Research and education within new bell-ringing groups. Two key concepts for giving meaning to the manual ringing of bells

Abstract

The continued presence of bells in contemporary society would be incomprehensible without the groups of bell-ringers that have emerged across Spain over the last forty years. Following decades of decline, their efforts helped revitalize a communicative language that had seemed destined to disappear entirely. For these groups, research and education became defining characteristics, fundamentally altering the profile of the traditional, salaried bell-ringers. Recently, however, a new, younger generation has taken an interest in the world of bells, bringing with them different approaches. These new methods have occasionally clashed with the perspective held by established bell-ringers, making it necessary to re-evaluate certain approaches to prevent future conflict. This paper examines both perspectives, as well as the role that research and education should play in the training and practice of today’s bell-ringers.