years, Bwana Asifiwe has become a favorite piece for
massed ringing at handbell festivals, and I’ve watched and listened with glee as
other conductors masterfully interpret my piece and add creative movement. Such
fun!<br />
<br />
Cathy A. Moklebust<br />
Eagle Grove, IA
<br />
<a href="http://www.cathymoklebust.net/" target="_blank">http://www.cathymoklebust.net</a></blockquote>
Thank you for Cathy Moklebust for sharing! We've enjoyed playing Bwana Asifiwe, both bells and percussion. Special thanks from the ringers who get to do a little dancing.Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-27090598097026668812012-04-01T21:52:00.002-05:002012-04-01T21:52:58.910-05:00Spring 2012 Members<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've got our official group photo for the season!<br />
<br />Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-89310641113643069662011-12-10T12:19:00.000-06:002011-12-10T12:21:20.867-06:00Rehearsing with Youth Choral Theater<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ2qoRj12Crh7a5aIwbDIOU7xc7l2Vcx6exWaETauolS57x1O6CGxiYNcJquX5j612hWH7FtEe_ycr-fcmFQ-1vaJtVODbplVXeB3NiPrBkknOGU5uRbSc9fOQr4PI2gxOS2a0t8GY_E/s1600/photo-780868.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ2qoRj12Crh7a5aIwbDIOU7xc7l2Vcx6exWaETauolS57x1O6CGxiYNcJquX5j612hWH7FtEe_ycr-fcmFQ-1vaJtVODbplVXeB3NiPrBkknOGU5uRbSc9fOQr4PI2gxOS2a0t8GY_E/s320/photo-780868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684566517564689426" /></a></p>Getting ready for this afternoon's concert in Techny.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-70590847933007487362011-12-10T11:20:00.000-06:002011-12-10T11:56:58.072-06:00Concert in Northbrook<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SjXsb1iGqLyV2yHriHvM-zsBKOOcuiR_f3QFMuzAp8vH-7vHoOotSc-8VjGPQefsgw1Jh7WWAmPrLE4AyD7RmBnt_cT8PSFQhtDy8X3KS1aRS31HbxjgHEy67VLCK7tGV0gf1K5oUkc/s1600/photo-718073.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SjXsb1iGqLyV2yHriHvM-zsBKOOcuiR_f3QFMuzAp8vH-7vHoOotSc-8VjGPQefsgw1Jh7WWAmPrLE4AyD7RmBnt_cT8PSFQhtDy8X3KS1aRS31HbxjgHEy67VLCK7tGV0gf1K5oUkc/s320/photo-718073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684560234709862178" /></a></p>Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-90948395736610136752011-12-02T18:44:00.000-06:002011-12-02T18:45:33.768-06:00First concert tonight!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD0W8WX8cnpXCUDkB_XLlJQOd_QrMiTw0fetReU1MkvXKlfW5VVyGMYP3f1ozdFZL5hnKDuTddkWbAT4RYV8KAyl9J-cbFiW6HfuPih05G1LamIwhIW4elgLH3End3QhOS7joOcjCcZM/s1600/photo-733769.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrD0W8WX8cnpXCUDkB_XLlJQOd_QrMiTw0fetReU1MkvXKlfW5VVyGMYP3f1ozdFZL5hnKDuTddkWbAT4RYV8KAyl9J-cbFiW6HfuPih05G1LamIwhIW4elgLH3End3QhOS7joOcjCcZM/s320/photo-733769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681696848392986690" /></a></p>Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-22518792736147042462011-11-29T22:13:00.004-06:002011-11-29T22:26:58.375-06:00Chicago Bronze on TV<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1GbbtkSUJ4/TtWwaY0Ei4I/AAAAAAAAACk/i-h6pP57Tt0/s1600/As_Seen_On_TV.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 94px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1GbbtkSUJ4/TtWwaY0Ei4I/AAAAAAAAACk/i-h6pP57Tt0/s320/As_Seen_On_TV.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680640472381688706" border="0" /></a><br />Chicago Bronze will appear on the 10pm evening news on Friday, December 2, 2011. The Chicago CBS affiliate, WBBM-TV Channel 2, came out to film us this week, the last rehearsal before our first concert. <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/personality/kate-sullivan/">Kate Sullivan </a>interviewed a couple of our members and learned about handbells.<br />Ms. Sullivan is a very experienced reporter, but we're guessing she doesn't usually spend that much time recording her subjects with her personal phone camera when there's a perfectly good camera crew right there.<br />We're really glad she was able to come to our 7pm rehearsal, since she anchors the 5pm and the 10pm news downtown. Thank you to the CBS2 Chicago crew for giving us the opportunity.Fred Snyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941762127751860689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-42604747610711154382011-07-14T09:29:00.001-05:002011-07-14T09:33:12.237-05:00Congrats to CB Member Laura OlsenCongratulations to Chicago Bronze member Laura Olsen, on her recent award from the Piano Technicians Guild.<br /><br />"Our first honoree for the PTG Hall of Fame has spread her sunshine and support through all corners of this organization and most of Chicagoland PTG. Laura Olsen, RPT, is not daunted by many tasks; she is as comfortable atop the mast of a sailboat on Lake Michigan as on the top of a stepladder in the PTG Home Office storage room. The first ever recipient of the PTG Foundation Scholarship to attend the convention and take an exam, Laura went on to give back service to the Foundation by serving in four of its offices and as a director. She served as chair of the Economic Affairs Committee and was elected to the PTG Board of Directors as Central East Regional Vice President. <br /><br />One reason Laura is a valuable resource to our organization is that she is as comfortable sitting at the table to brainstorm solutions as she is rolling up her sleeves to get the actual work done. Anyone who has served five years on the Institute Committee definitely knows how to roll up the sleeves and brainstorm both. <br /><br />She is a friendly and engaging communicator who brings people into the organization and helps them become active and productive members. Laura is a person who chooses to take a positive outlook on life, not someone who has simply been handed an easy road to go. Her determination and dedication are intentional. <br /><br />Laura served as vice president and president of the Waukegan, Illinois, Chapter in the late 1990’s, before transferring to the Chicago Chapter in 2002. In 2002, she was also awarded PTG’s Member of Note. <br /><br />Laura Olsen, on behalf of the members of the Piano Technicians Guild, we thank you for sharing your talents, time and loyalty to our profession. It is our pleasure to enroll you in our Hall of Fame."Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-59292865090339931282011-02-21T14:01:00.005-06:002011-02-21T14:28:08.339-06:00Behind the Music: A Large DayThis Spring we're playing "A Large Day," by Kath Wissinger. It's also featured on our <a href="http://www.chicagobronze.com/Second-City-Sounds-CD.html">Second City Sounds CD</a>. You can just tell it's music that has a story behind it. We thought it would be fun to ask Kath to tell it to us, and she graciously accepted the challenge! She also included some performance notes for any bell choir interested in playing it. Our thanks to Kath for writing for our blog, and for writing great new music for handbells.<br /><br />This is the first ever installment of "Behind the Music of Chicago Bronze." We hope there will be more in the future. Now here's Kath:<br /><br /><hr width="50%"><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6zlX5pvwtOmoc4PIAmi78eY0-pszeseFXhARLOgU0V_1h9MoSqlDjOUxQ9zns0lKgRt2NB0QC3cvfNtLfEhcW1bnDZCGkM2uPgcPxClTgVeXbinA9DoaG53yC3V-iB_xKvtwoxohOI/s1600/KathWissingerHeadShot.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS6zlX5pvwtOmoc4PIAmi78eY0-pszeseFXhARLOgU0V_1h9MoSqlDjOUxQ9zns0lKgRt2NB0QC3cvfNtLfEhcW1bnDZCGkM2uPgcPxClTgVeXbinA9DoaG53yC3V-iB_xKvtwoxohOI/s320/KathWissingerHeadShot.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576240258602456738" /></a> During Fall of 2000, my 14-member, 5-octave teen church group, "touch of Jesus" ("toJ,") was riding a crest of amazing ability. They could ring anything I threw at them, so I was free to write all kinds of advanced music for them. Pieces like "Jazzin'," "La Mer," "Tre Regali," "Broken for You," "The Travelers from Nazareth," "To Snow or Not to Snow," "Festive Promenade," "Chopsticks and How!," "The Sower," "Rhythmic Fanfare," and "A Large Day" were all written for this particular group as they progressed into more and more advanced music...<br /> At the same time, I was a fan of "The Weather Notebook" - a noontime series on our local NPR radio station which offered 2-minute tidbits of "lighthearted weather wisdom." One day, the announcer reported on a special term for a weather phenomenon on Prince Edward Island: That invigorating kind of day which sometimes follows a storm; a rarified day with azure blue skies, intense white puffy clouds, a crisp clean breeze a bright warm sun, beckoning you with inspired clarity to breathe deeply and live life fully. The PEI locals call this unique kind of day - "A Large Day." I loved the term. Even in Virginia we have "Large Days." So with this bold vision, I started working on musical ideas for this piece.<br /></p><p> The lilt of 6/8, a few grace notes and some rhythmic mallet and mart work coupled with a Celtic-inspired melody were the foundation ideas for this work. Three distinct themes emerged, with little transition needed from one to the next, taking the form ABCBA - palindrome-style.<br /><br /> The first "A" section introduces the lyric melody in octaves with sparse, open accompaniment. "B" theme jumps right in with a driving, syncopated pulse in both the melody and the malleted bass. A simple nod to the "C" theme is the transition to "C" itself, which is more sultry and enticing in rhythm and mode. Back to "B" with an optional bodhran solo before landing back in "A" in a new key, repeated at the end with a new mart/mart lift rhythms in the bass.<br /></p><p> Use of an Irish drum called the bodhran is optional, but certainly recommend if possible. The bodhran is a large flat drum, held in one hand and played with a 2-ended beater called a tipper (or tipple). Unique, signature rhythmic patterns are possible with this instrument. While the score includes basic rhythmic patterns - in case you need some ideas - we invited our drummer to play whatever rhythms she wished. I encourage you to do the same. A skilled bodhran player will really make the piece sparkle! I had also intended a penny whistle to join us, but I couldn't find a player. Feel free to add this element as well.<br /></p><p> "toJ" played this piece for many concerts and a FirstNight Celebration and recorded it on CD ("Ring Around the Moon.") I've used it for Advanced/Bronze Events, and I know it has also been used at Distinctly Bronze by David Davidson and in another Bronze event by Debbie Rice. I've also heard from a number of Advanced Community Handbell Ensembles who have used it. Thank you, all! By using "unusual" original handbell literature, you support the possibility of more "unusual" and original pieces being published.<br /> I often hear "A Large Day" played too slowly - it really needs to move with energy. Check the dotted-quarter pulse at 90 or 92. Now you know why it's a Level 5 piece!! </p><p> Score Notes for "A Large Day": The D3 should be "air" malletted ( + ) (lifted quickly and malletted - not table malletted as written) in Mm. 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 87, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93. Also m. 148 beat 1, play Ab5. </p><p> To read more about my pieces, as well as my background and events, you can go to my website: <a href="http://kathwissinger.wetpaint.com/">KathWissinger.wetpaint.com</a>. Contact me directly at Longwalk3@aol.com.<br /></p><br />Kath WissingerChicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-65468883207382038542011-02-05T21:13:00.003-06:002011-02-05T21:28:49.671-06:00Why is Bach's Little Fugue little?<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 271px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Johann_Sebastian_Bach.jpg/220px-Johann_Sebastian_Bach.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />We've played "Little Fugue" by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach">J.S. Bach</a> before, but Michael Kaster has published a new version that we're using this year (our old one is permanently out of print).<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugue_in_G_minor,_%22Little%22,_BWV_578">Little Fugue in G Minor</a> is one of Bach's most recognizeable melodies. A classic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugue">fugue</a>: "a contrapuntal composition in two or more voices, built on a subject (theme) that is introduced at the beginning in imitation and recurs frequently in the course of the composition."<br /><br />But why is it little? There's nothing little about it. But it is shorter than Bach's later work, "Great Fantasia and Fugue in G minor," and so the subtitle "Little" was added to distinguish between them.<br /><br />For extra credit: compare the performance this season with the earlier Kastner transcription on <a href="http://www.chicagobronze.com/Second-City-Sounds-CD.html">Second City Sounds</a>, and see if you can tell what was changed!Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-16320952331563925352011-01-26T22:22:00.002-06:002011-01-26T22:25:40.918-06:00New Video: Sleigh RideIf you weren't able to come to our concert series last December, here's a chance to see a small part! Presenting <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VhAj_I5Op8">Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride,"</a> performed Wheaton College on December 11, 2010.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-22097242544228685612010-12-04T16:09:00.001-06:002010-12-04T16:09:26.861-06:00Chicago Bronze Home Alone<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDyiG8yWTu4k9VhnI4jQ9ctJoNio1_UK0QrKUq9OpFt_ij00uQBGeEhA5nB9UBP7hAyBs2mrvjyADq9cg_NWIU7dcAM0qVqy6kNkRc_8DVSEFpMIB7qPIT5PrbhOXT1bxkg3kdFqGmyY/s1600/photo-766862.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDyiG8yWTu4k9VhnI4jQ9ctJoNio1_UK0QrKUq9OpFt_ij00uQBGeEhA5nB9UBP7hAyBs2mrvjyADq9cg_NWIU7dcAM0qVqy6kNkRc_8DVSEFpMIB7qPIT5PrbhOXT1bxkg3kdFqGmyY/s320/photo-766862.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546952698723143730" /></a></p>Tonight's concert on Wilmette is at the church used in the movie "Home Alone," at least the exterior.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-32946953742053840502010-11-16T13:44:00.007-06:002011-01-10T16:15:44.672-06:00West Indies Carol, via Pittsburgh<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Jester_hairston_1951.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Jester_hairston_1951.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />When you come to our upcoming concert, you'll hear Hart Morris' fun arrangement of "West Indies Carol." Its upbeat rhythm with staccato sounds will make you ready to start celebrating the holiday immediately.<br /><br />However, the tune was brought into wide distribution by an American composer who grew up in Pittsburgh, the imcomparable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester_Hairston">Jester Hairston</a>.<br /><br />Amongst many other musical and artistic accomplishments, Jester Hairston arranged negro spirituals and gave them new exposure. One such song was probably the inspiration for "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary%27s_Boy_Child">Mary's Boy Child</a>" in 1956. Recorded by Harry Belafonte, it reached #1 on the UK charts in 1957. <br /><object width="240" height="192"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UZ4FK1uXm_U?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UZ4FK1uXm_U?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="240" height="192"></embed></object><br /><br />To demonstrate the diversity of style that the song has enjoyed through the years, it's worth watching the 1978 version by disco artists Boney M., which brought the song to the #1 spot a second time in the UK.<br /><object width="240" height="192"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7-4GC828rM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7-4GC828rM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="240" height="192"></embed></object><br /><br />The song appeared in 1983 on a <a href="http://www.justwendystamps.com/ambrowCart/shop/show_details.php?ref=325">sheet of postage stamps</a> issued by the Carribean island of St. Kits, recognizing the origin of, or at least the inspiration for, this truly North American Christmas carol.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-56789519200831720422010-11-12T15:47:00.002-06:002010-11-12T15:51:21.803-06:00Concert: December 11 in WheatonChicago Bronze cordially invites you to our holiday concert, on the campus of Wheaton College.<br /><br />Saturday, December 11, at 7pm<br />Barrows Auditorium<br />501 College Av.<br />Wheaton, IL 60187<br /><br />An evening of handbell music celebrating the Christmas season and other favorites.<br />Tickets available at the door.<br />For legal purposes we must note: This is not a function of Wheaton College.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-47466721338418601202010-11-08T14:36:00.004-06:002010-11-08T14:41:03.181-06:00New Group Photo!<a href="http://www.chicagobronze.com/images/CB2010Decweb.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px;" src="http://www.chicagobronze.com/images/CB2010Decweb.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />With our <a href=www.chicagobronze.com/when.html>concert season coming up soon</a>, it's time to get everyone to sit for the latest group photo. Learn more about all the <a href=www.chicagobronze.com/who.html>members of Chicago Bronze</a> on our website!Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-2365396744795230782010-10-28T21:13:00.005-05:002011-01-10T16:16:22.883-06:00Betty Garee<div>This December our concert will include <em>Stille Nacht</em> (Silent Night) by Betty Garee.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTejSgY7fYedA1W8BX49U2RviEDIkOtl-15Thqm085nU_88l3uDRbarhETbwJN9e_bdw7Pr9plDqGKU23VrW3rZK2jZYS2k1PwqqrdnEP26BkPnkNrf1AO6pvGtHPONbq5IMfntvNJkRU/s1600/gareeb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533288248319902018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTejSgY7fYedA1W8BX49U2RviEDIkOtl-15Thqm085nU_88l3uDRbarhETbwJN9e_bdw7Pr9plDqGKU23VrW3rZK2jZYS2k1PwqqrdnEP26BkPnkNrf1AO6pvGtHPONbq5IMfntvNJkRU/s320/gareeb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Betty Garee was one of the first modern handbell composers, and her works are still considered some of the finest examples of handbell music at its best.</div><br /><div>According to the <a href="http://www.choristersguild.org/catalog/view_work.php?workid=1209">Chorister's Guild</a>, her music "demonstrates Betty Garee's understanding of the handbell idiom and the writing genius which made her one of our foremost handbell composers"</div><br /><div>Born in 1927, she first encountered handbells in 1971 in Wappingers Falls, New York.</div><br /><div>"In the fifteen years that followed, she brought handbell performance to new levels at local and national festivals. As a clinician, her warmth inspired new directors and ringers alike. Her original compositions and creative transcriptions for handbells showed a style that was far ahead of her time. She travelled widely, sharing her music and passion for handbells, touching many lives both in and out of handbell circles. Betty Garee passed away in 1986. "</div><br /><div>-- AGEHR Area II, describing the <a href="http://www.area2agehr.org/programs/garee/garee.shtml">Betty Garee Scholarship Program</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are pleased to present Mrs. Garee's <em>Stille Nacht</em> this year, and we hope you will have the chance to come appreciate it for yourself.</div>Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8056891122344013079.post-42444829741768578442010-10-24T14:50:00.002-05:002010-10-24T14:54:24.466-05:00Member Profile: Catherine Ciway<a href="http://www.chicagobronze.com/images/bio/cathie.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://www.chicagobronze.com/images/bio/cathie.jpg" border="0" /></a> Catherine Ciway from Roselle IL, has been playing handbells since 5th grade. She is a recent graduate from Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in both Public Relations and Business Communications. Catherine rang previously with the Alleluia Ringers, Concordia's touring handbell choir, under the direction of Dr. John Behnke. In her spare time she enjoys singing, reading and being with her family.Chicago Bronzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11747343727807412468noreply@blogger.com1