Easter Bells
The Alleluia Ringers of Concordia University Wisconsin was founded in 1986 and is directed by John A. Behnke. This five-plus octave, 64 bell, 49 handchime touring choir performs frequently for concerts and compliments worship services throughout the year. Since 1992 The Alleluia Ringers have recorded the new handbell music for Concordia Publishing House demonstration tapes and CDs. The group has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas, including Germany in 1992 and 2000, and Norway, Sweden, and Estonia in 1995. They have also appeared in 1992 and 1999 with noted trumpeter and conductor Doc Severinsen and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for Christmas concerts. In 2001, The Alleluia Ringers was selected to perform at the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers National Convention in Palm Springs, CA.
The Alumni Ringers is an accomplished group of former ringers that continues to reside in the greater Milwaukee area. They gather periodically throughout the year to assist in recording projects. In 1996, they established The Alumni Handbell Endowed Scholarship which provides financial assistance to deserving students who ring in The Alleluia Ringers.
John A. Behnke currently serves as Professor of Music at Concordia University Wisconsin where he teaches organ and directs The Alleluia Ringers. He is highly acclaimed as an organ recitalist, handbell director, and composer of church music. His compositions are in print with twelve different publishers in the United States, Taiwan, and Germany, and he has been the recipient of ASCAP composer grants every year since 1998.
These recordings were made in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N. Lake Shore Dr. Mequon, WI