Stafford Handbell Society offers "Bells After School"

Bells After School is a unique and exciting new opportunity for area school kids from the Stafford Regional Handbell Society. Featuring after school pick up at area elementary and middle schools, the program uses the fun, team approach to English Handbell Ringing to teach kids music in an environment where they can succeed at their own pace. The program, uses a belted achievement system -- much like martial arts -- to reward kids for their hard work and individual efforts while still stressing the importance of team work and cooperation. Kids receive all supplies, after school pick up, a snack, homework monitoring and an hour of music instruction each day they attend. Fees start at $35 per week. According to the Society’s musical director, Phillip Lanier, “it’s an entirely new way to think about music education for kids. I taught band for 15 years, and I never had a much success with building kid’s musical skill as we do with Handbells.”  For information, see the bells after school website at www.bellsafterschool.com