November 1st, 2007

Proposal for a Ringing Course/Workshop for Summer 2008 in Pittsburgh

Following on from the ringing course for intermediate level ringers held in Pittsburgh in  August 2007, we would like to offer a course at approximately the same time next year (2008).

Since the AGM for 2008 is scheduled for early October it is hoped that a course in mid-to late August will not present any conflicts with other NAG events.

As was the case last year, the following proposal may be subject to change dependent on availability of instructors/helpers and the level of interest expressed by potential students.

Course Curriculum

Since it is our hope to continue to offer courses for differing levels of ringers’ current skills, the anticipated curriculum for Summer 2008 will be for introductory method ringing, specifically being targeted at those currently working on Plain Hunt and Plain Bob from Doubles through Major.

More detail of required study material for the course will be decided upon and provided for participants after the selection of successful applicants and specific dates have been finalized.

Course Outline

Don Morrison will be the Primary Instructor.

The plan is for a 2 or 3 day ringing course, most likely with attendees arriving on a Friday afternoon or evening. 

Ringing sessions will probably be from 6:30/7:00 until around 9:00 on the Friday, from approximately 10:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM (including a lunch break) on the Satuday, and on the Sunday from after normal service ringing (roughly 11:00 to 11:30 AM) until departure of attendees.

Since we are subject to the occasional wedding and rehearsal which are not always readily predictable, these times may need to vary but the overall amount of ringing time should not be compromised.

Selection of Applicants

In order to optimize the effectiveness of the course for the students it may be necessary to limit the number of applications accepted.  Factors affecting the selection of successful applicants will include early registration of interest in participation and those whom the organisers consider to be most likely to benefit from the course.  Rejection of applications should not be considered any kind of rebuff but simply an effort to maintain manageable numbers and maximize the potential benefits to students.

Schedule

The proposed schedule for this project is to allow until the end of January for potential students to register their interest in participation (but the sooner the better).

If interest is adequate, we will then spend as much time as necessary up to a maximum of 3 months determining if sufficient instructors and helpers can be obtained to make the course viable.  This time will also be used if necessary to select (in the organizers’ views) the most appropriate candidates for participation.

By the end of April at the latest (and hopefully sooner) we will be able to let all successful applicants know if the course is “a go” leaving them more than 3 months to make travel plans.

If you are interested in participating in such a course please respond to the at your earliest convenience. 

If certain dates would preclude your participation please mention them in your response.

Ross J Finbow

Ringing Master, Pittsburh Change Ringing Guild

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