Fall Tune-Up 2006 Class List and Descriptions
Ringing Sessions
Novice track sessions:
These classes are open to all ringers.
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From Fundamentals to Performance - Part 1
This session is for the total beginner. We will work on learning how to hold and ring the bell, how
to damp the bell, and everything necessary to begin ringing in a bell choir.
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From Fundamentals to Performance - Part 2
In this session you will learn the basics of reading music: note lengths, note values, dynamics. We
will also discuss techniques for finding the notes you need to play, marking your music, and
learning how to make the notes on the page come to life in performance.
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From Fundamentals to Performance - Part 3
Following coursework developed by AGEHR, this session covers the whys and wherefores of music (why
is that one bell sometimes a G# and sometimes an Ab? how can music be marked to help you remember
what bell to ring?) as well as introducing rhythms that take you beyond simple quarter notes and 4/4 time.
Develop, expand, and refine your music and rhythmic reading skills.
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Ringing Real Music!
In this session we will work on bringing two pieces of music up to performance level. Experience the
joy of making music with a group!
Group A and Group B sessions:
Group A is for ringers who feel more comfortable with level 1 and level 2 pieces.
Group B is for ringers who would like to ring more challenging level 3 and level 4
pieces.For each group there will be two reading sessions and two focus sessions,
one each with each clinician. While some of the reading pieces will be repeated,
the focus sessions will use different pieces from each other.
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Reading Sessions
In the reading sessions you will work with one of our clinicians on three or four pieces of music.
These sessions do not involve polishing music to performance level, but rather getting to play
through a number of different pieces under expert direction.
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Focus Sessions
In these sessions the clinicians will choose two pieces of music and work on polishing them to
performance level. Expect to work on details and learn how to perform at the highest level!
General Classes
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Bass Bell Techniques
Playing bass bells can be pretty challenging, whether playing the fifth octave range or covering the busier fourth octave
range. In this session you can learn some of the techniques used by AHE bass bell ringers, such as ringing and damping
techniques and methods for achieving dynamic control. Bring your questions and problem spots!
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Bell Changes and Weaving
Managing bell changes and ringing a lot of accidentals can pose quite a challenge, but there are some proven techniques
for making those transitions smoothly. Learn, step-by-step, how to approach tricky musical spots.
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Bell Repair and Maintenance
Proper maintenence of your bells is paramount. Whether you have Schulmerick or Malmark bells, come to learn how to
keep your bells healthy and properly maintainted
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How to be your Director’s Best Ringer
Discover ways to improve your rehearsal time and become a better ringer and a stronger member of your ensemble.
Learn how to become your ‘Director’s Best Ringer’ without additional musical training. We will also discuss some
other issues that affect ringing ensembles, such as performance anxiety and building a strong group dynamic.
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Taming the Treble Bells
In this session we will cover the basics of four-in-hand ringing techniques, which allow you to double the number
of treble bells you can play. Once we’ve introduced the basic techniques, we will discuss a number of tricks and
techniques for managing difficult treble passages.
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Visual Aspects of Ringing, Choreography
Should you and your group be concerned with how you look when you ring? If it is fair to say that people listen
with their eyes (and they do!), then the answer is YES. In this session you will learn some of the ways to convey
the music visually as a bell ringer.
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You Want me to do WHAT with Those Bells!?!
This is the Bellringers’ Guide to the Universe of Bell Symbols and Techniques. Learn how to perform plucks,
marts, wah wahs (echos), gyros, and so much more. You’ll also learn about the symbols representing each of these techniques.
