TESTIMONIALS

The first chime loan recipient for the 2004-2005 school year was Dimensions Academy Alternative High School in Norman Oklahoma (Ellen Davis, Director)

Venita MacGorman acted as mentor for Dimensions Academy.  She writes, "I just left the rehearsal of the chime choir of the Alternative High School here in Norman.  What an incredible experience!  You may not be aware that these youth are placed in this school because they are considered a danger to  themselves or others.  They have no social skills at all and are not able to work in community --- yet they love being in a chime choir.  Their teachers and principal cannot watch the rehearsal without getting all teary.  These are really scary kids to look at --- but at the end of today's rehearsal one of them (who has body piercings in places you don't even want to know about) and will miss the next rehearsal because she will be in court) told me that "this is the most fun thing I have ever done."  The school district has told Ellen that they will buy chimes --- or possibly bells --- if this is a success." 

The second chime loan recipient for the 2004-2005 school year was Fannin Elementary School in San Angelo, Texas (Janie Smith, Director)

Janie writes, "I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the chime loan program.  Because of the use of the chimes, my elementary students were able to play and perform for their parents, peers, and the enjoyment of being a chime choir.  The students in my school’s neighborhood are musically challenged!  Most had never heard of chimes or handbells and were thrilled to play.  I selected a group of ten 5^th graders who stayed after school one day a week to practice.  Their  attendance was impressive!  They did not miss chime choir practice. 

Being a teacher, I am so glad that my students had the opportunity to read music and perform, but as a nurturer, I am really glad that self esteem and love for music has been instilled in the elementary students at Fannin Elementary."