Mastering the bell as a musical instrument is an extremely interesting activity that does not require any special skills.
In fact, anyone can learn to be a bell ringer. And through intensive training to achieve a certain level of skill in this matter.
The appearance of the bell in a person's life
In ancient times, primitive man was alone with nature. The sounds of thunder and the flash of lightning instilled fear, showing how great the power of nature. Probably, it was at this time that a man grabbed a stick, hit a stone and thus made a loud sound. This was the first bell. So man tried to assert himself in his power in front of the forces of nature. Such loud sounds were subsequently accompanied by sacred rites (regardless of religion).
Later, with the discovery of metals, the progenitors of modern bells began to appear. This path has been long and varied. The shape of the bell - rounded (closed) on one side and slightly widened (open) on the other - was not immediately established. Barrels, tetrahedral, hemispherical and cylindrical were tried. Until finally the bell took on its modern look.
Where can you train to be a ringer
If a person has the desire to ring the bells, it is not difficult to undergo training. In Russia today, about five schools that teach bell-ringing skills are widely known. Special initial skills (such as knowledge of musical notation and any initial musical education) are not required from the future student. It is desirable to have a sense of rhythm and coordination, because the bell ringer has to control a large number of bells with his hands and right leg at the same time.
During training, which lasts two or three months, the student settles at the school. Here he goes through theoretical materials (from the history of the bell as an instrument to the methods and materials used in casting the instrument) and practices in the art of bell-ringing, studying various techniques and techniques of playing this self-sounding musical percussion instrument.
The number of trained ringers is growing significantly every year. And this fact is very pleasing, since during the period of the ban on casting bells, as well as on ringing bells, their number was greatly reduced.
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to come to another city for training in bell-ringing skills. In this regard, the staff of the Arkhangelsk Bell Art Center developed a special training application for the computer. Anyone who wants to, on an electronic request to the school, can get this program for personal use absolutely free of charge.
The traditions of our ancestors live and are transmitted in many ways that surrounds us to this day. Together with quiet joy in the soul, a person comes to the realization that our past and our history are not forgotten when bells are heard, performed by our contemporaries.
