June 1

Over the past 21 years, the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble (MHE) has gained wide popularity in our community and beyond. MHE is an auditioned community handbell ensemble under the direction of Jana Larson with thirteen ringers who play 73 handbells and 73 hand chimes.

Within these 21 years, MHE has become known for amazing memorized performances, for premiering new arrangements of popular music, as well as being the recording choir for AGEHR Publishing. They have been guest performers with the Midwest Vocal Express, Bel Canto Chorus, Present Music and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In fact, MHE has performed five times with MSO under conductors: Doc Severinsen, Stuart Chafetz, Jeff Tyzik, and Andreas Delfs In December 2023, MHE was invited to perform at the halftime show for the Milwaukee Bucks.  

MHE has also expanded their reach by taking mini-tours to Minnesota, South Dakota and Michigan performing by invitation at the Area 7 Handbell Festival in Sioux Falls in 2016 and played the closing concert of the National Seminar for the Handbell Musicians of America in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2018.

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.

MHE has recorded two CDs, An American Sampler (boogie-woogie blues, jazz, gospel and more) and their more recent release, An MHE Christmas Celebration.