Announcement
After 18 years of dedicated service, Susan Berry has elected to retire as the Artistic Director of the Detroit Handbell Ensemble (DHE). The board and members of the ensemble wish to thank Susan for all her efforts in support of the DHE.
The DHE board announces the appointment of Michael A. Burkhardt as Interim Artistic Director effective January 2010.
The search for a permanent Artistic Director continues and the board is accepting applications from interested individuals through April 30, 2010. For more information, please contact Nancy Plumley, Chairman of the Board, at:
dheboard@detroithandbellensemble.org
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.
Organized in 1991, 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 performs for varied audiences and the repertoire is tailored to each occasion. In addition to performing, DHE emphasizes education. An annual technique workshop is offered where five integrated classes are taught to directors and ringers who are interested in building ringing skills. 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 rehearses in Dearborn - at First Presbyterian Church, 600 N. Brady Street (approximately 1 mile north of Michigan Ave.) - on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
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.