Kansas City Bronze
William O. Baker, DMA, Music Director
Eighth concert season, 2026–2027
“…one of Kansas City’s elite handbell ensembles”
Est. 2019
Kansas City Bronze, now in its 8th year, plays six octaves of Malmark handbells, five octaves of Whitechapel handbells, and five octaves of Malmark hand chimes with 12–15 Principal Ringers chosen by competitive audition from across the Kansas City region. The ensemble rehearses at the Jane Sullivan Choral Resource Library in Roeland Park, Kansas, under the direction of Dr. William Baker and associate director Robert Abbott.
The ensemble performs 5–6 concerts across the KC Metro, seeking to bring the highest levels of artistry and repertoire to community bell ringing, playing challenging concert repertoire by modern composers and thrilling arrangements of favorite hymns. Kansas City Bronze also gives back to the community every season with a fundraiser concert for Human Need.
Faculty and Staff
Audition information
Audition required
Principal ringers are chosen by competitive audition from across the Kansas City region. For audition dates and upcoming appearances, contact the Foundation.
Upcoming concerts
November 2026
- 6:00 PM
Kansas City Bronze
Fall Concert
First Baptist Church, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Bronze opens its eighth season of handbell artistry under Music Director Dr. William Baker and Associate Music Director Robert Abbott at First Baptist Church in Kansas City.
December 2026
- 4:00 PM
Kansas City Bronze
Christmas with Kansas City Bronze
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Bronze rings in Christmas with an afternoon of seasonal music and concert handbell artistry at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.
February 2027
- 6:00 PM
Kansas City Bronze
Winter Concert I with Kansas City Bronze
Westbrooke Church, Overland Park, KS
Kansas City Bronze presents Winter Concert I, an invitation to experience the expressive range of concert handbells. Hear how an ensemble of ringers shapes melody, harmony, and rhythm into a shared musical voice. Join us for a winter evening that brings listeners together around the beauty of live music. Whether you know handbell music well or are discovering it for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.
- 4:00 PM
Kansas City Bronze
Winter Concert II with Kansas City Bronze
Northland Cathedral, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Bronze presents Winter Concert II, an invitation to experience the expressive range of concert handbells. Hear how an ensemble of ringers shapes melody, harmony, and rhythm into a shared musical voice. Join us for a winter evening that brings listeners together around the beauty of live music. Whether you know handbell music well or are discovering it for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.
April 2027
- 4:00 PM
Kansas City Bronze
Spring Concert I with Kansas City Bronze
Resurrection Brookside, Kansas City, MO
Welcome spring with Kansas City Bronze. The ensemble invites you to explore the color and resonance of handbells and the coordinated artistry that brings each musical phrase to life. Join us for an afternoon of live music as ringers and listeners gather in a spirit of renewal. Make this concert part of your spring calendar and share the experience with someone who loves music.
- 4:00 PM
Kansas City Bronze
Spring Concert II with Kansas City Bronze
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lee's Summit, MO
Experience “Spring Concert II” with Kansas City Bronze, a six-octave handbell ensemble dedicated to music of the highest musical, artistic, and poetic quality. Thoughtfully curated works highlight the color, precision, and resonance of this elite group.
Make a gift to Kansas City Bronze
Gifts designated to this ensemble sustain staff, scores, guest artists, recordings, and the season ahead.
Make a gift