Distinctly Bronze East is an event for advanced handbell musicians, which in 2026, will be led by conductor, Michael J. Glasgow. Four days of rehearsal lead up to a Sunday afternoon concert that is open to the public and also livestreamed. This event requires participants to have significant musical skills and stamina. The event will be held at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern, North Carolina.
Registration is $395, and participants must be members in good standing of Handbell Musicians of America. The fee includes dinner on Thursday, lunch on Sunday, and an event polo shirt.
REGISTRATION OPENS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 9:00 AM PACIFIC/12:00 PM EASTERN
Distinctly Bronze East 2026 Repertoire:
| Clappity Bump | Michael J. Glasgow | Choristers Guild | CGB1424 |
| Final from Organ Symphony No. 3 | Louis Vierne/Lois Leong | Jeffers Handbell Supply | JHS 9654 |
| Gravitas | Michael J. Glasgow | Choristers Guild | CGB783 |
| Iditarod | Soon Hee Newbold/Stephanie Berryman | From the Top Music | 20818-8 (must use this new version) |
| Pas de Deux | Michael J. Glasgow | Choristers Guild | CGB1090 |
| Superluminal | Brian Seemann | 8-Bit Handbell Publishing | 8BHB-0065 (only available from publisher) |
| Valedictory | Catherine McMichael | Camelia Music | CM0012R (must use this new version) |
| Walk Before You Run | Greg Fisher | Red River Music | RRG5024 |
| *Rejoice and Be Glad | Mitchell Eithun | Beckenhorst Press | HB863 |
| *Tranquility’s Restoration | Kurt Meyer | Grassy Meadow Music | GMH350007 |
| *You’re My Best Friend | John Deacon/Greg Urban | Sheet Music Direct | only available from publisher |
*with Crescendo ensemble
Michael J. Glasgow is originally from Michigan and now lives in North Carolina. He holds B.A. degrees in music theory/composition, and in journalism; as well as a Master of Church Music degree from Concordia University Wisconsin as a rare double-emphasis student, in both choral and handbell music. In 2017, he made his Carnegie Hall debut conducting his “Requiem” for choir and orchestra. Five years later, he returned to the iconic venue to conduct the world premiere of his “Gloria” for choir and orchestra.
In addition to working as a full-service freelance conductor/clinician, composer/arranger and music instructor, Michael conducts the Tar River Chorus (Rocky Mount, North Carolina) and serves as Bass Section Leader for the North Carolina Master Chorale. He is a dynamic, energizing conductor who connects well with people and music, and as such is sought after for conducting engagements throughout the country and abroad.
A composer heralded for his “abundant melodic gift” (New York Concert Review), Michael keeps busy his own projects, has fulfilled more than 60 commissions, and has been honored with numerous composition awards for organ, handbell and choral works. He is a member of ASCAP, American Composers Forum, Mensa, and several other professional organizations. Additional information and samples of Michael’s work may be found at www.michaeljglasgow.com and on YouTube: @MichaelJGlasgow.
