Handbell Ringing offers fellowship, fun, and fitness to area adults

What began as a music education program for kids continues today as a thriving community handbell organization. With 9 ringing ensembles for children, teens and adults, the Stafford Regional Handbell Society is booming -- or ringing, as the case may be. ”Recently,” affirms Society Musical Director, Phillip Lanier, ”demand has been so great for our adult ringing ensembles that we have added a new beginner-only class for adults who don’t read music.” Studies show that music, music skill, and music participation are great for the brain, body and soul. “Music,” says Lanier, ”is a cognitive math skill. It’s just as good for the brain as Sudoku, and a whole lot more fun.” Reading music builds focus, concentration, and mental acuity. Handbells are a percussion instrument, and ringers receive a low-impact cardio workout at every rehearsal from the effort of moving the bells through the air. The Society offers three groups for adults -- meeting Mondays or Wednesdays near the Stafford Campus of Mary Washington College . Interested adults should call programming director, Neesa Hart at 540-850-3700 or see the society’s website at http//www.staffordregionalhandbellsociety.org