PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia's Adapted Melody Chime Ensemble

October 1, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

The Adapted Melody Chime Ensemble in Columbia, which uses a specific method of learning through instruments, is intended for players with special needs.

Adapted Melody Chime Ensemble player Robert Eyestone rests his hands as he sings "It's a Small World" for the group during practice Sept. 24 at Stephens Lake Activity Center. | Jaime Henry-White

Adapted Melody Chime Ensemble leader Cookie Hagan uses a pointer to show the players which note to play during practice Sept. 24 at Stephens Lake Activity Center. "I think they have such a message to give the world because they just enjoy life and they enjoy sharing it with others," Hagan said. | Jaime Henry-White

Ensemble player Angie Minner uses spoons to create different rhythms during practice Sept. 24 at Stephens Lake Activity Center. Before the start of practice, Minner requested the group play "Love Lifted Me" and asked that player Robert Williams sing the song in honor of Minner's aunt who recently died.

| Jaime Henry-White

Cookie Hagan, who has instructed the group for 10 years, sings and plays "It's a Small World" on her ukulele during practice Monday at Stephens Lake Activity Center. The ensemble, which uses a specific method of learning, is intended for players with special needs. | Jaime Henry-White

Melody chimes lie in a case during the Adapted Melody Chime Ensemble practice Sept. 24 at the Stephens Lake Activity Center. | Jaime Henry-White