Dr. John A. Behnke has “tirelessly worked to advance the handbell idiom, raising the standards and elevating the art form over the years.” He is meticulous, honest, humble, and generous, with the highest of expectations, and the deepest care and devotion to his ringers and students. “He is an uplifting person who works to make the circle bigger.” He was the founder, conductor and professor of a robust handbell program at Concordia University Wisconsin for 29 years that included a handbell ensemble that toured extensively throughout the US, Germany, and Scandinavia; and Masters of Church Music program for Handbells, Organ and Choral. The perfect teacher with a gift for guidance, helping his students to achieve their very best, while encouraging and challenging them to make a difference in the world of handbells and get involved with HMA.
