The Association of Ringing Teachers
The Association of Ringing Teachers
This scheme can be used by ringers joining established handbell bands as well as those wishing to start a new handbell band. Calling and conducting skills are developed in tandem with method ringing.
To complete the scheme, you will have rung at least seven extended pieces of ringing, known as quarter peals, which typically take 40 minutes to complete (handbell ringing is generally quicker than tower bell ringing). Quarter peals are internationally recognised and recorded on BellBoard. Why not click on the BellBoard link and have a look at what other ringers are doing. Search by handbells − it’s a real eye-opener!
We’re talking here about ringing changes or methods on handbells. Not tunes. Why not have a look at these two YouTube videos to get a feel for what handbell ringing is all about. You will be ringing Plain Bob Minor by the end of LtR Handbells Level 2, the Stedman is beyond Level 5, but it does sound really nice! The level of concentration required for both is quite obvious.
Learn how to ring handbells safely. Learn the three basic positions of 6-bell ringing. Ring rhythmically. Ring your bells consistently the right way round.
Learn how to change between the three positions at the lead end. Understand scissor and parallel dodges. Ring your first quarter peal.
Learn how to change position when one bell makes a place other than at the lead end. Call your first touch. Ring a quarter peal of a second plain method.
Learn how to ring by the treble. Ring all three pairs to a Treble Bob method. Ring a plain course of a simple method by place notation. Call your first quarter peal.
Learn to ring more complex methods and on a higher numbers of bells. Ring quarter peals of a more complicated method and a on 8 or more bells. Call your second quarter peal.
To enrol on the scheme, buy your Ringers Personal Progress Logbook which is available from the ART online shop and register on the SmART Ringer website, which will give you access to a large number of handbell learning resources and a full curriculum. The cost of the logbook includes the issue of electronic certificates of achievement. The logbook will enable you to record your personal ringing achievements and to help you plan your future targets and objectives.