Chicago Bronze

Rehearsing with Youth Choral Theater

2011-12-10T12:19:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for this afternoon's concert in Techny.

Concert in Northbrook

2011-12-10T11:20:00.000-06:00

First concert tonight!

2011-12-02T18:44:00.000-06:00

Chicago Bronze on TV

2011-11-29T22:13:00.004-06:00

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. Kate Sullivan interviewed a couple of our members and learned about handbells.
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.
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.

Congrats to CB Member Laura Olsen

2011-07-14T09:29:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Chicago Bronze member Laura Olsen, on her recent award from the Piano Technicians Guild.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Behind the Music: A Large Day

2011-02-21T14:01:00.005-06:00

This Spring we're playing "A Large Day," by Kath Wissinger. It's also featured on our Second City Sounds CD. 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.

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:

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...
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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.
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!!

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.

To read more about my pieces, as well as my background and events, you can go to my website: KathWissinger.wetpaint.com. Contact me directly at Longwalk3@aol.com.

Kath Wissinger

Why is Bach's Little Fugue little?

2011-02-05T21:13:00.003-06:00

We've played "Little Fugue" by J.S. Bach before, but Michael Kaster has published a new version that we're using this year (our old one is permanently out of print).

Little Fugue in G Minor is one of Bach's most recognizeable melodies. A classic fugue: "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."

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.

For extra credit: compare the performance this season with the earlier Kastner transcription on Second City Sounds, and see if you can tell what was changed!

New Video: Sleigh Ride

2011-01-26T22:22:00.002-06:00

If you weren't able to come to our concert series last December, here's a chance to see a small part! Presenting Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," performed Wheaton College on December 11, 2010.

Chicago Bronze Home Alone

2010-12-04T16:09:00.001-06:00

Tonight's concert on Wilmette is at the church used in the movie "Home Alone," at least the exterior.

West Indies Carol, via Pittsburgh

2010-11-16T13:44:00.007-06:00

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.

However, the tune was brought into wide distribution by an American composer who grew up in Pittsburgh, the imcomparable Jester Hairston.

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 "Mary's Boy Child" in 1956. Recorded by Harry Belafonte, it reached #1 on the UK charts in 1957.

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.

The song appeared in 1983 on a sheet of postage stamps issued by the Carribean island of St. Kits, recognizing the origin of, or at least the inspiration for, this truly North American Christmas carol.

Concert: December 11 in Wheaton

2010-11-12T15:47:00.002-06:00

Chicago Bronze cordially invites you to our holiday concert, on the campus of Wheaton College.

Saturday, December 11, at 7pm
Barrows Auditorium
501 College Av.
Wheaton, IL 60187

An evening of handbell music celebrating the Christmas season and other favorites.
Tickets available at the door.
For legal purposes we must note: This is not a function of Wheaton College.

New Group Photo!

2010-11-08T14:36:00.004-06:00

With our concert season coming up soon, it's time to get everyone to sit for the latest group photo. Learn more about all the members of Chicago Bronze on our website!

Betty Garee

2010-10-28T21:13:00.005-05:00

This December our concert will include Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by Betty Garee.

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.

According to the Chorister's Guild, her music "demonstrates Betty Garee's understanding of the handbell idiom and the writing genius which made her one of our foremost handbell composers"

Born in 1927, she first encountered handbells in 1971 in Wappingers Falls, New York.

"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. "

-- AGEHR Area II, describing the Betty Garee Scholarship Program

We are pleased to present Mrs. Garee's Stille Nacht this year, and we hope you will have the chance to come appreciate it for yourself.

Member Profile: Catherine Ciway

2010-10-24T14:50:00.002-05:00

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.

Christmas in September

2010-09-28T20:06:00.001-05:00

Rehearsals for December concerts are underway! Here's a typical scene from Monday night's rehearsal.

Member Profile: Amy Calderone

2010-09-22T21:23:00.001-05:00

Amy Calderone was introduced to Handbells when she was a senior in high school. She has been playing in bell choirs off and on ever since, playing across the country and in Europe. She has a BS in Psychology from Judson University and is now an admin for The Nielsen Company. Amy also enjoys reading, watching TV and hanging out with friends.

New Musical Director!

2010-09-01T20:51:00.003-05:00

Chicago Bronze is pleased to introduce our new Musical Director: Andrea Handley.

Andrea Handley lives in Evanston, and has been directing handbells since 1983. She holds an undergraduate degree in piano from the Indiana University School of Music, and a graduate degree in organ from the American Conservatory of Music. As Director of Music and Worship at the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, IL, she directed a graded handbell choir program which grew to six choirs over a span of a few years, playing two sets of handbells (one seven octaves) and two sets of handchimes. More recently, she directed the handbell program at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler, TX. She is a published handbell composer and has written several articles for Overtones magazine.

Andrea’s husband, David, is a Presbyterian pastor, and she has three grown children – a recent seminary graduate, a professional cellist, and a daycare worker. She’s thrilled to be back “home” in the Chicago area, and more thrilled to have the opportunity to direct the Chicago Bronze!

Thanks to all of the applications who applied to the position. We were honored by your presence and interest.

Handbell Musicians of America

2010-07-26T14:17:00.002-05:00

Chicago Bronze is a proud member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

Last week, the AGEHR announced that they would change their name to the Handbell Musicians of America, "to recognize ourselves as musicians to be taken seriously by the music world at large."

Please join us in welcoming the new HMA.

Syncopated Clock

2010-04-25T15:03:00.004-05:00

One of our newest pieces which you can hear in our concert series next week is Leroy Anderson's Syncopated Clock.

Leroy Anderson is probably most famous as the composer of the Winter favorite Sleigh Ride, but many people are familiar with Syncopated Clock even if they don't know the name of the song. In the 1950's CBS introduced the "Late Show," thinking maybe Americans would stay up a little later to watch more television - crazy, right? The producers chose Syncopated Clock as the theme music of the show, and continued to use it for the next 25 years of late-night television, leaving us with a generation of Americans who can probably hum the tune, but few who could name its title or author.

For more information about Leroy Anderson, visit his web site, leroyanderson.com. Oh, and it's /le-ROY/, not /LEE-roy/.

Member Profile: Denise Kinsey

2010-04-07T22:51:00.003-05:00

Denise Kinsey has been a handbell ringer for 17 years. She also plays piano and clarinet. She is a music teacher in Schaumburg District 54 where she teaches junior high students General Music and Chorus. Denise has directed musicals, vocal choirs, and handbell/handchime choirs for various groups from 1st grade through adult in schools and in churches. Denise loves spending time with her two children, Chris and Cate, where they are always in baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading, and soccer!

Workshop!

2010-03-23T15:32:00.002-05:00

We're excited about our upcoming workshop for ringers and directors! On May 1st, at Barrington United Methodist Church, Chicago Bronze will lead a hands-on workshop for handbell enthusiasts who want to learn more about ringing.

There will be classes, like score study, stopped sound techniques, techniques for bass bell as well as high bells. Each participant will get a chance to take 3 40-minute classes. Then there will be a reading session, sponsored by J.W.Pepper Music. Everyone will get a chance to play some new music, and maybe you will be able to apply some of what you've learned.

After dinner, catered by Jeff Can Cook?, there will be a Chicago Bronze concert at 7pm. It's open to the public, but tickets are included in the workshop registration.

If you'd like to learn more about ringing handbells, no matter what your current level of expeience is, we look forward to talking with you at the workshop.

To register, you will need to get the registration form and send it to BUMC.

Lamento Borincano

2010-03-16T14:58:00.005-05:00

One of the new songs we're working on this season is a Puerto Rican classic, "Lamento Borincano" by Rafaél Hernández (1892-1965), arranged by Francisco Reneir Abad. Hernández was a prolific Puerto Rican composer, with over 3,000 songs, but the Lamento is the most famous.

"It depicts the struggles of a Puerto Rican jibaro [peasant] to survive; an archetypical hero that the Puerto Rican people immediately and always identified with closely. The identification with this poor jibaro, despondent from his inability to sell his goods in the town’s marketplace can be seen as a representation of Puerto Rico’s own struggle for national identity and self-reliance in the face of a colonial history."
--from Music of Puerto Rico

Chicago Bronze is excited to present this work, with its percussive rhythms as well as its history and significance to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has a relatively large handbell community; we should be so lucky to visit the island some day and share their musical heritage.

Member Profile: Cathe Morse

2010-03-07T20:42:00.003-06:00

CATHE MORSE's formal music training includes tenures at Boston Conservatory of Music, University of Denver and Eastern Illinois University. She directed youth handbells in Oregon for 6 years before moving to Illinois to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Cathe teaches several subjects to 5th through 8th grades and is excited to be ringing with Chicago Bronze. She lives in Gurnee.

Introducing: Interim Director Scott Laudick

2010-02-24T21:37:00.005-06:00

After 5 years as the Chicago Bronze Music Director, Phil Roberts stepped down at the start of 2010. Phil helped Chicago Bronze enormously during his tenure, and we would like to thank him for his dedication to the art of handbell ringing.

Chicago Bronze will be holding auditions for the Music Director position in August 2010. If you or someone you know would be interested in this musically challenging and rewarding position, please contact us.

Chicago Bronze is pleased to announce that Scott Laudick has joined us as Interim Director.
Scott lives in Lake in the Hills, Illinois with his wife and two sons. He has a music education degree with a vocal emphasis and taught general music to grades 1-5 for four years. He has directed children’s choirs and music theater productions as well as church choirs. Additionally, he has played keyboard in rock bands and has learned how to play guitar.
Scott is excited to be the interim director for the Chicago Bronze. This is Scott’s first experience with a bell choir and he is excited to be involved with such a high caliber ensemble.
In his spare time, Scott enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his wife, and playing with his kids.

Warming up in Wayne

2009-12-12T17:17:00.001-06:00

Getting ready for tonight's concert- in another room! We'll have to
wait until the sanctuary is free, then set up again, test the balance
again. Expect a big crowd tonight.

Programs through the Years

2009-12-08T15:46:00.004-06:00

Last night Phil made a collage by setting out all our concert programs from over the last 5 years. The big jump in design was when we retained the services of Anna Pugsley Graphic Design. Anna's both a great design artist and a great bell ringer.

If you haven't already gotten a copy of Anna's latest work, get one at a Chicago Bronze concert this weekend.

ELA Library

2009-12-06T13:44:00.001-06:00

Warming up at ELA Library in Lake Zurich...

Don't come unless you've made a reservation. The library has already
promised every seat.

Warming up at Friendship Village

2009-12-05T12:09:00.001-06:00

"Second City Sounds" are here

2009-12-01T12:53:00.003-06:00

We got the box of CDs yesterday, and they look great. Big thanks to everyone who pre-ordered a CD; they will be shipped as soon as possible.

Be sure to join us for our the CD debut at our concert this coming Saturday at Friendship Village in Schaumburg.

Listen to "Second City Sounds!"

2009-11-18T10:07:00.004-06:00

Our new CD, "Second City Sounds" has been sent to the printer. 16 songs that showcase a wide variety of styles. From Jazz to Rock, Classical to Original Compositions, "Second City Sounds" is a fun musical extravaganza for all.
You can listen to a clip of each song from our website.

We should have copies in our hands later this month, but you can order one now! Be the first to get one shipped to you.
Or you can get one at any of our concerts this year. We would love to see you at our CD debut! Join us Saturday, December 5 at Friendship Village of Schaumburg to celebrate the new recording.

Member Profile: Roberta Dickey

2009-11-02T15:45:00.001-06:00

ROBERTA DICKEY of Des Plaines and is a charter member of Chicago Bronze. She holds a music degree from Wichita State University, majoring in violin and in education. She taught music for 10 years in public schools. In her spare time she enjoys quilting, doing other needle crafts, and scrapbooking. Roberta does the scrapbooks for Chicago Bronze. She and her husband, Darrell, enjoy gardening together and have done the landscaping at their church for over 30 years.

Member Profile: Martha Swanson

2009-10-28T11:20:00.001-05:00

MARTHA SWANSON lives in Aurora and has rung advanced music at several conferences and festivals across the country. A graduate of Aurora University in 1981 with a Business Administration degree, Martha runs the office for her family’s plumbing business. In her spare time, she volunteers for Midwest Greyhound Adoption, a not-for-profit agency that places retired racing greyhounds in permanent, adoptive homes. With Chicago Bronze since 2005, Martha serves as our Vice President.

Member Profile: Lisa Gutzler

2009-10-16T16:09:00.002-05:00

LISA GUTZLER of Mount Prospect is also a charter member of Chicago Bronze. She was introduced to handbells in junior high, and has been ringing ever since. A graduate of Valparaiso University, she majored in Nursing and minored in Spanish. Lisa works as a pediatric nurse at Lutheran General Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys cross-stitch, and traveling with husband, Matt, and daughter, Rachel. Lisa is our equipment manager.

Member Profile: Laura Olsen

2009-10-11T14:08:00.001-05:00

LAURA OLSEN lives in Barrington. She plays flute and piano and sings in her church choir. Music is central to her professional life as well. She owns A Joyful Sound, Inc. a piano service business and is a registered member of the Piano Technicians Guild. Now that her 3 sons are grown, she finds time to pursue other interests such as sailboat racing and bicycling.

Member Profile: Jolinda Pacay

2009-10-05T11:22:00.002-05:00

JOLINDA PACAY resides in Rolling Meadows is another charter member of Chicago Bronze. She earned a BS in Education from Western Michigan University and has taught primary grades and special education in the northwest suburbs. In her free time, Jolinda enjoys being a grandma for her granddaughters, Savannah, and Lily.

Member Profile: Joanne Nick

2009-09-29T22:09:00.001-05:00

JOANNE NICK of Island Lake has been ringing handbells on and off since third grade, and also plays the oboe and euphonium. She graduated with her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she was a member of the Marching Illini. Joanne works as a psychiatric case manager at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Outside of music, she enjoys spending time with her husband and playing with their Labrador Retriever, as well as stamping and cross stitching.

Member Profile: Fred Snyder

2009-09-22T11:25:00.002-05:00

FRED SNYDER lives in Chicago with his wife and twin daughters. Fred is a charter member of Chicago Bronze and has been ringing handbells since 1983. He is also an accomplished soloist. Fred sings tenor, plays guitar, and occasionally harmonica. In his spare time, Fred is a software developer at World Book. He also is our President.

Member Profile: Cheryl Ondratschek

2009-09-14T12:23:00.001-05:00

CHERYL ONDRATSCHEK lives in Winfield with her husband, Bill. Cheryl has a Bachelor of Music degree from North Park College in Chicago and was a music educator for 10 years before entering the business world where she now works for a telemetry services company. Cheryl is also handbell director at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton. When she is not playing with her two pups or taking them for a walk she likes to garden, bike, and read.

Member Profile: Carloyn Ohman

2009-09-06T21:14:00.001-05:00

CAROLYN OHMAN of Palatine is also a Chicago Bronze charter member. She received a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College. She works in the Molecular Pathology laboratory at ACL Laboratories, isolating and analyzing DNA. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her grandchildren, Jadey, Teale, Caden, and Skylar traveling, reading and doing cross-stitch.

Member Profile: Bill Ondratschek

2009-08-31T09:24:00.001-05:00

BILL ONDRATSCHEK of Winfield is married to Cheryl whom he met while both attended North Park College and played in the concert band. Bill received a BA degree and taught elementary education for 9 years. He left teaching to enter a corporate training position for the oldest franchiser of cleaning and restoration franchisees where he is currently Vice President of Franchise Operations. Bill is a member of the St. John Ringers and, coincidentally, he and his wife share the same outside interests.

Listen Online! GIA 2009-2010 Handbell Catalog

2009-08-23T20:17:00.004-05:00

Chicago Bronze is the recording group for GIA Publications' handbell catalog. Demo recordings are posted on Jeffers Handbell Supply's website for all to enjoy and, hopefully, purchase.
Chicago Bronze and GIA both work hard to make these recordings as good as they can be in a very short period of time, so that handbell directors can fully appreciate the pieces before buying multiple copies for their choirs.

You can hear Chicago Bronze's recording of the 2009-2010 catalog (with the exception of Psallite and Travelers from Nazareth, which were recorded by the Concord Ringers some time ago).

Profile: Barb Barrett

2009-08-17T13:59:00.003-05:00

The first in a series: profiles of Chicago Bronze members!

BARBARA BARRETT of Round Lake first rang handbells in high school and rediscovered them in 1994. She is a charter member of Chicago Bronze. A native Hoosier, Barb earned a BS in Business from Indiana University. She handles
financial reporting for Zebra Technologies. Barb loves spending her free time reading, attending concerts, working puzzles, and watching college basketball.

11th year kick-off

2009-08-11T11:47:00.002-05:00

We had our kick-off last night for the 2009/2010 season. We turned 10 years old last Spring; this will be our 11th year. We're proud of what we've accomplished in that decade, and we are looking forward to another great decade of handbell music.

We have some openings, and we're thrilled that we've had enough interest in auditions that we had to extend them over two weeks. Best of luck to all the candidates! Everyone should watch for some fresh faces this year - be sure to say hi at the next concert.

Recording Do-over

2009-06-09T13:40:00.004-05:00

After our last recording session was washed out by the rain, we found a new recording 'studio.' It's a senior living community, where we played a concert in April. It was really pouring the day of the concert, and we noticed it stayed quiet in the auditorium.

There was still a little noise, from cars on the local road and the occasional airplane, but it was still better than our old location. The residents also made some noise earlier in the evening, but got quiet as the night went on. We resolved to play the loud pieces first next time we record.

It was also really warm and humid - because we asked that the air conditioning be turned off. Nothing worse than the A/C kicking in during the recording. That problem will also lessen in the Fall and Winter.

Hopefully this all means our next CD will be produced this Summer, and available for purchase by December.

New Gallery, Ars Viva

2009-05-19T10:46:00.003-05:00

There's a new photo gallery posted on our scrapbook page with pictures from the Friendship Village of Schaumburg concert.

We should be getting more photos and some video posted throughout the Summer.

We're working on some music for next year's GIA catalog right now. Soon we'll be working on the music for the upcoming appearance June 26 and 27 with the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra at the Dominican University Performing Arts Center

Recording Wash Out

2009-04-30T12:51:00.004-05:00

As mentioned earlier on this blog, Chicago Bronze records a few songs from each concert season. We're just one session away from finishing our second CD.

We were all set up in the church were we usually do our recordings when the rain started. The sanctuary roof is apparently quite thin, and the rain was very loud.

We worked for a while before our engineer (Bob from Advanced Audio) said he didn't think we could get a quality recording. The background noise sounded like a hiss like from an old tape recorder. If it had been a demo recording, we might have let it go, but we wanted the highest possible quality.

We checked the weather radar, and it did look like it would get better any time soon, so we called it a night and went home. Hopefully we'll find another time when everyone can get together before we start drifting away for summer travels.

Trip Summary

2009-04-20T15:31:00.003-05:00

We're back from our trip to Kalamazoo. It was a long day, as most of us make the 3-hour drive in both directions on the same day, but fortunately the 6 hours of sitting in the car was broken up by 6 hours of standing behind the tables ringing bells.

It was great ringing with the other groups, the Capitol City Ringers and the Kalamazoo Ringers, and their respective directors, Jane C. Wright and Janet Van Valey.

We also debuted some live photos from the event here on our blog, a first for us. No photos from during the concert, though; we were too busy ringing.

If you weren't able to come to the concert, or to Friday's concert in Park Ridge, we hope you'll make on of our concerts next week.

Kalamazoo

2009-04-18T11:47:00.001-05:00

CB at a distance

Bronze ring invitational

2009-04-18T11:43:00.001-05:00

Here we are (front) with the Capitol City Ringers (center) and the
Kalamazoo Ringers (far side) in Kalamazoo

Our new banner!

2009-04-17T19:46:00.002-05:00

We got our new banner... Wow, that's bright. Compared to the old
banner which was black.

Straussian Weather

2009-03-30T14:21:00.004-05:00

We've mentioned Strauss' Thunder and Lightnight Polka before, but here's some more information about Johann Strauss, Jr, "The Waltz King," and his weather-related composition.

"In the 19th century, Viennese music (dance) was dominated by Johann Strauss Sr. and his three sons Johann Jr., Josef and Eduard. Johann Strauss Jr. in all composed over 170 waltzes" [1]of which the most famous today is the "Blue Danube," written in 1867. Thunder and Lightning was published the following year, in 1868.

"Johann Strauss, Jr. (center) was born October 25, 1825 the first of five children. A number of great composers encountered parental opposition when they decided to undertake a musical career, but none met more than Johann Jr. His father, Johann Sr., had decided that one musician in the family was enough and went to great lengths to keep his sons from following in his footsteps. Ironically, all three, Johann Jr., Josef (1827-1870) and Eduard (1835_1916) achieved success as musicians.
"It was his mother, Anna, who encouraged Johann's ambition, who bought him his first violin and saw to it that he received musical instruction. Little Johann secretly studied the violin, making his first attempt at writing a waltz at 6 years of age.
"From 1841 on, Johann Strauss Jr. was a student of the Polytechnic school. He was not very interested in accounting and was expelled for "misbehavior" two years after he joined the school. No one could help him not even a private teacher. Johann skipped the private lessons and spent all his time studying music. He still took violin
lessons from his mother, then he got a permit from the police that allowed him
to play with an orchestra of 12-15 people in public houses." [1]

"Possibly the noisiest of Strauss' dance pieces, Unter Donner und Blitz [Thunder
and Lightning] evokes the sound of thunder and lightning through incessant
timpani rolls and cymbal crashes. In the first half of section A, a loud timpani
roll occurs every four measures, while the cymbals crash on each beat of the
detached descending melody of the second half. Drum answers cymbal in the
arching woodwind tune that begins section B, moving the accent to the second
beat of the measure. A note-for-note return of section A completes the
traditional ternary form, and a rambunctious coda creates a thunderous close.
The only peculiar aspect of Unter Donner und Blitz is the percussive,
eight-measure bridge between the two parts of section A, and the absence of any
return to the first part of section A. Clearly, Strauss sought to amuse as much
as compose a successful piece of music. ~ All Music Guide " [2]

References:
1 http://www.siu.edu/~dfll/German/jstrauss.htm
2 http://www.answers.com/topic/unter-donner-und-blitz-thunder-and-lightning-polka-schnell-for-orchestra-op-324-rv-324

Rock Around the Clock

2009-03-17T13:22:00.000-05:00

On the program this Spring is "Rock Around the Clock" by Max Freeman and Jimmy DeKnight, arranged for handbells by Carol Lynn Mizell. While perhaps not the first recording of its kind, Rock Around the Clock is considered the song that started the Rock and Roll era.

The song was written in 1952 for Bill Haley and the Comets. Haley knew he had a hit song for a new sound, but convincing the producers at his label, Essex Records, proved difficult. Not until Haley switched to Decca Records in 1954 was he able to record it, as the B-side to the "Thirteen Women (and Only One Man in Town)."

The song was widely recognized until it was heard with the opening credits to the 1955 movie "Blackboard Jungle." It is reported that producers were looking to choose music that was popular with kids. The movie's star actor, Glenn Ford, pulled the album from his then-10-year-old son's collection, and it was chosen for the film. The song's popularity soared, becoming the #1 song in America for eight straight weeks.

Haley would re-record the song many times, as did many other artists, but none have ever been as popular as the original, legendary recording. The song re-appeared on the charts in 1974 when it was used as the opening song for the first season of the television show "Happy Days."

The arrangement for handbells by Mizell incorporates an unusual handbell technique, designed to mimic a trombone "slide." Trombones can easily play a note and slowly move to another note, but each handbell have has a distinct note. The effect is achieved by playing both the first note and the second note at the same time, but changing the direction of the bell so that the audience hears the first note predominately at first, then slowly shifts so that the second note is heard louder than the first. In fact both bells are ringing the entire time. What's most disconcerting to the ringer is that you don't hear the effect if you're too close; only a listenter from a distance will hear the dominant note stand out.

Bill Haley once said "No matter how bad a show might be going some night, I know that song will pull us through. It's my little piece of gold." We hope so, too.

Enya!

2009-03-12T09:37:00.001-05:00

On the program this Spring is a great new arrangement from famed handbell composer Kevin McChesney: Enya's "Orinoco Flow," more commonly known by it's refrain of "Sail Away." The song reached #1 in the UK in 1988, and was popular throughout the 1990's.

Enya is Ireland's best-selling solo artist; she would be Ireland's top music export were it not for U2. Bono and Enya surely represent some of the the largest musical empires per-letter, along with Elvis and Madonna.
Enya's distinctive sound is performed almost exclusively by herself, layering multiple recordings as many as 80 times to create the final product. She also utilizes multiple languages, including Irish, Welsh, Latin, Japanese, and both High and Common Elven (created by J.R.R. Tolkien, recorded for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy).

Orinoco flow, however, is entirely in English. You can read the lyrics, with its catalog of rivers from around the world, as well as references to music industry executives. The title probably has a dual meaning, referring to the Orinoco river in South America, and the Orinoco Studio where it was recorded.

Enya's layered style is adapted to handbells by Kevin McChesney, who has arranged a wide variety of modern popular songs for handbells, as well as many original compositions and hymns. Kevin's arrangement of "Sing We Now of Christmas" is on our "Christmas in the City" CD.

Olympic Fanfare

2009-03-04T13:23:00.000-06:00

All of Chicago is talking about the Olympics coming in 2016. At this time, Chicago is just a contender; the decision will be made on October 2, 2009.
But that hasn't stopped our enthusiasm about the Games, so this Spring we'll be playing "Olympic Fanfare" by Leo Arnaud, transcribed for handbells by Robert C. Currier.

Americans all consider this piece to be synonymous with the Olympics Games. The timpani introduction, the brass section proudly stating the theme, the middle bridge section that reminds us of atheletes moving faster than we could previously imagine. Of course, like all iconic Americana, we tend to embellish the story about the song, adding details that should be true, even if they're not.

First, the Olympic Fanfare is not the Olympic Anthem. The Olympic Anthem was written for the 1896 Olympics, the first Olympic games of the modern era.
Arnaud wrote "Bugler's Dream" as part of a larger work in 1957. For the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble, France, ABC chose the the piece as their anthem, embedding it into the minds of Americans, as we listened every night for two weeks every four years.

Secondly, many people would say that the piece was written by John Williams, famed erstwhile director of the Boston Pops. Traditionally, each host country commissions a new song to represent the games that year. Williams was commissioned for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and wrote "Olympic Theme and Fanfare." In 1992, Williams re-recorded the piece, replacing the first section with Arnaud's theme, merging the two together.

Once ABC lost their exclusive rights to the Olympic broadcast in 1988, Americans missed the chance to hear the song before and after every commercial while watching the games in Seoul. But in 1992, NBC revived the piece for their coverage of the Barcelona Olympics. NBC continues to use both "Bugler's Dream" and "Olympic Theme and Fanfare" in their Olympic coverage.

The music reminds us of the spirit as well as the spectacle of the Olympics, and Chicago Bronze is pleased to bring it to you this year, in anticipation of the Olympic Games in Chicago.

In the Mood for bell music

2009-02-05T13:37:00.000-06:00

Chicago Bronze is back in the swing of things! We completed another recording series for GIA, which will be included in the 2009 catalog. Now we've started on our Spring concert series. You can find one of our April concert near you on our web site.

One of the new pieces we'll be playing is "In the Mood," arranged by Herb Geisler.
In the Mood was originally called the "Tar Paper Stomp," written by Wingy Manone in 1929, but it's the 1939 recording by Glenn Miller Orchestra that made the song a famous anthem of the "big-band" era.
It has since become a jazz standard, and has been performed by a wide variety of artists. The strangest rendition is debatably the 1977 version by Ray Stevens, who performed the song entirely in chicken clucks, which beame a top-40 hit in both the United States and the United Kingdon.

While it might be fun for each of us to cluck our notes, we decided to stick with playing them on handbells.

Handbell Podcast Review

2008-12-24T11:14:00.001-06:00

It's been a couple months, but if you're not a regular listener to the Handbell Podcast, check out the October 14, 2008 show. (You'll find the player at the bottom of the page.)

There is an interview with CB director Phil Roberts, recorded at the recent International Handbell Symposium in Orlando.

Also featured is a review of our Christmas in the City CD.
Dean Jensen said in his review "Excellent CD; I'm thinking it's probably now one of my favorite handbell Christmas CDs."

The end of another season

2008-12-18T12:45:00.001-06:00

Chicago Bronze has reached the end of another concert season. This December we were in Lombard, Elmhurst, Lake Zurich, Wayne, Gurnee, Rolling Meadows, Morton Grove and of course at our home in Arlington Heights. Thanks to all of our hosts for providing us the opportunity to share our music with you.

Special congratulations to Resurrection Catholic Church in Wayne, for setting a new record: 570 people came to hear the concert, the largest number yet for a Chicago Bronze-only event. We've played to larger audiences, such as at the National Pastoral Musicians' conference, but the energy in the room was unlike like anything we'd felt before.

It was especially great to talk to the bell ringers at Resurrection, who apparently had never seen handbells played by anyone else before. We hope that our concert will help bring their nascent choir to musical excellence in their ministry.

If you didn't get a chance to see us this year, don't forget you can always have Chicago Bronze in your home for Christmas by picking up a copy of our CD, Christmas in the City.

Save the date for our spring concert, April 26 at Friendship Village of Schaumburg!

Listen Online!

2008-11-26T20:48:00.001-06:00

As noted earlier, you can hear the Chicago Bronze recordings for the GIA Music's handbell catalog online, courtesy of Jeffers Handbell Supply.

Here's links to Chicago Bronze recordings for GIA:
2008-2009
2007-2008
2006-2007
2005-2006

Parade of the Wooden Soldiers

2008-11-20T08:51:00.001-06:00

This December Chicago Bronze will once again feature solo ringer Fred Snyder, performing "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" by Leon Jessel.

In the "Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook" (1981), William L. Simon wrote:

Léon Jessel caught the jaunty strut of toys exactly when he wrote his Parade of the Wooden Soldiers as a novelty item in 1905. It was published in Germany and apparently heard there by a Russian producer who was readying a new revue for Paris bearing the title La Chauve-Souris (The Bat), for which he needed an offbeat dance number. He chose Jessel's rakish "Parade." The Bat opened on Broadway, finally, in 1922, and Ballard Macdonald, who wrote songs for the George White Scandals of 1924 and Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic, gave the tune the lyrics given below and that seldom heard anymore. The arm-swinging melody and strutting rhythm of the piece make the march a charming one for children and adults at Christmas or any time of the year.

The toy shop door is locked up tight, and ev'rything is quiet for the night,
When suddenly the clock strikes twelve, the fun's begun!
The dolls are in their best arrayed, there's going to be a wonderful parade.
Hark to the drum, oh, here they come, cries ev'ryone
Hear them all cheering. Now they are nearing. There's the captain stiff as starch
Bayonets flashing, music is crashing, as the wooden soldiers march
Sabres a-clinking, soldiers a-winking, at each pretty little maid.
Here they come, here they come, here they come, here they come, wooden soldiers on parade!

Source: http://www.grainger.de/music/rm/jes01.html

The arrangement for handbell solo was written by Solo Artist Extraordinaire Christine Anderson, published under the title "Parade of the Tin Soldiers." It utilizes a large range of bells, almost a full three ocatves; Fred will be managing 24 bells, and trying hard to always put each bell back where it came from. When you come to the concert, try watching a single bell as it is picked up, weaved into the melody and then returned to the same spot on the table.

Joy to the World

2008-11-12T11:44:00.000-06:00

The newsletters are out this week, so if you're on our mailing list, you should get it in the mail soon. If you're not on the mailing list, you can read it online from our website.

This year we'll be playing "Joy to the World," arranged by Alan Lohr (Soundforth).
The tune is widely considered to be from the "Messiah," by George Frideric Handel. This belief comes from notes made by the arranger, Lowell Mason. The original manuscript said "from George Frederic Handel." While it may have been based on phrases from Messiah, many scholars believe that it was created by Mason. Mason took the scripture-based text by Isaac Watts to create today's well-recognized carol.
Whoever the true composer was, Lohr has written a beautiful arrangement for handbells that is energetic and, well, joyful.

Charlie Brown

2008-11-06T09:46:00.000-06:00

First, Chicago Bronze would like to say how pleased we are that our director, Philip L. Roberts, was named to the Board of Directors of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Chicago Bronze is a proud member of the AGEHR, and we're excited that Phil will be working to promote handbell music nationally, as well as locally.

Second, we're pleased to present not one, but two of Phil's pieces this season. One of them is an arrangement of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
The award-winning animated television special based on Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" characters was first broadcast in 1965, and every year since.
Reportedly, "executives thought that the jazz soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi would not work well for a children's program. When executives saw the final product, they were horrified and believed the special would be a complete flop." Not only was the show a success, the "Linus and Lucy" motif became famous as the Peanuts theme.
Phil's arrangement, commissioned by the Purdue University Handbell Choir, prominently features "Linus & Lucy," and includes many other themes from the show, particularly "Christmas Time is Here."
It does not, however, call for dancing like the Peanuts gang. That was added somewhat later by some of our more eager ringers, who reportedly spent hours watching the show over and over, researching the proper dance moves.

March of the Kings and Farandole

2008-10-30T13:18:00.000-05:00

The March of the Kings is a traditional French carol that was used by Georges Bizet (1838-1875), of "Carmen" fame, as part of his arrangement of incindental music for a play, L'Arlésienne (usually translated ad "The Girl from Arles" (Arles, of Vincent van Peep fame)).
You may recognize this carol when you come to a Chicago Bronze concert this December, but be sure to listen for the closing section, which is entirely different in character. Valerie Stephenson's arrangement includes the Farandole from the second act of the play. The second act's score, while originally written by Bizet, was re-arranged by Ernest Guiraud after Bizet's death.

According to Wikipedia, a Farandole is "an open-chain community dance popular in the County of Nice, France. Traditionally led by the "abbat-mage holding a beribboned halberd, the dancers hold hands and skip at every beat; strong beats on one foot, alternating left and right, with the other foot in the air, and weak beats with both feet together... Musically, the dance is in 6/8 time, with a moderate to fast tempo, and played by a flute and drum."

When you hear this section at the concert, and if you're listening for it, it will be hard to miss, feel free to get up and practice your Farandole moves.

Little Drummer Boy

2008-10-22T19:41:00.001-05:00

The Little Drummer Boy, originally known as The Carol of the Drum, is adapted from a Chech melody, but was first created in the form we know it today by Katherine K Davis in 1941. It has been recorded by a wide variety of artists since then, from the Von Trapp Family Singers (of "Sound of Music" fame) to Alicia Keys. One recording featured the classic duet of Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Our arrangement comes from another amazing performance group: Campanile. This Los Angeles-based sextet pushed the boundaries of what it meant play handbells, incorporating rhythm instruments and dance into their Jazz performances. Chicago Bronze may not be dancing while we play this piece, but we'll definitely be having fun.

Christmas in October

2008-10-08T14:13:00.000-05:00

We started working on our December concert this past week, so now we're all whistling Christmas and holiday music as we walk down the street, even though it's only October. Never fear, the stores will be catching up to us soon.

Our concert schedule is now available, and we hope you'll find a concert near you this December.

Back from Break with a Recording

2008-09-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

Chicago Bronze has returned from Summer break! And we wasted no time in getting going.

Chicago Bronze performs the catalog recordings for GIA Music's handbell publications, but we were asked this year if we could also help out with some choral pieces as well. Four new pieces from GIA are written for choir and bells.

It was a privilege, as well as fun, working with William Chin, Assistant Director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He is also the founder and artistic director of The Oriana Singers. In his spare time, he is the music director for the First United Church of Oak Park, the Oak Park and River Forest Children’s Chorus, the Oak Park and River Forest Symphony Chorus, and the Anshe Emet Synagogue Choir.

Space was a little tight - we could barely see over the piano - but we got some great music recorded that night.

Peoria Rings My Bells

2008-06-24T18:56:00.000-05:00

We didn't go as a full group, but some of Chicago Bronze went to the Area VIII regional festival in Peoria, IL. The festival had 500 ringers from 5 states. We even made front-page news.

The festival was a lot of fun. We met a lot of people, and we played some great music. Any ringers that have never been to a festival should definitely attend - it's an experience you'll never forget.

Listen Online!

2008-06-01T10:12:00.001-05:00

It's true that we don't have any handbell music live on chicagobronze.com.
But the fine folks at Jeffers Handbell Supply post up an audio file with new releases, which come from the publisher's demo CD.
Since Chicago Bronze records the demo CDs for GIA, you can hear our GIA recordings online!
Take a look at the GIA 2007 Handbell Catalog and click on any of the yellow logos to hear the song, performed by Chicago Bronze.

The Post-season

2008-05-20T20:10:00.000-05:00

You'd think we'd take a break after the Cutting Hall concert, but we were right back at rehearsal on Monday, getting ready some of the latest publications from GIA for recording next month.

At our business meeting, we debated adopting a slogan, "Most of the Notes, Most of the Time," but the motion was rejected. OK, we didn't really debate it, but it was suggested.
If you've got a suggestion for a slogan or tag line (a good one or even an unusable one), let us know by posting a comment here on the blog!

Thanks to everyone who came to the Cutting Hall concert. Special thanks to our volunteers who welcomed people while we were hiding backstage.
It's been a great Spring season. We really enjoyed the music in this year's program, and we hope you enjoyed it as well.

Time to Record

2008-05-06T19:38:00.000-05:00

Next week we'll be taking some of the songs from this season's Storm Warning concert and recording them to be included on a CD in the future.

Many people have asked when our next CD will be ready. Here's how we do it. Thanks to former CB ringer Karen Baumann for sharing this idea with us.

Each season, December and Spring, we schedule a recording session. We can record 4 or 5 songs in an evening, so we pick the songs we think would work best on a CD.
Our target is to get 16 songs on a CD, so it can take 4 seasons to build up enough tracks to publish a CD.
We worked extra hard to finally get Christmas in the City out. Next year, we'll finish the new CD of Spring-season titles from the past 4 years. Two years later, we should have another Christmas CD, and so on every 2 years.

Huge thanks to everyone who bought a CD. We're looking forward to the release of the next one in time for December 2009. It's going to have a really wide variety of music and will showcase how versatile handbells can be.
What do you think we should call the CD next year? Post back with your ideas!

Back from our Travels

2008-04-29T19:26:00.000-05:00

We made it back from Cedar Rapids, the City of Five Seasons. Apparently the fifth season is Bell Season, and based on some of the comments of some of the folks we met, it was apparently well underway.

We had a great time at the workshop. Everyone got a chance to participate, and hopefully everyone walked away having learned something.
Some people tried to obtain the secret of the "Fred Flip," for switching between a Shelley and 4IH without putting the bell down. The FF continues to be an advanced technique which requires much patience and practice.

The concert was also a great success, in the accoustically-friendly chapel at Mt. Mercy College, which co-hosted the event with the Iowa State AGEHR committee. Thanks to everyone who came, and we hope we see some of you in Peoria this summer.

The Sandwich concert the next day was also well worth the trip, though most of us did not, in fact, eat a sandwich there. Apparently just about everyone eats at the Santa Fe Mexican restaurant on Church Street. This concert was notable as it was the first CB concert attended by a service dog, Henry the Poodle.
Proceeds from the concert were donated to the local food pantry, and we're thrilled to be a part of the Federated Church's outreach ministry.

Thank you to everyone who came to see us this weekend. We hope we get a chance to see you again soon.

Concert Weekend

2008-04-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

The concert weekend is finally here! We're heading to Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday!
Everyone's got their carpool assignments.
We took out the brand new Port-a-bell cases for their inaugural journey.
We've got the workshop planned. There were 24 registered participants last week, but that number has doubled in just the past few days.

This trip represents a lot of firsts for Chicago Bronze, and we're looking forward to a great trip.

The trip Sunday to Sandwich, IL is not quite as far, but new to Chicago Bronze. We can't wait to meet the folks in Sandwich and find out what the local cuisine is like.

Georgia On My Mind

2008-04-01T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia On My Mind," arranged by Hart Morris, has returned to the Chicago Bronze line-up this season. While it's the state song of Georgia, it was actually written for Carmichael's sister Georgia.

We love this piece, not just for the swinging rhythm and strong bass lines, but because it brings out a style that one typically does not hear from handbells. It's also fun to sing along! Not that that would ever happen at one of our rehearsals...

Mailers are out!

2008-03-26T20:25:00.001-05:00

Our latest newsletter is in the mail! If you're on our mailing list, you should be receiving it soon. If not, it's also on our website.

Largo

2008-03-26T20:17:00.001-05:00

Another piece on this season's program is the Largo from Antonin Dvorak's Symphony #9 (From the New World), arranged by Valerie Stephenson. Valerie calls it "among the most enduring and appealing" pieces in symphonic literature. You may recognize it as the tune of the spiritual "Goin' Home."

It's arranged for 3 or 4 octaves of handbells, with optional handchimes, oboe, flute or C instruments. Chicago Bronze will be presenting this piece as just that: the bells, the handchimes, oboe by our own Joanne Nick and flute by our own Laura Olsen.

Mancini Magic

2008-03-19T20:30:00.001-05:00

Another popular arrangement returning to our program is "Mancini Magic" by Doug Wagner. This week we spent a lot of time polishing up difficult spots, and so we spent a lot of time on the "Pink Panther" theme included in this medley of Henry Mancini favorites. "Moon River" and "Charade" are also included in this arrangement, but my personal favorite is the "Baby Elephant Walk." One just cannot listen to this section without feeling the need to get up and dance like an elephant. I've heard elephants are very good dancers when the music is the right tempo.

Cumulonimbus

2008-03-13T20:58:00.001-05:00

One piece we've brought back this season is Cumulonimbus, by Matthew Prins.
We first saw this piece when it was a new publication by GIA a few years ago. It's a whirlwind to follow the shifting meter. Driving 8th notes build the momentum as the storm approaches and hits the listener with its driving force.
Matthew has recently moved to the Chicago area last year, so we hope he'll come and listen. It will be much better than the version recorded for the GIA catalog recording, because we will have more than a couple weeks rehearsal.

Thunder and Lightning

2008-03-04T19:36:00.002-06:00

It was an exciting first rehearsal of the season. While there are several pieces we've played before, one of the new exciting additions is the "Thunder and Lightning Polka," by Johann Strauss, arranged by Robin Benton from Flagstaff Publishing. Phil recently wrote: "I don’t know if we’ve rung anything at quarter=150 but if we’re ever going to do so, this is the piece." Lots of louds and softs that really make it sound like you're in a storm.

New Photo Scrapbook

2008-03-02T20:06:00.000-06:00

Photos from our concert last December have been posted to our scrapbook. It's our first scrapbook posted on Flickr.com, rather than directly on chicagobronze.com.

Welcome to Chicago Bronze!

2008-03-02T19:36:00.001-06:00

Here's our first post on our new blog!

Last week we finished another recording session for GIA, and this Monday we're going to dig in to the music for our Spring season.
There's a lot of good music in there, so we hope you'll join us at one of our concerts in a few months.

We're also taking our official group photo on Monday, so you should see our newest member's face on the website soon.