The Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble

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2016-2018 Ringers
The Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, now in its thirteenth year, is an auditioned community choir composed of sixteen ringers who play 73 handbells (6 octaves) and 73 handchimes (6 and a half octaves) in their performances.

Since its founding year of 2003, MHE has performed in Chicago for the National Pastoral Musicians Conference (2004), The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers for their conference in Milwaukee (2006) and traveled to Orlando, Florida to participate in the International Handbell Symposium (2008).  The group has been guest performers with the Midwest Vocal Express, Bel Canto Chorus and in 2012, had the privilege of performing with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Chorus for their Holiday POPS concerts under the direction of Doc Severinson and his Big Band.  MHE rejoined MSO for their Holiday POPS concerts in December of 2013 (Stuart Chafetz), December of 2015 (Jeff Tyzik) and has been invited back to perform as guests in December of 2016 (Stuart Chafetz). Most recently, MHE was asked to perform as the premiere ensemble at the Area 7 Handbell Festival in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in June of 2016. MHE is heard each year by over 25,000 handbell directors and ringers on the AGEHR new handbell music promotional CDs.  They have recorded two CDs that are for sale through the group: An American Sampler (boogie-woogie, blues, jazz, gospel and more) and their newest release, An MHE Christmas Celebration. 

** An MHE Christmas Celebration may be purchased online. Visit cdbaby to order your copy! **

In May of 2013, the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  Their mission is "To further the art of handbell ringing by educating, inspiring and informing others on the art form" by showcasing advanced handbell repertoire while being a musical resource for the Milwaukee metropolitan area and beyond.


Auditions

MHE holds auditions every two years, unless otherwise noted. The next auditions will be held in August of 2018. Email us if you are interested in auditioning.

Rehearsals

MHE holds regular rehearsals every other Monday night at St. John's Lutheran Church in Glendale. Rehearsals begin at 6:15 pm and end at 8:45 pm. Occasionally, MHE will meet every week depending on their concert schedule or for sectional rehearsals.

Scheduling

Whether it's a seasonal concert, a corporate event or any other church, school or business function, please consider the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble as a musical resource. MHE also provides traveling workshops to educate others on the beautiful art form of handbell ringing. Email us for more information regarding fees and scheduling.