About H.E.R.O.
The Handbell Ensemble of Royal Oak (H.E.R.O.) was established in 1988 through the Recreation Department of the City of Royal Oak.
H.E.R.O. is an active participant of Handbell Musicians of America events both locally and nationally. We perform a variety of intermediate to difficult secular and sacred music published for modern Handbell Ensembles.
The ensemble rings four and a half octaves of Schulmerich Handbells with occasional use of Hand Chimes, Percussion and other instruments. The 12 ensemble ringers and the director live in and around the Royal Oak area.
The Ringers represent the following organizations and churches within Southeast Michigan.
Classical Bells
Detroit Handbell Ensemble
First Presbyterian Church, Birmingham
Greenfield Presbyterian Church
Pilgrim Congregational UCC of Lansing
Warren United Methodist Church
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Director
Donna Hughes (Rochester Hills)
Ringers
Melanie Barash (Sterling Heights)
Graham Barash (Sterling Heights)
Donna Bartley (Metamora)
Brian Burnette (Huntington Woods)
Marla Ewing (Bloomfield Township)
Rose French (Southfield)
Brian Fuller (Hazel Park)
Denise Huebner (Royal Oak)
Deb Navin (Royal Oak)
Joni Say Gan (Royal Oak)
Gary Voshol (Royal Oak)
Betsy Zobl-Tar (Huntington Woods)
Rehearsals
The Handbell Ensemble of Royal Oak (H.E.R.O.) rehearses once a week on Monday nights under the direction of Donna Hughes. We perform at a variety of venues throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties. If you are interested in booking a performance please contact royaloakhandbells@gmail.com.
