Back from our Travels

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

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

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...

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Largo

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

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

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.