Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble to perform June 23 in Elgin

Good Shepherd Church in Elgin will host the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, at the church, 195 Nesler Road.

Directed by Dr John Behnke the six-octave handbell choir will play a wide array of musical styles and settings for bell choirs. There are 16 ringers in the ensemble that are very skilled in the art of handbell ringing. The ensemble, which began about 13 years ago, was born out of the Alleluia Ringers program at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon that Behnke directed. Many of the ringers have stayed together since graduating from Concordia, the ensemble allows them to perfect their craft and maintain contact. They meet at historic Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee where they rehearse and often play. Behnke serves the church as principal organist and director of music. He is known nation wide as a prominent handbell clinician, doing workshops throughout the year as well as hymn festivals featuring his organ skills. Although retired from Concordia, he remains very active composing music for handbells, church choirs and organ. Behnke is published by several major church music publishers.

Good Shepherd Elgin looks forward to hosting Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble for the first time. The church encourages the community to attend and hear a polished group of ringers with their unique sounds, techniques and styles.

Good Shepherd Church is located on Elgin's far west side on the southeast corner of Nesler Road and Route 20. Doors open in the Worship Center at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge. A freewill offering will be taken with proceeds helping to support the church's Music and Arts Ministry.

For information, visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org or call (847) 741-7788.