Change ringing software encompasses the several different types of
software
Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data. This is in contrast to hardware, from which the system is built and which actually performs the work.
At the lowest programming level, executable code consists ...
in use today in connection with
change ringing
Change ringing is the art of ringing a set of tuned bells in a tightly controlled manner to produce precise variations in their successive striking sequences, known as "changes". This can be by method ringing in which the ringers commit to memor ...
.
Modern
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers maintains a list of change ringing software.
CCCBR. ICT Software Catalogue
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There are four general types of software used in connection with change ringing: tools for composition, simulation, record keeping, and maintaining up-to-date bell tower directories.
Composing tools
The most common use of software in change ringing is composition proving. This type of software is used to take the tedium out of proving change ringing
Change ringing is the art of ringing a set of tuned bells in a tightly controlled manner to produce precise variations in their successive striking sequences, known as "changes". This can be by method ringing in which the ringers commit to memor ...
compositions: that is, checking that no change within the composition is repeated. The software will perform the checks required to prove a composition in milliseconds, rather than the hours or days required for paper based proving methods. Often these programs can also analyse compositions to determine the musical rows that they contain.
In recent years, more advanced tools have emerged which can assist the human composer in other ways. These range from pure composition-generation programs such as BYROC and Elf, to more sophisticated programs such as SMC32, which can work alongside the human composer, for instance by linking together existing musical blocks which the composer has created.
The main examples of proving software are:
Trident
Beltower
Some examples of composition generation tools:
BYROC
Elf
Simulator
The original use of simulators was to allow the practising of change ringing in the tower, but nowadays is perhaps used more in the home, using a dumbbell or keyboard. Many different scenarios can now be accommodated by the software. Sensors are used to give temporal information to the computer.
* Single or multiple learner silent practise with computer producing sound of the bell
* Whole band silent practise with computer producing sound of all the bells
* Practise on more bells than you have with the computer adding in the extra bells
* Practice methods that are more advanced that your band is capable with the computer filling in all the bells
The main examples of simulator software are:
Abel
Beltower
Virtual Belfry
Recordkeeping
Keeping records is very important to some change ringers. Records are often kept in the following areas:
* Grabs (towers visited)
* Peals
* Quarter peals
The main examples of record keeping software are:
WinRK
Duco
Tower directory
An up-to-date directory of towers is often used to plan outings and, used in conjunction with the record keeping software to decide what towers still need to be grabbed.
The main examples of tower directory software are:
TowerBase
History
The earliest known change ringing programs can be traced back to the 1950s. Some of this history is traced in thi
See also
*Braid theory
A braid (also referred to as a plait) is a complex structure or pattern formed by interlacing two or more strands of flexible material such as textile yarns, wire, or hair.
The simplest and most common version is a flat, solid, three-strande ...
*Campanology
Campanology () is the scientific and musical study of bells. It encompasses the technology of bells – how they are founded, tuned and rung – as well as the history, methods, and traditions of bellringing as an art.
It is common to collect ...
References
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External links
Bell Conductor
software to help to achieve harmony and melody through visualization of a ringing sequence from text and midi files
"Abel"
simulator software
Excalibur
composition proving software
Campanology
Electronic musical instruments
English culture