WHO WE ARE
Virginia Bronze promotes and showcases handbell ringing in Northern Virginia through programs that:
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Entertain audiences with advanced handbell performances
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Inspire individuals to learn the art of handbell ringing
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Motivate composers to create new and innovative handbell music
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Support the performing arts community through collaborative efforts
Membership in Virginia Bronze is open to all persons who are either qualified handbell ringers or persons interested in promoting the purposes of the organization. Virginia Bronze holds rolling auditions and selects up to 16 qualified and committed handbell ringers for the next season. Ringers are accepted for both fall and/or spring seasons. Currently members come from Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William Counties, and the City of Alexandria. Neither the ringers nor the Executive Committee are paid for their activities. We rehearse 2 and 1/2 hours each week and perform 5-6 concerts per season, 3-4 per cycle (Fall and Spring).
Find out more about auditioning for Virginia Bronze or joining our Resonances roster.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Virginia Bronze is to support and grow the music and handbell community of Northern Virginia.
The organization’s primary outreach activities are concert performances, workshops, and festivals, and it actively seeks opportunities to educate the public about handbells. Most recently, Virginia Bronze has focused on community outreach in the Northern Virginia area by partnering with ArtsFairfax, community centers and Title 1 schools in Fairfax County to expand access to handbells and handchimes.
Expanding access to handbells and handchimes for the next generation of handbell musicians through community outreach in area schools.
OUR HISTORY
Virginia Bronze began in 2006 with a few experienced ringers, who were seeking opportunities to ring challenging and diverse music in a secular environment. In its 18+ year history just across the river from our nation's capital, VAB has performed with many local groups including the Washington Chorus, the Cathedral Choral Society, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, the Children’s Chorus of Washington, Strathmore Children’s Chorus and the Alexandria Symphony. It has been a part of First Night Alexandria and an artist-in-residence at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Music Center at Strathmore and Capital One Hall.
Virginia Bronze is well-known in the national handbell community and was invited to perform at the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) - a national guild of handbell ringers - Pinnacle festival in Nashville, TN in 2010 and as a feature concert at the HMA National Seminar in 2019 in St. Louis, MO.
VAB performs on 6 and a half octaves of Schulmerich handbells (78 bells: G2-C9); 6 octaves of Malmark Choirchimes® (73 chimes: C2-C8); 2 octaves of Schulmerich Silver Melody Bells® (25 bells: C5-C7) and 3 octaves of Petit & Fritsen handbells (37 bells: C4-C7).
LEADERSHIP & RINGERS
BRIAN SEEMANN
Artistic Director
Brian Seemann is the Artistic Director of Virginia Bronze, the Handbell Director at National United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., and a prominent leader in the national handbell community.
On the podium, Brian has led ensembles on the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) National Seminar stage on multiple occasions, most recently in 2024. His conducting and teaching highlights include directing HMA’s College Ring-In and serving as handbell clinician for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) Worship & Music Conference at Montreat. In addition to his guest clinician work across the country, he performs with and serves on the board of the world-renowned Sonos Handbell Ensemble, having previously directed the Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble and the New England Ringers.
Brian has been writing and arranging for handbells for over 15 years. His diverse catalog of original compositions and arrangements has been performed worldwide and featured at major events including Distinctly Bronze and Bay View. He is the recipient of the 2027 Donald E. Allured Original Composition Award, with his piece EarthRise set to be premiered at the 2027 Bay View Week of Handbells. In addition to original works, he specializes in arranging pop hits and video game soundtracks, offering custom commissions for community, church, and school ensembles.
Beyond the podium, Brian is widely recognized as the co-host of Two Tacos High, a handbell podcast alongside Nick Hanson. His background also includes significant experience in arts administration and production, having served as Production Manager for the Children's Chorus of Washington and the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as Director of Special Events for Inspire Arts & Music.
OUR RINGERS
2026-2027 Ensemble
Drew Anderson
Matt Arnold
Robyn Baird
Cam Carter
Eleanor Grant
Kirin Hanson
Nick Hanson
Sydney Kohn
Amanda Kosloski
Sam Lipham
Kathy Murphy
Laurel Ohlson
Elena Owellen
Fran Underwood
Laura Wrubel
