The 2009-2010 Alleluia Ringers of 
Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin, USA
Dr. John A. Behnke, director 

Alleluia Ringer Tour

Over their 21 year history, this 6 octave, 72 bell, and 5 octave, 61 handchime touring choir has had some very memorable experiences.   

In addition to playing concerts throughout the United States, they have made two concert tours of Germany in 1992 and 1999, toured to Norway, Sweden, and Estonia in 1995 and again to Norway in 2003.   In 2006 they made a concert tour of Latvia.  Twice the choir has played for a national AGEHR event.   In July of 2007, they played at the AGEHR National Seminar in Dallas, Texas, and in July of  2001, they played for the AGEHR "Handbell Spectacular" National Convention in Palm Springs, CA.       

Their relationship with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra started in December of 1992 when the bell choir performed with the Symphony and noted performers Mel Torme and Maureen McGovern under the direction of Doc Severinsen in a program entitled "The Christmas Songs."  This program was aired nationally on PBS member stations.   They participated with the Symphony and Symphony Chorus again in December of 1999, 2001, and 2006 under the direction of Doc Severinsen.   

In 1998, The Alleluia Ringers were selected to record a handbell instructional video entitled "Successful Ringing: Step by Step" for the Schulmerich Handbell Company of Sellersville, PA.   

Director, Dr. John Behnke, currently serves as Professor of Music at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He is highly acclaimed as an organ recitalist and teacher, handbell director and clinican, and composer of church music.  His compositions are in print with seventeen different publishers in the United States, Taiwan, and Germany, and he has been the recipient of ASCAP composers grants each year since 1998.   

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Cathie Ciway from Roselle, IL.  Senior majoring in Communications.  Third year in Alleluia Ringers, enjoys singing, acting, volleyball, piano, and hanging out with friends.

Timothy Fraker, from New Braunfels, TX, is a Senior majoring in Pastoral Ministries and Theological Languages.  This is his second year in Alleluia Ringers.  He enjoys playing sports, guitar, and video games, as well as hanging out with friends. 

Kaylie Keefe, from Phoenix, AZ. Freshman majoring in K-12 Music Ed (Vocal). First year in Alleluia Ringers but has been playing bells for 12 years within various choirs in AZ. Enjoys singing, reading, piano, and being with friends and family.

Jason Lewerenz, from Milwaukee, WI is a Junior majoring in Secondary Education - History with a minor in Theology. This is Jason third year in Alleluia Ringers. He enjoys watching Brewers baseball, playing golf, and spending time with his family and friends.

Joshua Moeller, from Roselle, IL, is a Junior majoring in K-12 Choral Music Education and Elementary Education with a minor in Theology. This is Joshua's third year in the Alleluia Ringers. He enjoys sports especially his Chicago Cubs, music, and spending time with his friends and family.

Rachel Morton from Longview, TX, is a Sophomore majoring in Parish Music (organ and piano emphasis) and minoring in Theology. This is her first year with the Alleluia Ringers. She enjoys playing piano and organ, reading, writing, improvising music with friends, and deep conversations over a good cup of coffee or soy milk.

Brenna Pankow from New Berlin, WI. A Junior studying in Pre-medicine with a Biomedical major and Chemistry minor. She spends her time studying for Microbiology and Organic chemistry. On her spare time, she can be found painting, ballroom dancing, playing flute, or spending time with friends and family.

Danielle Persich, from Pleasant Hill, MO, is a Sophomore majoring in Secondary Education and Social Studies.  This is her first year in Alleluia Ringers.  She enjoys reading science fiction and history books, as well as sketching historical fashion.

Tristin Rutledge, from St. Louis, MO, is a Sophmore majoring in Music Education. This is her first year in Alleluia Ringers. She enjoys playing flute and piano, and whatever other band intrument she can get her hands on. She also enjoys hanging out with friends.

Christine Schotte is from Preston, KS and is a Junior majoring in Natural Sciences.    This is Christine’s first year in The Alleluia Ringers.    She enjoys music, especially playing the organ, and time with her family.   

Kelli Stenklyft from Sheboygan, WI is a Junior majoring in Business Marketing.  This is Kelli's first year with Alleluia Ringers.  She enjoys sporting events, shopping and Starbucks, family picnics, rocking out on Guitar Hero, and blaring music in the car with the windows rolled down.

Katie Timm, Senior from Sauk Rapids, MN; is double majoring in parish music (organ and piano emphasis) and theology, second year in Alleluia Ringers, enjoys practicing organ and piano, reading, debating, a good cup of coffee, her roommates, and the TV show, The Office. 

Abbey Zenk from Riverton, WY is a Junior studying Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. This is her second year in Alleluia Ringers. She enjoys playing the organ, reading, watching football and movies, and having long talks.