Handbell choirs are often associated with Christmas music, but the JuBELLee
handbell choir performs during the remaining 11 months of the year as well,
bringing joyful music to those in retirement homes, nursing homes and prisons.
"We're here to remind these people that they are special and unique, and that they're loved," said choir director, Anita Hosterman.
Hosterman, 48, began the choir in 2002 after realizing that nursing homes tend to be visited during the holidays, but patients are often ignored the rest of the year. Desiring to change this situation, Hosterman established JuBELLee.
The choir plays a variety of music including classical, patriotic, jazz, Caribbean style and famous hymns that many of their audience members recognize and can sing along with.
Hosterman
described one memorable story three years ago when the choir performed at
a home for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The ensemble was performing
mostly hymns that evening, and one of the patients began to sing along. A
nurse approached Hosterman after the performance and asked if she had noticed
the woman singing.
"I told her that we encourage our audience to sing along with the music. The nurse told me that I didn't understand what she was telling me. Apparently that woman had been in the facility for several years, and had never said a word. They didn't know she could talk," said Hosterman. "What touched her was an old hymn about her Lord."
The
choir, made up of ringers from different churches around the Tucson area,
is not only an evangelical group, but rather a group aimed at reaching out
with love.
"Our ministry is to love, and to uplift and encourage people," said Hosterman. She said this includes reaching out to families of patients, as well as staff members who often put in long hours, and appreciate the presence of the handbell choir.
JuBELLee welcomes adults who are interested in participating in this ministry. For more information and a calendar of upcoming concerts, visit the group's website at www.jubellee.com.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
