Techniques
Erin and Stedman are challenging methods for anyone more familiar with Hunter class methods; the challenges arise from the interaction of the slow work and the dodging work.
Hence, the principle of using good memory techniques to minimise the demand for mental effort is very important.
The Days of the Week memory technique is detailed with the Slow Work at
Days of the Week Technique .
Directional Counting Technique
The handbell ringer does not have the towerbell challenge of bell control and delayed sound, but does have two bells to ring, and has a mixture of simultaneous hunting and dodging work.
This lack of bell handling enables a different counting technique for handbells.
Where the towerbell ringer thinks in terms of dodging up and down and which places and strokes they occupy, the handbell ringer can think in terms of three pairs of rows, rung at handstroke and backstroke.
And, crucially the direction of movement can be embedded in the counting for no extra effort.
Dodging 4-5 up. Where the towerbell ringers would think 4ths, 5ths, under at hand over at back, under at hand, over at back;
the handbell ringer can simply count 4ths, 5ths, 4ths, 5ths, 4ths, 5ths.
Dodging 4-5 down. Where the towerbell ringers would think 5ths, 4ths, over at hand under at back, over at hand, under at back
the handbell ringer can simply count 5ths, 4ths, 5ths, 4ths, 5ths, 4ths,.
Note that counting 4-5 means the bell is moving upwards, and 5-4 downwards and into the frontwork.
Combining Days of the week and the Directional Counting Technique
For 1-2, the first full six (Slow six) is remembered as: Friday and 4-5.
This translates into places:
- H:2nds & 4ths
- B:Lead & 5ths
- H:Lead & 4ths
- B:2nds & 5ths
- H:3rds & 4ths
- B:3rds & 5ths
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