ABSTRACT
Music activities are an integral part of the daily life at Bittersweet Farms. The goal of the music program is primarily to facilitate awareness of self and others. There are related goals such as decreasing self-stimulating behaviors and increasing attending behaviors, turn-taking and cooperation. In-services are provided by the Toledo Symphony’s music staff so that concert-goers are familiar with the music and with the instruments. Residents have also attended community handbell choir concerts, and music ensembles have performed at the farm. The most exciting music activity has been the Bittersweet Farms handbell choir. Juliet Alvin, who is a music therapist in England and has worked extensively with autistic adults, has said that the ultimate goal of music therapy is social integration. A handbell choir basically consists of twenty-five bells, about two octaves; they are individually pitched instruments and are made of cast bronze.
