The Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble (PHE) will perform in concert on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary at Church of the Apostles United Church of Christ, 1850 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. The theme of the concert is "Jingle Bells."

PHE is a community ensemble consisting of auditioned, advanced-level handbell ringers from the greater Philadelphia area. PHE's repertoire spans original compositions, transcriptions of classical music, and arrangements from a wide array of musical genres. An advanced range of ringing techniques allows the ensemble to move beyond the traditional handbell sound.

PHE strives to reach higher standards of musical excellence through handbells and to explore the incorporation of other instruments. Through workshops, conferences, and community outreach programs, PHE promotes the art of handbell ringing and and education in this art. The ensemble seeks to educate and encourage public appreciation and interest in handbells through musical performance and to expand the use of handbells in music education.