by Susan Berry and Janet Van Valey . . . Sacred or Secular . . . 

This is an important component of the Learning To Ring Curriculum - taken from Lessons 3 through 11 of the Director's Manual or Using Handchimes.  All exercises have been carefully written in sequential order to secure basic ringing skills before introducing more challenging patterns.  Complete directions for each exercise and 'Teaching Tips' for their use are included in the individual lessons of both teacher's manuals.

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All exercises are to be used concurrently with each of the primary lessons, reinforcing the counting and rhythmic accuracy necessary for good handbell performance.

General Guidelines Include:

• Notes are presented in a rhythm line; no pitch designation is given
• Each ringer should have two bells (unless otherwise directed.)
• The lower-pitched bell should be in the ringer's left hand )placing the bells in keyboard order for the ringers).
• Ringing patterns are marked 'L' (left) and 'R' (right).  When a third bell is introduced, it is marked 'C' (center).
• Table damps are marked with a downward arrow.
• Counts are written under the notes in some of the exercises.  The count on which the bell plays is written in larger print.
• some exercises have 'Challenge Patterns'. These may be too complex for beginning ringers, but should challenge ringers with more musical background.

The Rhythm Lessons include:  

Whole Notes • Half Notes • Dotted Half Notes • Quarter Notes • The Extra Bell • Weaving • Eighth Notes • Dotted Half and Quarter Notes • Dotted Quarter and Notes

© 1988  Lorenz Publishing