C.H.I.M.E. Grant Program

The Committee for Handbells in Music Education (C.H.I.M.E.) encourages schools and other educational institutions to develop music education programs using handbells or handchimes in their curriculum.  To support the development of such programs, Area 7 offers a Grant Program to schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba, Canada.  This Grant Program places a three octave (37 piece) set of handbells or handchimes into a classroom FREE for one academic year, complete with training materials and assistance from an Area 7 mentor.

There are specific guidelines that must be met by both the school and Area 7, which are outlined in the Area 7 C.H.I.M.E.

Refer to the Officer Section for the Area 7 C.H.I.M.E.  Coordinator, [email protected]

C.H.I.M.E. Brochure:  Area 7 CHIME Brochure

C.H.I.M.E. Grant Application:   Area 7 CHIME Grant Application Form

NEWS OF RECIPIENTS

2019, children at Reek Elementary School in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin received the grant. The children began learning about handbells and how to properly ring together in September.

2018, grant recipient Aitkin High School in Aitkin, Minnesota was fortunate to fundraise and be able to purchase their own equipment by the end of the grant period. We are excited to see the great things these groups will add to our handbell/handchime community in Area 7.

Also, the residents at The Homestead in Rochester, Minnesota were recipients. Under the direction of Deedee Odell, the Homestead Ringers quickly grew in members and in skill. No longer content with playing chords for singing and ringing, the members asked to learn harder music and put on performances. After a concert in December, more residents wanted to learn how to play. Many people wanted to learn a new musical instrument. The ringers commented they had not “looked” for notes or had to count music since high school or before. They were excited to know they could still be musicians. Throughout the spring, the ensemble continued to meet and learn new music. Their favorite spring pieces were: Songs of America arranged by Douglas Wagner, Morning Has Broken arranged by Janet Linker and Jane McFadden, Peace arranged by John Wilson and Come Christians, Join to Sing arranged by D. Linda KcKechnie. This summer, the ringers attended the Raleigh Ringers concert and the closing concert at the Area7 Festival in Rochester. As their enthusiasm continued to grow, the ringers decided to move forward with purchasing their own and chimes. Nothing compares to opening up cases of brand new instruments! This fall, the ringers are eager to continue practicing and ringing on their new chimes. Future performances are already being planned. The Homestead Ringers wanted to extend their appreciation to Area7 for making their first year of ringing a success through the CHIME grant program.