Mission Statement
The Detroit Handbell Ensemble (DHE) is an ambassador for the art of ringing and performing with musical excellence both within and beyond the handbell community. The DHE is dedicated to teaching and demonstrating the value of handbell ensembles in churches, schools and communities.
About DHE
Under the artistic direction of Dr. Michael Burkhardt, the Detroit Handbell Ensemble (DHE) is an auditioned concert choir providing educational opportunities for the handbell community, while creating performance opportunities for accomplished handbell ringers who want to master challenging literature. Members are church musicians, educators, composers, engineers, and other business professionals from across southeastern Michigan. DHE was initially organized in 1991 by Susan Berry and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2006.
DHE performs for varied audiences and the repertoire is tailored to each occasion. In addition to performing, DHE emphasizes education. As part of their educational focus, DHE has recorded handbell demo CDs for Lorenz Publishing Company, one of the largest music publishers in the country. DHE has a strong tradition of blending performance and education in the form of themed concerts incorporating handbells, script, and visuals. Some such concerts include the opening concert at the July 2000 AGEHR Director’s Conference in Dayton, OH (Ring Around the World with DHE); That's the Spirit!, a featured concert at the National Convocation of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts (July 2003); and a showcase concert at the AGEHR Area V conference in October 2003 (Past, Present, & Future: Celebrating the Guild's 50th).
Performing on five plus octaves of Malmark handbells and five octaves of Malmark Choirchimes®, DHE is established as an ensemble of musical excellence.
DHE is always looking for performing venues. If you are interested in hosting a concert, contact Lynette Hoelter (info@detroithandbellensemble.org), Business Manager. DHE is not available for Sunday services, but welcomes Sunday afternoon concerts. A program can be customized to fit the needs of your congregation or community’s concert series.