Your Brain On Handbells!

We all love handbells, right? The sound is enchanting, our ringers are fabulous musicians, our kid ringers are stupendous . . . It's all good.

But did you know that, in addition to wonderful music making, learning, commraderie and all the benefits of belonging to a handbell ensemble, there are benefits for the brain as well? Here's a short list of beneifts from ringing handbells:

1) Ringing handbells helps develop language and reasoning centers in the brain.
2) Ringing develops spacial intelligence, like advanced math understanding.
3) Ringers learn creative thinking and problem solving, the ability to see outside the box.
4) Ringers are more successful at standardized tests & get higher grades in HS.
5) Ringers learn excellence and rewards of hard work thru values of sustained effort.
6) Ringing enhances teamworks skills and discipline.
7) Ringers learn to conquer fears and take risks through performance.

First Unitarian Church is fortunate to have multiple handbell and handchime ensembles for youth and adults. Our program was begun in 1983 (to find ways to engage wiggly boys!) and flourishes today. You can learn more about our handbell ensembles by going to Music and Arts Program Details or by asking Director of Handbell Programs, Ellie Hodder ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 503-292-6929).

By the way, we hope to see you at our 10th Annual Handbell Concert, Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 7pm in the Sanctuary.