Suspended Handbell Malleting

[kathy]

When malleting suspended handbells, how are the bells held and where is the bell malleted?  The choir I work with has a diverse opinion:  some want to hold the bells by the handles (suspended down) and others want the bells held more in a ring position (pointed up).  Most of the literature simply says hold off the table.....

Also, I would be appreciative of a good handbell source that explains stopped and non-stopped techniques.  I know practices have changed over the years so a good resource would be helpful.

Thanks for your help,
Kathy Merithew

[Thomas Simpson]

One CAN interlace the handles. I've done up to 6 bells in one "tree". But that takes time to do and the undo, and there may not be one for that. 

Conversely, one can hold two (or even three) bells in a "Shelly" hold and flip your palms toward you and play them that way with the mallet in the other hand. This way only allows 2 bells per person though. 

It's a toss up! 

Thomas 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Linda Krantz]

Kathy,

If the music is a fast tempo, getting the bell into the "down" position (ie holding the handle) takes time.  In my experience (and I've seen a lot of really great handbell choirs) they are usually held in the normal ringing position.  If only one bell is being malleted, then put the other bell down on the table and mallet with the free hand.  Be sure to teach your ringers to "pull" the sound out of the bell instead of just slamming the mallet into the bell.  It's a light touch, in the curve of the casting where the strikepoint sits.  And, as Thomas mentioned, if you are malleting 2 bells, then put them in one hand (either shelley or ring/knock) and use your other hand to mallet.  If you have 3 bells to mallet, you can hang the third bell on your pinkie (provided it is a smaller bell, I do this above G5 but you may only want to do it C6 and above).

The Guild (Handbell Musicians of America) publishes a notation guide that is an excellent resource for all handbell notations.  

Hope this helps!

Linda Krantz

After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

[Ann Frederking]

With my group, I find it really depends on the music, the time ringers
have to get the bells into position and the number they have to mallet.
My personal preference is to hold the bells up rather than handles up if
at all possible. I feel that the bells are less likely to get lost
behind music stands and I like the look of it.

Ann

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[Nancy Kirkner]

Hi, Kathy, you may enjoy the article I wrote this week on basic mallet techniques at www.solobells.com.  I included pictures.

Mastering Musicianship in Handbells is a good resource for single bell techniques.

Best -

Nancy Kirkner

Seattle

[Michele Sharik]

You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.

-Michèle

Sent from my iPhone

[Stephanie Wiltse]

My caveat, which I don't think I've seen mentioned here, is that
ringers should avoid any setup that ends up with their bells in a
horizontal rather than vertical position.

Stephanie Wiltse
Grand Rapids MI

On Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 3:46 PM, Lynnette <lynn...@lynnette.org> wrote:
> We held them by the handles with one up and one down in one hand and struck
> them with a mallet. Not sure it that was right or wrong but it worked for
> us at the time.
>
> Lynnette

[Pearl Melberg]

Hi all, I don't know if anyone's mentioned this part... I like holding my bell(s) up so the mallet, bell, and director are all in my eye line.  I feel like I'm more precise when I can see them all. Pearl --- On Thu, 7/12/12, Stephanie Wiltse <stephani...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Thomas Simpson]

Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.



Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

[Doug Jones]

Justifications can lead to serious injuries.

Doug
SF Bay Area

On 7/12/2012 6:54 AM, Thomas Simpson wrote:
> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>
>
>
> Thomas
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>
>> You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.
>>

>> -Mich�le

[Meredith Ann Gaines]

Not only so, but I was taught some "it's only for 8 measures" fixes in my younger handbell years when I was just casually ringing. I would have never dreamed I would be ringing as much as I am now and have had to relearn several habitual techniques to keep myself safe in the long term. Might as well teach good techniques from the beginning, even if only for 8 measures.

Meredith Gaines
Houston TX

On Jul 12, 2012, at 9:26 AM, Doug Jones <li...@panix.com> wrote:

> Justifications can lead to serious injuries.
>
> Doug
> SF Bay Area
>
> On 7/12/2012 6:54 AM, Thomas Simpson wrote:
>> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thomas
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>>
>>> You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.
>>>

>>> -Michèle

[Michele Sharik]

Yes. That's a good point re sound production!!

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

It's best to cultivate good habits, Thomas. Therefore, never from the pinky.

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

Exactly. Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 16:26, Doug Jones <li...@panix.com> wrote:

> Justifications can lead to serious injuries.
>
> Doug
> SF Bay Area
>
> On 7/12/2012 6:54 AM, Thomas Simpson wrote:
>> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thomas
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>>
>>> You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.
>>>

>>> -Michèle

[Michele Sharik]

Yay!! :-)

Sent from my iPhone

[Thomas Simpson]

Who said it wasn't a good habit?

Who says it "dangerous"?

Anything done properly can be done correctly. And anything done improperly can be done wrong.

I'd hate to hear your thoughts on RRHDD!!

Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

[Heitz Handbells]

RRHDD?

 

Carol A. Scheel, Norm P. Heitz
Heitz Handbells and Music LLC
612-208-1741
1 (877 or 866) 426-3235
www.heitzhandbells.com

From: Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com>
To: "handb...@googlegroups.com" <handb...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: [HB-L] Suspended Handbell Malleting

Who said it wasn't a good habit?

Who says it "dangerous"?

Anything done properly can be done correctly. And anything done improperly can be done wrong.

I'd hate to hear your thoughts on RRHDD!!


Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 10:48 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

> It's best to cultivate good habits, Thomas. Therefore, never from the pinky.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 12, 2012, at 15:54, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thomas
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>>
>>> You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.
>>>
>>> -Michèle
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jul 11, 2012, at 21:45, Linda Krantz <ringw...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you have 3 bells to mallet, you can hang the third bell on your pinkie (provided it is a smaller bell, I do this above G5 but you may only want to do it C6 and above).
>>>
>>> --
>>> Post: handb...@googlegroups.com

>>> Subscribe: handbell-l+subs...@googlegroups.com
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>>
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[Carol Lynn Mizell]

Ring/hook/damp

Carol Lynn

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[Michele Sharik]

Ergonomics professionals.

Ergonomic professionals.

That makes no sense.

What is RRHDD?

Sent from my iPhone

[Thomas Simpson]

Now Michele,

You know I love and respect you. But come on. You pioneered and practice 6-in-hand! The most UN Ergonomic technique ever.

And you can try to explain it a 100 different ways, but you're still splaying your hand in a dangerous contortion! And then gripping and twisting your wrist!

So I think hanging an 8 oz bell from ones pinky once every year is not going to destroy the use of their hand.

Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 1:02 PM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

> Ergonomics

[Thomas Simpson]

Ring, ring hook double dampen! 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Stephanie Wiltse]

"Damp..."

You damp bells. You dampen clothes.

:-)

Stevie

[Heitz Handbells]

 >Thomas said,

 

Who said it wasn't a good habit?
Who says it "dangerous"?
Anything done properly can be done correctly. And anything done improperly can be done wrong.

 

>Carol says,

Now Thomas don't get too general.  For instance, I can think of plenty of "things" or "habits" that might be considered "good", but done properly it is dangerous.

 

 

[Thomas Simpson]

Yeah. I know. I'm waiting for Michele to say the same thing!



Sent from my iPhone

[Thomas Simpson]

LOL! Oh Carol! What ever are you talking about? 

Thomas 

Sent from my iPhone

--

[Heitz Handbells]

If you damp twice, it's damps or dampets. :)

 

Carol A. Scheel, Norm P. Heitz
Heitz Handbells and Music LLC
612-208-1741
1 (877 or 866) 426-3235
www.heitzhandbells.com

From: Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com>
To: "handb...@googlegroups.com" <handb...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 1:50 PM

Subject: Re: [HB-L] Suspended Handbell Malleting

Yeah. I know. I'm waiting for Michele to say the same thing!



Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:40 PM, Stephanie Wiltse <stephani...@gmail.com> wrote:

> "Damp..."
>
> You damp bells. You dampen clothes.
>
> :-)
>
> Stevie
>
> On Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 2:08 PM, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:
>> Ring, ring hook double dampen!
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
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[Heitz Handbells]

LOLOLOLOL  Bwaahaaahaaahaaa

 

Carol A. Scheel, Norm P. Heitz
Heitz Handbells and Music LLC
612-208-1741
1 (877 or 866) 426-3235
www.heitzhandbells.com

From: Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com>
To: "handb...@googlegroups.com" <handb...@googlegroups.com>

Cc: "handb...@googlegroups.com" <handb...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 1:51 PM

Subject: Re: [HB-L] Suspended Handbell Malleting

[Bell...@aol.com]

Unless you've got pinkies like MINE!!!

 

:-)  Barbanile

 

In a message dated 7/11/2012 11:16:09 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, mic...@thegoldendance.com writes:

You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.

-Michèle

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 11, 2012, at 21:45, Linda Krantz <ringw...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> If you have 3 bells to mallet, you can hang the third bell on your pinkie (provided it is a smaller bell, I do this above G5 but you may only want to do it C6 and above).

[Bell...@aol.com]

You got it, Thomas.  Susan Berry never could figure out how I could ring the Deep Pit Bells at Bayview when I'm in my 50's.  I told her...I am strong and I use my big muscles:-)  God didn't give me these legs to be a leg model:-)

 

Barbanile

 

In a message dated 7/12/2012 7:54:03 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ftsi...@aol.com writes:

Who said it wasn't a good habit?

Who says it "dangerous"?

Anything done properly can be done correctly. And anything done improperly can be done wrong.

I'd hate to hear your thoughts on RRHDD!!


Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 10:48 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

> It's best to cultivate good habits, Thomas. Therefore, never from the pinky.
>

> Sent from my iPhone
>

> On Jul 12, 2012, at 15:54, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thomas
>>

>> Sent from my iPhone
>>

>> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>>

[Bell...@aol.com]

and don't forget the "cha cha cha" at the end:-)~~~~

 

In a message dated 7/12/2012 11:20:06 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ftsi...@aol.com writes:

Ring, ring hook double dampen! 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 12:53 PM, Heitz Handbells <heitzha...@yahoo.com> wrote:

RRHDD?

 

Carol A. Scheel, Norm P. Heitz
Heitz Handbells and Music LLC
612-208-1741
1 (877 or 866) 426-3235
www.heitzhandbells.com

From: Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com>
To: "handb...@googlegroups.com" <handb...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 9:53 AM

Subject: Re: [HB-L] Suspended Handbell Malleting

Who said it wasn't a good habit?

Who says it "dangerous"?

Anything done properly can be done correctly. And anything done improperly can be done wrong.

I'd hate to hear your thoughts on RRHDD!!


Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 10:48 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

> It's best to cultivate good habits, Thomas. Therefore, never from the pinky.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 12, 2012, at 15:54, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thomas
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>>
>>> You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.
>>>
>>> -Michèle
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jul 11, 2012, at 21:45, Linda Krantz <ringw...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you have 3 bells to mallet, you can hang the third bell on your pinkie (provided it is a smaller bell, I do this above G5 but you may only want to do it C6 and above).
>>>
>>> --
>>> Post: handb...@googlegroups.com

>>> Subscribe: handbell-l+subs...@googlegroups.com
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>>
>> --
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>
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[Bell...@aol.com]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA....I knew that was going to come from somewhere:-)

 

In a message dated 7/12/2012 11:40:16 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, stephani...@gmail.com writes:

"Damp..."

You damp bells. You dampen clothes.

:-)

Stevie

On Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 2:08 PM, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:

> Ring, ring hook double dampen!
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

Since when have I been a pioneer of 6iH? Seriously. When??

And when I do it, which is very rarely - it's been several years - I do it with the utmost ergonomic care.

The wrist cannot twist. It is physically impossible.

It's not that an 8 oz bell destroys the hand, it's that it is a bad habit. And then when one does it with an 8 lb bell it's a problem.

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

No. Dampen and damp are both correct. Look in the dictionary. One dampens vibrations. Ask any percussionist.

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

You'll be waiting forever!!

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

Nein. Even mit pinkies like deines. 

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

Genau   Big muscles are for lifting and small muscles are for control. You got it. 

Thomas does not. The pinky is am kleinsten muscle. Not for lifting or holding. Two fingers minimum!!

Sent from my iPhone

[kipp willnauer]

KC Rings a handbell reading session for  sacred, secular, education needs.
We will meet at Heartland Center at 9 am until 3 pm for 4 different sessions and
a scrumptous lunch.
 
Not to late to join the group.   see www.HandbellCamp.org

   

 
 

[Nicholas Barnard]

Hrm, perhaps I make a video of me holding my groceries with only my pinky. ;-)

Nick

Sent from my computer that moonlights as a phone. Please forgive any misspellings or terseness. 

[Thomas Simpson]

No. You did say it!! You even referred me to a dictionary!


Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

[Thomas Simpson]

It is perfectly safe to suspended a small bell from ones pinky finger. People do it all the time without hurting themselves. And 30 years of doing it and training others tells me it's safe to do. 

NO, don't suspend a C3 from your pinky. Or a G3 for that matter. Now *thats* dangerous. 

Frankly, I don't see how ones holds a bell properly and suspends another from more than just the pinkie. When I've tried it, hurts my hand even more. 

Thomas 

Sent from my iPhone

[Doug Jones]

30 years ago they didn't know as much about ergonomics as they do today. Just because something was once considered a good practice does not mean it's not without harm. (See: bloodletting) My hands are pretty messed up from 20 years of computer work because of practices that were in place back then. You may not be "hurting" yourself by handing that bell on your pinkie, but that does not mean you're not doing damage to the tendon that supports that pinkie. 

Doug

Sent from my iPad

[Bell...@aol.com]

Honey, you're a pioneer of EVERYTHING!!  That's why we love you:-)

 

Barb

 

In a message dated 7/12/2012 3:34:46 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, mic...@thegoldendance.com writes:

Since when have I been a pioneer of 6iH? Seriously. When??

And when I do it, which is very rarely - it's been several years - I do it with the utmost ergonomic care.

The wrist cannot twist. It is physically impossible.

It's not that an 8 oz bell destroys the hand, it's that it is a bad habit. And then when one does it with an 8 lb bell it's a problem.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 20:13, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:

> Now Michele,
>
> You know I love and respect you. But come on. You pioneered and practice 6-in-hand! The most UN Ergonomic technique ever.
>
> And you can try to explain it a 100 different ways, but you're still splaying your hand in a dangerous contortion! And then gripping and twisting your wrist!
>
> So I think hanging an 8 oz bell from ones pinky once every year is not going to destroy the use of their hand.
>
>
>

> Thomas
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>

> On Jul 12, 2012, at 1:02 PM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>
>> Ergonomics

[Bell...@aol.com]

That'll hurt later:-)

 

BS

 

In a message dated 7/12/2012 5:17:30 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ni...@inmff.net writes:

Hrm, perhaps I make a video of me holding my groceries with only my pinky. ;-)

Nick

Sent from my computer that moonlights as a phone. Please forgive any misspellings or terseness. 

On Jul 12, 2012, at 3:38 PM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

Genau   Big muscles are for lifting and small muscles are for control. You got it. 

Thomas does not. The pinky is am kleinsten muscle. Not for lifting or holding. Two fingers minimum!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 13, 2012, at 0:01, Bell...@aol.com wrote:

You got it, Thomas.  Susan Berry never could figure out how I could ring the Deep Pit Bells at Bayview when I'm in my 50's.  I told her...I am strong and I use my big muscles:-)  God didn't give me these legs to be a leg model:-)

 

Barbanile

 

In a message dated 7/12/2012 7:54:03 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ftsi...@aol.com writes:

Who said it wasn't a good habit?

Who says it "dangerous"?

Anything done properly can be done correctly. And anything done improperly can be done wrong.

I'd hate to hear your thoughts on RRHDD!!

Thomas

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 12, 2012, at 10:48 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

> It's best to cultivate good habits, Thomas. Therefore, never from the pinky.
>

> Sent from my iPhone
>

> On Jul 12, 2012, at 15:54, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Eh, hmmmm. I think as long as its not some heavy 20 pounder handbell, you'll be fine with it hanging from you pinky for 8 measures.
>>
>>
>>

>> Thomas
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>

>> On Jul 12, 2012, at 2:15 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:
>>
>>> You should never hang anything from your pinky! It is not a structural element of the hand - it shares tendons with the ring finger. Always use a minimum of two fingers for this.
>>>
>>> -Michèle
>>>

>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>

>>> On Jul 11, 2012, at 21:45, Linda Krantz <ringw...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> If you have 3 bells to mallet, you can hang the third bell on your pinkie (provided it is a smaller bell, I do this above G5 but you may only want to do it C6 and above).
>>>

[Michele Sharik]

And the dictionary says that both are correct.

Perhaps you are confusing me with some other pedant?

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

My physical therapist, my kinesiologist, and my doctor all agree that the pinky should NOT be used for that. But what do they know? You are obviously far more expert than they are. 

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

Aww :-) *blush*

Still, I dont do much 6iH. 

Sent from my iPhone

[Michele Sharik]

There's your problem. One does not "hold" a bell. One lets it sit on your circle of support. That leaves your fingers free to do other things (like damp).

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[Thomas Simpson]

Well my doctors tell me otherwise. I have my hands and arms checked about every year and have them X-rayed. Once even an MRI because of the line of work I am in. I use my hands 6 hours a day playing piano, conducting, writing scores, ect. - and I know the impact that can have on them. 

As far as my specialist and neurologist go, they say I am using my hands and arms correctly. This is not something I take lightly. I've seen too many musician cut their careers short with arthritis and back problems not to be wary of the harm we can do. 

I am NOT losing the use of them to abuse! So 8 ounce hanging from my pinky once a year is not a problem. But scaring people into thinking otherwise is really where the abuse lays. 

Thomas 

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[Thomas Simpson]

So you 6nh with twisting your wrists?

Not what I've seen. How do you get the clappers to ring in succession then? 1 2 3 requires ones wrist to twist.

Thomas

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[Thomas Simpson]

"circle of support" ? What are you smoking Michele!?

One holds a bell. No matter how you dress it up. You're holding it.



Thomas

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On Jul 13, 2012, at 6:16 AM, Michele Sharik <mic...@thegoldendance.com> wrote:

> circle of support

[Thomas Simpson]

Yikes!

Without! Without twisting!




T

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[Thomas Simpson]

LOL!!

[Michele Sharik]

Have you asked them specifically about your pinky? I'd bet not. 

As I said, what do I know? I'm merely doing prep for grad work in Performing Arts Medicine, it's not like i have, you know, actually read the newest material about this stuff or anything. 

It's carelessness like yours, Thomas, that hurts people. Because you don't care to teach people what's healthiest ("I've been doing it for 30 years with no problem!"), the people who have NOT developed the muscles you have because they only use them once a week will be the ones who are hurt. 

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[Michele Sharik]

The wrist cannot twist - it is physically impossible. The rotation (suppination & pronation) comes from the elbow, where it's supposed to come from & the entire forearm turns.

If one is careful to keep the hands above the forearm so that the biceps support all the weight (rather than recruiting the flexors & extensors in the forearm) then it's ok.

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[Michele Sharik]

Why am I not surprised that you've never read Healthy Ringing? "Circle of support" is Sue Berry's term & it's a damn good one.

There is no need to "hold" the bell when one lets it sit balanced on the circle of support. If you're holding the bell, you're working too hard.

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[Thomas Simpson]

I've read it. I got it when it came out like 20 years ago. I'm happy for Sue and the knowledge she has brought to the bell world.

What I'm not happy with is when people are wreck less with the knowledge they "pick up" over the years and proclaim
as gospel. I don't usually include you in that grouping as I believe you have the experience and have done the work. But on this one point I believe you to be wrong. Suspending bells from one pinky for a limited time will not do long term damage. Where that true, the human race would have been doomed long before handbells came along.

Thomas







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[Thomas Simpson]

And I've been a student of the Alexander technique for 25 years. Basically the gold standard of performing arts practices and healthy playing. 

You should really look into it. They have classes at the Choir College every summer 



Thomas 

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[Michele Sharik]

Pot, meet the kettle.

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[Michele Sharik]

The book "What Every Musician Should  Know About the Body" is required reading for the Techniques certification classes. That's written by one of the most respected Alexander teachers out there.

 I've done the research & know that the pinky is not a structural element of the hand. No, hanging a little bell on it for 8 measures may not cause long term damage, but It is a VERY bad habit to encourage or allow. How do you know they dont do other things with the pinky that make the little bell the last straw for their pinky? You dont. Better safe than sorry. Best if one practices safety in all areas of their life. 

The only reason I keep replying to you is because this topic is too important to let you disseminate misinformation. However, I think I've made my point by now and will not reply any further. 

Good day to you, sir. 

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[Thomas Simpson]

Ok. I don't want to argue.

I have a music meeting to go with, so this topic is closed for me.

Take care!



Thomas

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[Stephanie Wiltse]

Rats. I've still got some popcorn left!

;-P

Stevie

[Bell...@aol.com]

And THAT'S the Bazinga line I was looking for!!

 

Thanks, Stevie:-)

 

Barb

[Nick Hanson]

Insert laugh track and cut to commercial.

:D

[Bay View Week Of Handbells]

Can we just change the subject now?
Who remembers Pinky Lee?
C


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[Bell...@aol.com]

I am having WAY too much fun watching this:-)

 

B

[Stephanie Wiltse]

Or Pinky and the Brain?

Wait... that's the thread that just ended! :-)

Stevie

[Thomas Simpson]

I guess he suspended just one too many handbells in his life:

[Rob Meyer]

I keep giggling every time I read a message in this thread and try to hit the "like button"! r

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On Jul 13, 2012, at 2:07 PM, Thomas Simpson <ftsi...@aol.com> wrote:

> I guess he suspended just one too many handbells in his life:
>
>
>
>

> Thomas
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>

> <image.jpeg>

[Ruben Mendoza]

Simple solution: wear gloves where the pinky finger and ring finger are fused. Done.

Ruben

[Stephanie Wiltse]

This would also make it easier to do the Vulcan Salute.

Stevie

[Pat Meinecke]

From someone down south--this has been a hilarious thread but Stephanie's "popcorn" comment
was the best!

Thanks gang and let's hang it up! (Uh-oh).

Pat Meinecke
Brasstown, NC

[Mike Mazzatenta]

Yes, I would probably advise the ladies especially, although I suppose this applies to guys as well, that there are potential health risks to hooking. (Sorry, I figured someone had to go there!) Don't do it! Mazz --- On Fri, 7/13/12, Pat Meinecke <pm...@brmemc.net> wrote:

From: Pat Meinecke <pm...@brmemc.net> Subject: Re: [HB-L] Suspended Handbell Malleting To: handb...@googlegroups.com Date: Friday, July 13, 2012, 2:52 PM

From someone down south--this has been a hilarious thread but Stephanie's "popcorn" comment was the best! Thanks gang and let's hang it up!  (Uh-oh). Pat Meinecke Brasstown, NC On Jul 13, 2012, at 4:51 PM, Stephanie Wiltse wrote: > This would also make it easier to do the Vulcan Salute. > > Stevie > >> Simple solution: wear gloves where the pinky finger and ring finger are >> fused. Done. >> >> Ruben > > -- > Post: handb...@googlegroups.com

> Subscribe: handbell-l+subs...@googlegroups.com > Unsubscribe: handbell-l+unsub...@googlegroups.com

> Digest: e-mail mdp...@gmail.com with subject line "Digest-L"

-- Post: handb...@googlegroups.com Subscribe: handbell-l+subs...@googlegroups.com Unsubscribe: handbell-l+unsub...@googlegroups.com

[Thomas Simpson]

Maybe the Vulcans invited the suspended handbell. Hmmmm.

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