Detroit Handbell Ensemble is an ambassador for the art of ringing and performing with musical excellence. We are dedicated to demonstrating the value of handbell music in schools, churches, and communities. DHE has delighted audiences throughout the Midwest since 1991 with intricate, artistic programs. The auditioned performers are musicians, educators and professionals from across southern Michigan.
DHE performs two themed concert series each year and has also performed in many regional concert series and for a variety of events, including the 2024 America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Detroit), Detroit’s Noel Night, Central Michigan University’s Juletide Holiday Collage Concert, handbell festivals, holiday tree-lighting ceremonies, senior centers, and more. The ensemble performed the opening concert of the 2018 Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar and has collaborated with other premier music groups including Embellish Handbell Ensemble of Grand Rapids and the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra. One of DHE's educational initiatives is the annual Eaton Rapids Handbell Festival, which offers workshops and a massed-ensemble performance opportunity to a variety of handbell programs across Michigan and beyond.
DHE performs on five and a half octaves of Malmark handbells, six octaves of Malmark Choirchimes, and three octaves of Whitechapel handbells.
The 2025-2026 Detroit Handbell Ensemble
- Diane Brown
- Ann Buland
- Colleen Croxall
- Carole DeHart
- Helen Ellis
- Rose French
- Barbara Fuller
- April Henley
- Lynette Hoelter
- Nancy Kindraka
- Paul Kinney
- Deb McCaffrey
- Nancy Plumley
- Robert Rhodes
- Lee-Ann Riffe
- Sandi Smith
Kyle Webber, Artistic Director
Kyle Webber is an engaging and charismatic conductor, composer, clinician, and church musician from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is the Artistic Director of Detroit Handbell Ensemble and the Director of Worship and Music at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Livonia, Michigan. In addition to his frequent work as a clinician, Kyle has conducted at many Handbell Musicians of America events including the 2018 National Seminar, 2018 Area 5 Festival, and 2019 Area 2 Festival. Recently, Kyle directed the Advanced Ringing Track at the 2023 National Seminar. He regularly conducts the Eaton Rapids (Michigan) Handbell Festival and teaches at Area 5 handbell events. Kyle recently served on the National Board of Handbell Musicians of America in addition to serving on the Area 5 Board of Directors.
Kyle graduated with a degree in Music Education from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana (’04). Upon graduation, Kyle taught middle school band and orchestra until starting a career as a full-time church music director in 2007. Kyle previously held positions as Director of Music at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church in Royal Oak, Michigan; Nardin Park United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan; First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida; and Chelsea First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, Michigan. In addition to conducting handbells, Kyle is an organist and pianist, and has experience leading modern worship bands and conducting choirs. When Kyle is not working in the church, on the podium, or at the organ, you can find him spending time with his family and friends, watching a good TV series (if he doesn’t fall asleep!), enjoying the company of his pets and children, and occasionally homebrewing a good batch of beer. His website is kj88music.org.
Artistic Directors of the Detroit Handbell Ensemble
- Sue Berry (1991–2009)
- Michael Burkhardt (2010–2016)
- Brenda E. Austin (2016–2023)
- Kyle Webber (2023–present)
