Josh Essary

Before leading our ensemble, Josh spent the first nine years of his career as a middle school band director and served for five years as the Handbell Director at First United Methodist Church in Temple, TX. This extensive background in music education drives his belief that handbells are accessible to everyone. He ensures that no prior instrumental experience is needed to join the fun.

A lifelong musician and educator, Josh Essary brings a wealth of professional expertise and a deep passion for the unique art of bell ringing to Grace Presbyterian. His journey began in the youth handbell choir at Ridglea Presbyterian Church in Arlington, TX, but his musical foundation is built on a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music from Hardin-Simmons University.

Our handbell ministry has flourished into a vibrant, multi-generational community that currently spans three generations of ringers. They take great joy in exploring the distinct textures of the instrument—from the ethereal "singing bells" and the music-box tones of handchimes to the lively, calliope-like energy of malleted techniques. For our director, the handbell choir is a place where people from various backgrounds and ages come together to minister to each other through fellowship and music.