Jason Mraz group handbell activity

This handbell activity is similar to one I posted over one year ago. I adapted this song for use in a class, which was large (18 people!). And I had to teach all of this nonverbally! so it can definitely be done. I even dare say it might be easier to teach without words than to try to explain this whole procedure...

Materials:
8-Note Rhythm Band handbells or deskbells
Lucky (for handbells).doc (adapted sheet music)
Lucky handbell colors.doc
iPod/speakers
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Callait mp3
Shakers or other small instruments (optional, see Adaptations)
4 paper plates/markers (optional, see Adaptations)

Procedure
1. Hand out bells, telling clients not to play until you instruct them.
2. Assign them the numbers that correspond with the document provided above (Lucky handbell colors.doc).
3. Have clients memorize the number(s) that go with their color. For example, the red bell (note C) must remember that he or she plays on numbers 1, 2, and 3. Meanwhile, the green bell needs only remember to play on 3. These numbers correspond with the chords of the song. So when all bells assigned the number 1 play, a beautiful C chord will ring.
4. Provide the sheet music, also found above (Lucky for handbells.doc). It is preferable to have a projector screen so that all clients may read off of the same page.
5. Begin music and, if necessary, conduct the piece by holding up finger-numbers or pointing to the numbers on the projector.

Adaptations:
1. If your group is larger than 8 people, consider adding shaker eggs (playing every eighth-note) or a wood block on the downbeats.
2. If your group is much larger (like mine was-18 people total), assign 4 people that are not playing bells to conduct the band. This is where the paper plates and markers come in. Each plate has a number, 1 through 4. The bells must watch the "conductors" for their cue: the conductor holds up their plate and the bells ring. You will probably need to teach your group how to give a good cue with large gestures and an intro breath.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT if you have any questions at all.

Adapted instruments

One of my favorite projects in school was an assignment from Dr. Alice-Ann Darrow. In our Music in Special Education class, we were asked to adapt an instrument as though it were for a student with a physical disability. We could either find an adapted instrument or create one. The adapted instrument I chose was deskbells.


I'm sure most of us are pretty familiar with the colorful handbells sold at West Music. But fewer of us know about the adaptation to those same handbells that make it much easier to produce a note. With a button on top of its handle, the bell can be set on top of a flat surface and ring by being tapped. If a person can move a part of their body, they can play this instrument.

Many of my classmates constructed their own awesome adaptations using household items. If your client is limited in mobility, think carefully about what sort of accommodations you can make. Some assembly may be required.

If you are not up to creating your own device, you can find deskbells at West Music, or check out other companies that specialize in other adapted instruments. A Day's Work is one of these. If you are reading this and know of another place to find adapted instruments, please leave a comment.

"New Soul" on handbells

Because you can never have too many activities (especially for that adolescent/'tween/teen age), I am posting an activity to get your group playing music together! For this activity, you should download a recording of Yael Naim's song (don't ask me to pronounce that), "New Soul." Also, you will need this document for use in your session.

Just a little info on the document I linked to above: page 1 shows all the colors that come in the handbell set made by Kidsplay and sold at West Music. Inside each colored circle is all the numbers that color should play. Pages 2 and 3 are the lyrics to "New Soul," with numbers written above (as guitar chords are often written).

Materials:
Handbells (diatonic set of 8 in the key of C)
"Music" for clients (print document available above)
iPod/CD with "New Soul" mp3 (or other item able to play song of choice)
Equipment to play the iPod/CD
Shakers or other small instruments (optional)

Task Analysis:
1. Give bells to clients, assign them a number(s) that corresponds to their handbell's color (see document, page 1).
2. Provide clients with "music" (see document, pages 2 and 3). Instruct them to play when they see their number(s). Some clients will be playing when they see two or three different numbers. For example, the red bell rings when they see the number 1, 2, or 3 in the music.
3. Begin music, prompt clients to play by holding up fingers when it is their turn.
4. Encourage clients to sing along with the music.

Extensions & Adaptations
a) If you ever needed a song in the key of C, this is the one. It is easily transferred to other instruments.

b) If your group is too small to cover all handbell parts, give some clients two handbells to play. If your group is too large, bring shakers for the other clients. Remember to take turns playing the handbells.