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To the Teacher The ChimeMagic teaching and learning materials are based on the premise that every child needs to hear, perform, and create music to be a fully educated person. This project grew out of my own experiences using handchimes with students of all ages. Invariably when I pulled them out for the first time with a group, they magically caused faces to light up, interest to increase, and attention to become highly focused. Just as predictably, chimes seem to have a universal appeal, and to retain student interest over long periods of time. Because I so often described the effect chimes had on students as "magical," there was simply no other title for this work than ChimeMagic.  Because handchimes can be played successfully with minimal instruction, they are an appropriate choice of instrument for students with little or no musical training. The instruments are always in tune, so students are immediately rewarded with beautiful sound. No fingering or knowledge of music notation are required to play chimes, so ringing technique can be mastered quickly. Because of this easy mastery, chimes are effective an vehicle for introducing students to all facets of music.  Some teachers (myself included) were trained in courses of study that did not include handbells or handchimes. Understandably, they might hesitate to invest in instruments they were unsure how to use in the classroom. These materials are intended to demystify chimes in a way that will allow the teacher with no ringing experience to learn along with the students. The ChimeMagic kit includes video illustrations, instructions for singly focused activities, and materials that minimize preparation time for teachers.  I hope students and teachers alike will spend many happy hours discovering the joys of making music with chimes. Linda Miller Alder, Washington About the Author Linda Miller lives in scenic western Washington near Mt. Rainier National Park. She teaches elementary general music in the Puyallup School District in Puyallup, Washington. In addition, she teaches music methods at St. Martin's College in Lacey, Washington. Dr.Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from New Mexico State University. Her graduate degrees include a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Idaho, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a cognate in music from the University of Idaho. She has taught every level K-University as well as private piano and voice instruction. Dr. Miller is also involved in writing district standards for music education, and in developing music assessments. She has been involved in standards efforts in three states. Her field research interests include development of alternative methods for teaching music, the development of arts based curricula for elementary schools, and best practices for music advocacy. Another academic interest is musical neuroscience and the development of brain/music friendly learning environments. Dr.Miller has used handchimes in her teaching since 1988, and has been involved with handbells since 1975. She served for several years on the national Committee for Handbells and Handchimes in Music Education for the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR). She enjoys sharing handchimes in workshops and clinics in academic, professional, and church settings.

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