7. Calling and conducting

7.1. Calling positions

Calling touches on handbells is exactly the same as on tower bells. Calls are made at the lead end, and each lead end has a name. Usually this name relates to the place bell of the tenor:

  • Wrong (w) – when the tenor is dodging 5/6 up.
  • Home (h) – when the tenor is dodging 5/6 down.
  • (run) in,
  • (run) out 
  • Make (the bob).

The bob or single is called when the treble rings in 2nd place at backstroke when it is hunting down to the front:

  • Wrong – make the call when ringing in 5th place at backstroke before the 5/6 up dodge.
  • Home – make the call when lying in 6th place before the 5/6 down dodge.

Some compositions are particularly handbell friendly. For example, they might keep certain pairs mainly ringing the coursing position.