Gina King Wells has been ringing handbells for more than 25 years. Her passion for handbells has grown into a lifelong commitment to music education, community engagement, and inclusive ensemble performance. Gina currently serves as Director of the Revolution Ringers at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, where she has led the ensemble for the past five years in worship services and community performances throughout the region.

Gina believes deeply in the power of handbells and handchimes as an accessible, engaging, and joyful pathway to music-making. She has taught both adults and youth to ring handbells, read music, and participate confidently in ensemble performance, helping musicians of all experience levels discover the rewards of making music together. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and the understanding that every participant contributes something valuable to the musical experience.

Through her partnership with Music To Free, Gina teaches weekly general music and handchime choir classes at Phoenix Nova School, where she creates meaningful musical opportunities for students with a wide range of abilities. Her work helps students develop musical skills, focus, teamwork, and self-confidence while experiencing the unique sense of community that ensemble music provides. Gina is also a proud member of Handbell Musicians of America, remaining actively engaged in the broader handbell community and continuing to advocate for the transformative power of music education.

Music Enrichment Program for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Music To Free's Handchime Program at Phoenix Nova School, led by Ms. Gina Wells, provides students with an engaging and inclusive musical learning environment where every participant can experience success regardless of ability level. Handchimes are uniquely accessible because students can participate using gross motor movements rather than the fine motor skills required for many traditional instruments such as piano, violin, guitar, or woodwind instruments. This allows a wide range of learners to actively make music and develop confidence while experiencing the joy of musical expression.

The handchime ensemble also fosters a strong sense of community and social connection. Unlike many musical settings where individuals perform independently, handchimes function as a single instrument shared among all ringers. Whether there are six students or twenty, each person's contribution is essential to the group's success. Students must listen carefully, rely on one another, and work cooperatively to create a complete musical performance. This collaborative approach encourages communication, teamwork, and mutual support while building meaningful relationships among participants.

In addition to its social benefits, the program promotes focus, attention, and cognitive development. Students learn to read music, track their assigned notes, and respond at precisely the right moment, strengthening concentration and sustained attention. The need to coordinate with fellow ringers reinforces listening skills, timing, and self-regulation. Through regular participation, students develop musical knowledge, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment while engaging in a creative activity that values every individual's contribution to the ensemble.