Getting going
The approach to Surprise Major on handbells, by Bill Jackson, and published in the Ringing World in 2007,
suggests that the method can be learned by splitting the method grid down into the individual sections together with the following cross section.
Bill's article then goes on to suggest techniques for progressively assimilating the detail of the method until the ringer is sufficiently familiar to make it worthwhile meeting with others for a practice session.
This is not the same as ringing by place notation.
It is too easy to memorise a string of place notation elements, especially for paindromic methods, and then lose the plot trying to follow the string.
Getting into any new method depends on what knowledge you already have.
If you are new to Surprise Major (i.e. have not rung methods at that level neither in the tower nor in hand) then study the structure of the method as it relates to the treble and use that as a way in.
If you are a die-hard blue line ringer on towerbells, then perhaps look at the way the coursing order works at the lead end (like Plain Bob) and at the half lead.
Whatever your route in, do examine the structural nature of the places, and specically their relationship with the treble.
The dodging patterns and coursing order relationship of Plain Bob Lead ends is all relevant to Cornwall.
The intriguing characteristic of Cornwall is the synchronised treble bob hunting on the front 4 and the back 4 (whilst treble is above 4ths).
On the face of it the structure is quite obvious, and ringing 2 bells that are working together is fine.
However, having one bell treble bobbing in 1-2-3-4 and the other in 5-6-7-8 requires thorough learning, and close concentration.
This method demands respect.
Performance level
Just being able to see a structure is not enough to become reliable, you need a way of overcoming trips.
The development from Plain Courses to reliable ringer is personal, what works for you and what doesn't.
What is needed is context.
The double place bells for all 4 pairs is one memory technique that works well, and is re-usable for Yorkshire, Cambridge, and all methods in that group.
A visual understanding of the double lines vis a vis the treble is another context technique.
Mastery
Achieving Mastery of a Surprise Major method requires dedicated effort.
If you have committed to that goal perhaps your learning could be sent through for use on this website?
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