Finding His Rhythm: Ozzie’s Joyful Journey with the Joyful Ringers

GiGi’s Playhouse Handbell Choir, the Joyful Ringers, has been performing since 2018 and is comprised of participants with Down syndrome. Each participant holds 1 or 2 color-coded handbells that are to be rung when the choir director holds up a flashcard with the corresponding color.  Each flashcard could have up to 4 colors to be rung at one time.  We have practices once a week for about 10 – 12 weeks per season. Every week our participants come and practice in preparation for their performances at the end of the season.

We always look forward to having new friends join our programs. But more importantly, we are thrilled to see when we witness growth in our friends through our programs. This is a recent story our program volunteer shared with us:

“Ozzie joined our Joyful Ringers Handbell group at GiGi’s Playhouse this fall.  He has been attending the practices regularly but he does not ring his bells much, if at all. At times he will lay his bells down and watch the others. However, we had 3 Holiday performances this past week and he rang his bells for ALL the songs and was engaged. I had to double check when I first saw him ringing. It was a great surprise and a brought a smile to my face to see him enjoying this activity. It just goes to show you never know what a person is capable of doing until they try it.”

Way to go Ozzie!!