RiverBend Bronze

John Klopp

Director

John Klopp took over the reigns of RiverBend Bronze in the fall of 2018, becoming it’s third director. He was first introduced to handbells ca. 1973 by Director of Music Ministries at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Davenport, Iowa, Mike Farrell. John has served as handbell director at St. John’s, and is currently “ringing the buckets” there.

John began his musical career in 5th grade when he joined band as a trumpet player. It was during his first year that his director recommended that he switch to trombone, because his “embouchure was better suited for the larger mouthpiece.” Truth be told, there were simply too many trumpets and not enough trombones! It was a good fit, however, and John earned his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance and Music Education from The University of Iowa in 1981. John continues to play today as a member of the Quad City Wind Ensemble in Davenport, Iowa John earned his Master of Arts in Music Education with an emphasis on conducting in 1985 from Northwest Missouri State University, now Truman State University. He has served 3 different school districts in Iowa as Band Director, teaching all levels from 5th to 12th grade at various times. He credits his years in education with helping him develop planning and rehearsal techniques that have transferred well into the handbell world.

Since joining with RiverBend Bronze, John has become an attender of the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar, Handbell Musicians of America Area 8 Festival, as well as various local and area handbell festivals. While he has been ringing most of his life, John feels that he was not truly introduced to the “art” of handbell ringing until he joined RiverBend Bronze. He continues to develop his skills has both a ringer and conductor, and has even delved into the realm of solo ringing!

Aaron Flemming

with Riverbend Bronze 2 years

Amy Koch

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 11 years

Chon Wherry

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 6 years

Cindy Lowe

with Riverbend Bronze 6 years

Colleen Budelier

with Riverbend Bronze 9 years

Don Wood

Charter Member

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 12 years

Elizabeth Davis

with Riverbend Bronze 8 years

Gail Dover

Charter Member

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 12 years

Gail Glockhoff-Long

Charter Member

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 12 years

Gale Springer

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 6 years

Ingrid Ross

with Riverbend Bronze 10 years

Julia Cozad-Callighan

with Riverbend Bronze 4 years

Julia Meyer

with Riverbend Bronze 4 years

Kathryn Wherry

with Riverbend Bronze 4 years

Layne Porembski

with Riverbend Bronze 2 years

Mick Harper

Charter Member

with Riverbend Bronze 12 years

Steve Swanson

Charter Member

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 12 years

Sue Day

with Riverbend Bronze 3 years

Sue Honsey

Board Member

with Riverbend Bronze 11 years

Tricia Fuelling

with Riverbend Bronze 11 years