Let the bells ring! The Detroit Handbell Ensemble had the privilege of being a part of the Eaton Rapids Handbell Festival on October 29. It was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by handbell choirs from across southern Michigan for a day of learning and ringing.
"It was a great day of music making – magnificent to see and hear the handbells in motion again after a 2-year hiatus.” – Brenda Austin
DHE’s mission highlights education as well as performance, so members offered classes in basic technique, ringing those big (and tiny) bells, small ensemble-style ringing, and bell maintenance. The festival was conducted by DHE’s own directors, Brenda Austin and Kyle Webber, and featured pieces composed by each.
"It’s always a great day when you get to hear 100 ringers join forces in the same room. What a powerful and moving experience! It was a delight to be back together again, ringing at this wonderful venue." – Kyle Webber
DHE brought a little “Christmas cheer” with holiday favorites like Jingle Bell Rock, Carol of the Bells, and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day as a preview of our holiday concert repertoire. Speaking of which… Christmas is coming and Christmas concerts are coming even faster! We would love to see you at one of DHE’s public concerts: December 2nd and 6th, both at 7pm. Click here for more details. We guarantee you will leave with a holiday tune in your ear and a smile in your heart.
Photo by Mary Lou Fast
