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
Music Director
Brian Seemann is the Music Director of Virginia Bronze and a prominent leader in the national handbell community. An accomplished conductor, clinician, and published composer, Brian’s leadership has brought ensembles to the Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) National Seminar stage on multiple occasions, most recently in 2024.
He currently serves as a performing and board member of the Sonos Handbell Ensemble and has previously held directorships with the Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble and the New England Ringers. Beyond his work with community ensembles, Brian was the Director of Handbell Ensembles at the Landon School and has served as a teacher and clinician for various local, national, and international events.
Brian is also widely recognized as the co-host of Two Tacos High, a handbell podcast alongside Nick Hanson. His professional background also includes significant experience in arts administration, having served as Production Manager for the Children's Chorus of Washington and American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras and Director of Special Events for Inspire Arts & Music.
OUR RINGERS
2025-2026 Ensemble
Matt Arnold
Robyn Baird
Cam Carter
Laura Cook
Patty Ellison-Potter
Julian Hanson
Kirin Hanson
Nick Hanson
Eleanor Grant
Amanda Kosloski
Sam Lipham
Kathy Murphy
Laurel Ohlson
Elena Owellen
Jillian Perdos
Fran Underwood
Laura Wrubel
