Handbells Program at Madisonville Intermediate School

Handbells Program Brings Music, Joy, and Connection

This spring, music filled the halls of Madisonville Intermediate School as 10 students participated in a special Monroe Area Council for the Arts Handbells class led by Mia Sage Lowry Beason. The program was made possible through grant funding from SafePath Monroe.

Held during the school day after TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) testing concluded, the program provided students with a meaningful creative outlet during a busy and stressful time of the school year.

The handbells, generously brought to the school by Sue Hamilton from Madisonville Methodist Church, gave students a unique opportunity to learn a new musical skill while building confidence, focus, and teamwork.

According to Mia Sage Lowry Beason, the program became something much deeper than music instruction. “This year’s program was a stress release for the adults and students at this time in the school year. The students seemed to truly enjoy themselves while learning skills and helping each other.”

Students participating in the program were selected after submitting essays expressing their interest in joining the class. Their enthusiasm and commitment were clear from the start. “I was amazed at the intensity of some of the children with their essays to be a part of the program,” shared Jan Lowry. “These students really wanted to do this and it showed.”

For Sue Hamilton, who helped bring the bells to Madisonville Intermediate School and worked closely with the students, the experience was especially meaningful. She shared her appreciation for the opportunity to work with students who truly wanted to participate and could benefit from extra time, attention, and encouragement.

Each student was viewed as special, and through music, the program sought to instill both a love of the arts and a sense of self-worth.

The week concluded with a student performance for the school community, showcasing not only what the students had learned, but also the confidence and teamwork they had built along the way.

Programs like the Handbells class demonstrate the power of arts education to support students beyond the classroom. Moments of joy are created, connection happens, and young people feel seen and valued through their creative expression.

The Monroe Area Council for the Arts is proud to support arts experiences that enrich learning and create lasting memories for students across Monroe County.