Hershey Handbells to Perform for April Starlight Tea
The Hershey Handbell Ensemble will perform the final Starlight Tea Concert of the 2025/26 series on Saturday, April 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Formed in 2004, the 15-member ensemble is based in south-central Pennsylvania and performs under the direction of Dr. Shawn Gingerich. It was established to fulfill the need for an auditioned community ensemble comprised of persons able to play advanced literature and interested in advancing the art of handbell ringing through education and performance, while uniting people through the musical arts.
Ringers representing seven south-central PA counties, perform on seven and a half octaves of Malmark Handbells, four octaves of Petit and Fritsen Handbells, Silver Melody Bells, and Handchimes, and other assorted instruments. In 2015, the ensemble performed at the White House.
Shawn Gingerich serves First United Methodist Church of Hershey as Director of Music Ministry, has been ringing handbells since 1987 and directing since 1991. An adjunct music professor at Messiah University, he holds bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Sacred Music from Lebanon Valley College, a master’s degree in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College, and a doctorate in worship studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.
Tea and cookies will be served following the concert. The free concert series is supported by patrons and offerings received at concerts.