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HANDBELL SOLO ARTIST LIFTS BRONZE TO NEW HEIGHTS

<DATE, CITY, STATE> -- Michèle Sharik (pronunciation: share-ick) is raising bronze bells to the level of high art.  Internationally renowned for her graceful and flowing style, she is an emerging artist in the growing genre of English handbell performance; an art that began as a popular pub activity some 400 years ago and from this humble beginning has developed into a concert performance instrument.

In a performance on <DATE> at <TIME> at <VENUE>, Michèle will present "The Golden Dance", a tapestry of story and music woven together in a presentation that takes the listener on a journey from Renaissance England to the Golden Gate, and all points in between.  

During the concert, this soloist will lift more than 250 lbs. (113.5 kg) <DELETE UNIT OF MEASURE NOT NEEDED FOR YOUR LOCATION> of bronze in her own dance-like choreography combining both grace and strength.  Michèle will be accompanied by <ACCOMPANIST NAME>.

Originally, English handbells were cast by the bell foundries in tuned sets for "change ringing", the practice of ringing a set of bells in every possible unrepeated sequence, to duplicate the heavy tower bells on a smaller scale.  Tower ringers could practice change ringing on handbells in the warmth and comfort of a pub without disturbing the neighbors.  In time, ringers began to play tunes on the bells, and it became a widespread musical art in Britain.  The two world wars of the 20th century devastated the mostly-male British teams, but in the meantime handbells had spread to America, where the art survived and grew from a curiosity to the expressive and uniquely musical instrument it is today.

In a handbell ensemble, nine to thirteen musicians will perform on three to five octaves of bells; as a soloist, Sharik performs alone on three and a half octaves (44 bells) of American-cast Malmark handbells.  A visual as well as musical performer, a handbell soloist must combine the fluid grace of a dancer, the musicality of a virtuoso, and the precision of an athlete to perform on this demanding instrument.  

Along with a new class of gifted musicians, Michèle is dedicated to presenting solo handbells as a concert instrument on a par with flute, harp, or piano.

Visit http://www.TheGoldenDance.com for more information about Michèle, solo ringing, and the musical art of handbells.

Date/Time:  <DATE/TIME>
Place:  <VENUE>
Tickets:  <TICKET INFO>	

About Michèle:

Born and raised in Ohio, Michèle began her musical career with the flute and studied composition and flute performance at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.  She began ringing and directing handbell choirs in 1991 and in January, 2002, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to join America's premier professional classical handbell ensemble, Sonos.

In addition to touring extensively with Sonos, she teaches handbell lessons and workshops and regularly appears as clinician at regional handbell events.  As a Handbell Solo Artist, she is increasingly in demand to take the stage across the United States, Canada, and abroad, having played bells in 33 US States and 6 countries.  

Now living in the San Diego Area, Michèle is studying Visual and Performing Arts at Cal State San Marcos and serves as Southern California Regional Coordinator for Area XII of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

What people are saying about Michèle:

Those of us in the SF Bay Area who have heard Michèle Sharik in concert recognize her as a superb handbell solo artist with high musical standards.
-  from a Concert Review published in September, 2005, Bay Area e-Newsletter, American Guild of English Handbell Ringers

Not having ever seen, or heard, a bell concert we didn't know what to expect really.  Well, the music was just sensational.  The performance involved a kind of marriage of dance and sound resulting in a surprisingly visual experience.  She thrilled her audience who seemed not to be able to take pictures fast enough.  ... We loved the experience and highly recommend anyone who has the chance see Michèle perform.
-John Etie, San Diego, CA

Michele Sharik's concert … was a delight to ear and eye, and well appreciated by an audience that I would guess included many solo bell virgins. Her program of mostly classical melodies poured forth, one after the other, pure and clean and satisfying. Her choreography is elegant in its apparent simplicity. Michele also concentrates on communicating the results of her research about each piece to her audience, making most of her chats between pieces valuable to the whole audience, not just bell people. Bravo, Michele!
-Julie Sigler, Classical Bells, Livonia, MI

Michèle's work was a real treat for the eyes as well as the ears -- a nice touch was leaving the front of the bell tables undraped, so we could watch her move behind them. Her motions, all the way down to her feet (were those ballet shoes?) were very graceful and fluid.... All in all, it was a beautiful concert by a very talented lady.... If you have the chance to see Michèle in action, take it!
- Greg Leslie, Director, Echoes of Faith, Faith UMC, Tulsa, OK

[Michèle's performance] was musical, played with the feel of the music, flowing and not percussive.
- Janet Ty, Founder, Twelfth Night Handbell Festival, Las Vegas, NV

Her performance [at the 2nd Annual Oakland Day of Percussion, May 8, 2004] of James Meredith's "Relentless" and the hands-on clinic she led for audience members afterward were very well received indeed.  Positive comments were relayed to me afterward which indicated that Michèle had opened some eyes and provided entertainment and education at the same time.  I felt that Michèle did an outstanding job and I would absolutely work with her in future events.
-Blair Helsing, California Chapter President, Percussive Arts Society

My favorite section of the concert [for the 2004 Area XI Young Ringers Festival/Conference] focused on "New Directions" for handbells.  ... "Relentless" (Meredith) was a stunning roar of drama....  wow, Wow, WOW Michèle!!!  You simply knocked our socks off.  My kids are still talking about the intensity of the flow from percussion to bells and back again, and the beautiful partnership on cello so masterfully performed by Jukka-Pekka Vainio.  An unexpected piece that challenged and dared and surprised...and was performed with much grace and poise and professionalism.  Talk about showing young musicians what is possible on bells...thank you for your passion and inspiration in sharing this awesome gift with us!  It was the absolute highlight of the concert!
-Laura Boschma, Director, Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Youth Handbells, Tucson, AZ

... I attended the afternoon workshop Michele presented. It was wonderful as well. As a director, I don't think you can learn too many ways to present even the most basic concepts (ringing stroke, etc). She had some wonderful tips and drills for learning dynamic control. The "Ringing in One Accord" class was the best I've yet encountered for learning ways to move from a group of ringers to a cohesive choir acting as one.
-Mrs. Silver D. Woodbury, Associate Director of Handbells, United Methodist Church of the Servant, Oklahoma City, OK

The 6 members of my Youth Bells who were able to attend [the 2004 Area XI Young Ringers Festival Conference] are sooo excited! They ... are totally "in love" with Michele who co-directed the massed ringing.... The kids achieved more than they thought possible.
-Marcy Hontz, Director, Youth Bells, La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, AZ

Michèle made her Scottish solo-handbell debut in this concert in Dunblane Cathedral [on Saturday, September 4, 2004] to a very appreciative audience.  Her fluid ringing and attention to the musical line of the pieces she performed were much admired.  The combination of the sound of the Cathedral's Flentrop organ, under the skilled control of Dunblane Cathedral Organist Matthew Beetschen, with the beautiful singing sound of the handbells performed with expert deftness by Michèle Sharik made for a musical treat for the audience which filled the Choir of this medieval gothic Cathedral.
-Malcolm C Wilson, Director - Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers
Chairman - Handbell Ringers of Great Britain Scottish Regional Association

The concert in the evening was a delight to all who attended....  Several kids mentioned the grace and beauty with which Michele moved, and how her movements enhanced the sounds you heard from the bells....  They also commented on what control she had over the dynamics and how she moved the bells in the air to create different effects.  After many of the numbers I heard that little gasp from the audience that shows they were very moved by what they had heard.  She certainly lives up to her publicity!...  If any of you ever have the chance to host Michele for a concert or workshop, go for it! 
-Krista Lucas, Lutheran High South, Newport, MI

Michèle was a blast to work with and we had a wonderful ensemble workshop and fantastic concert.  Now I know how to make MY performances better - associate with the artistry of musicians like Michèle!   She had them eating out of her hands with her smooth and graceful style, excellent musical choices, great background material for each piece, and above all - stellar music.  It was a pleasure to work with her and EVERYONE I talked to is still raving about the concert.  Thanks Michèle for putting Colorado on your tour this year!
-- Michael Kastner, Director, Bells of the Rockies, Denver, CO

I just have to say thanks to Michèle for the incredible display of musicianship….  I have always loved bells, but I never knew how beautiful they can be.  …Simply rapturous.  
-Mary Pless, Trinity Episcopal Church, Menlo Park, CA

Michèle is one of the warmest, friendliest clinicians I've met and a real inspiration to watch ring.   If anyone is thinking about clinicians for their own workshops, Michèle gets a big A+ in my book.
-Peter Coulombe
Back Bay Ringers, http://www.backbayringers.org/
Old South Ringers, Boston, MA

Michèle has incredible finesse in making the music come alive, and is a delight to watch, with her flowing movements.
-Karen James, Vermont

For publicity photos, please visit:
http://www.thegoldendance.com/publicity.htm

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