The Brookwood Community, in Brookshire, TX, provides an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with functional disabilities.

Several years ago, Linda McKechnie had the vision to start a handbell/handchime choir at Brookwood. As past president of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, she had been inspired by people with functional disabilities that rang in a handbell choir and wanted the Brookwood citizens to have the same opportunity. Through several generous people, Brookwood was able to purchase 4 octave handchimes and 3 octave handbells. In organizing the choir, Linda serves as the mentor, the fundraiser, the teacher, the “make it happen person”, as well as the arranger for their music performances.

Joyce Henderson was designated to be the director. Although Joyce had no musical experience and had never rung a handbell, she had a love for this special community and a strong desire to help launch the handbell program. Ringing handbells gives the citizens a whole new meaning in life: self worth, social integration, and the ability to make music which could not be accomplished individually. It stimulates motor skills and concentration. It ignites joy, confidence, and pride!! It is therapeutic!

Through Linda’s training and her custom written music using a color coded system, Joyce and the 15 ringers have learned to ring music and are well on their way to accept the invitation to play the National Anthem at an Astros game!!