How to teach non-music readers and the special needs communities!

January 29-30, 2010

The Brookwood Community

Brookshire, Texas

General Information

This is a workshop to encourage people to consider the use of handbells and handchimes as a viable musical enrichment and performance opportunity for various levels of abilities and expectations for: young children, special needs communities, and the aging population. Ringing music can be accomplished by using several methods without the necessity to read standard music notation.

This event is fully underwritten by the Friends of the Brookwood Community Handbell Choir.

What to expect when attending: Several methods will be presented, from ringing simple chordal songs to ringing high levels of music appropriate for a festival setting. Although the ringers do not read standard music notation, they can make music using creative direction.

1. Music written in standard notation is adapted on a scroll or chart using color-coded letters which correspond to the assigned colors on the bells. The director points to the chart in desired rhythm. Some basic knowledge of music notation and handbell ringing is essential.
2. Depending on the complexity of the music and the size of the group, one or two directors may be needed. They memorize the music, position the ringers in keyboard order, and use hand cues, pointing and sign language to direct the ringers. The director should have extensive music experience and some handbell knowledge.
3. Music making can be easily accomplished in the simplest form by ringing color-coded chords which accompany a melody.

Expect to learn new ways to "make a difference in this world"! Instant music making can be accomplished with children in after-school programs, Vacation Bible School, music camps, and casual settings. Introducing handbell ringing to the special needs community, whether functionally disabled or elderly, will build self esteem, strengthen coordination, and form team spirit which could lead to being an exceptional musical performance group. If you have a music background or ring handbells, you are several steps ahead! Bring your handbell gloves.

Schedule

Clinicians

Cathy Taylor is the director of the Woodson Handbell Choir, which is part of the specialized music program for the developmentally disabled students in the Abilene, Texas, school district. Cathy also directs the Bell Peppers, a new bell choir at Disability Resources, Inc. (DRI). DRI provides residential and vocational services for adults with developmental disabilities. The groups use a system of adaptive music notation on roll charts that utilize color-coded letters. Cathy is the secretary of the Area IX Board of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

Sue Graves and Joyce Klinck are co-directors of the Joybells and the Enrichment Bell Choir at Melmark, a caring community in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, that provides residential, educational, therapeutic, and recreational services for children and adults with special needs. Under their joint direction, the handbell ringers, who do not read music, are both taught and directed by hand cues and sign language. Sue is also a music therapist at Temp0! Music Therapy Services. Joyce has been ringing and directing handbells for over twenty years and currently serves as the Special Group Liaison for Area II of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

Linda McKechnie is well known for her significant contribution to the art of handbell ringing. She has served the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers as its 14th president from 1987-1989. Her published handbell music covers a wide spectrum from beginning method to arrangements with orchestral accompaniment. As a Steinway Artist and concert pianist, Linda's CD recordings, arrangements and signature style of blending classical themes with Christian music remain very popular. As a volunteer, Linda realizes that music is therapeutic. Recently, she founded the Brookwood handbell choir and uses all three teaching methods mentioned above to work with functionally disabled adults.

Registration Forms & Fees

Registration Fee is $50 per person. This covers all event activities, dinner on Friday evening and lunch on Saturday.

How to Register Complete this registration form and send it with payment to Linda McKechnie, 11506 Gallant Ridge, Houston, TX 77082. For more information about the event contact Linda McKechnie.