Classical Bells

The Ensemble Classical Bells’ unique, lively style for performing handbell music has delighted audiences in the Midwest since 1983. Past performances include appearances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra holiday concerts, at Orchestra Hall in 1990, 1994, and 2002, and in the 1992 Detroit Aglow benefit at the Fox Theater. The group has appeared locally with the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Chamber Ensemble, and Cantata Academy, as well as in many concert series, including Detroit Chamber Winds’ Nightnotes and Michigan Opera Theatre’s outreach productions. The auditioned ensemble consists of accomplished handbell musicians from the metropolitan Detroit area, led by music director Darlene Ebersole. The repertoire draws from a wide mix of music genres - classical, inspirational, seasonal, popular, even ragtime and swing.

As a not-for-profit educational corporation, Classical Bells encourages the appreciation of handbells both by teaching the art of ringing and by producing quality performances. The video of its 15th Anniversary Concert and its five audio recordings are acclaimed nationally as examples of well presented handbell music and musicianship.

Classical Bells has toured in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arizona, and New York, often in conjunction with a performance at a national American Guild of English Handbell Ringers event. The ensemble records new handbell music for Jeffers Handbell Supply.

Classical Bells’ primary instrument consists of 68 bronze plus 6 aluminum English handbells, a range of more than six octaves. In some pieces the tonal coloring is enhanced by the mellow sound of a six octave set of handchimes.

Noted for combining outstanding musicianship with an entertaining presentation, Classical Bells is always as delightful to watch as it is to hear!

An Educational Resource
Workshops in ringing offer Classical Bells' wealth of musical training and experience to other ringers and directors. For church choirs, special bell techniques and teamwork are emphasized. For directors and advanced ringers, Classical Bells shares the art of performing as a member-directed ensemble. For children in schools, ringing is introduced with a "hands-on" approach using choirchimes.