Jennifer Cadwell is the Artistic Director of Bells of the Lakes. 'Jennifer is a lifelong musician who earned her Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from Drake University and her Master of Music degree in piccolo performance from Webster University. In addition to over 25 years’ experience directing handbells, she is an active clinician at local, area, and national handbell events. Jennifer currently directs the handbell program at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis and serves as the Past Chair for Area 7 of Handbell Musicians of America. She has also served as director of music at Centennial UMC and the University of St. Thomas Handbell Ensemble. She joined Bells of the Lakes as a ringer in 2006 and is excited to lead the ensemble into a new era as the Artistic Director.

Bells of the Lakes is a premier handbell ensemble based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jennifer Cadwell succeeds founding director Bill Mathis, who retired after 30 years of leadership. Founded in 1996, the group is dedicated to promoting musical excellence, performance, collaboration, and education through advanced handbell ringing. Comprising highly skilled ringers from across the Twin Cities, the ensemble delivers dynamic concerts, frequently collaborating with local arts organizations. Beyond their performances, Bells of the Lakes serves as a vital educational resource for the handbell community, hosting the annual BellFest! event in March and an August Seminar for Ringers and Directors. Bells of the Lakes is a recording partner for Chorister’s Guild Publishing.