Meet Field

Field is a ringer at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is a very busy high school student! In addition to school and ringing, he is a treble chorister, an organist, and he has his own pottery business.

How did you get involved in ringing?

For preschool, elementary, and middle school, I was enrolled at St. Mark’s. When I was 4 years old December of 2009 when the bells came from Whitechapel to Shreveport. I remember the day so clearly when the teachers took us out to see the bells being lifted into the Belfry. Specifically I remember the largest bell in the tower, Marie, sitting on her pallet. There is a photo of me somewhere that shows me hugging the top of the bell. The black coating was so fresh, some of it came off on my arms. I actually started ringing, however, when I was eleven years old. It was a Monday in March right after the Shreveport AGM funny enough. I kept coming to practice and eventually it stuck.

How often are you able to ring?

Our band rings on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings for practice, and then before and after the 10:30am Eucharist. We ring weddings and ring the Nine Tailors and toll for funerals.

What aspects of ringing do you enjoy the most?

I love the complexity and the challenges of change ringing.

What ringing accomplishments are you most proud of, and what do you want to do in the future?

I cannot forget about being one of the first recipients of the Jeff Smith Young Ringer award.  I have rung the tenor to a quarter peal and the treble to another.  Those were some fun times!

Now I want to ring a full peal. One day, I also want to be able to ring a peal that is greater than 24 hours!

What are you currently working on?

I've been teaching myself to call bobs and singles in Plain Bob, and I am also trying to teach myself Stedman Triples.  I am really glad to have other ringers as friends. I can ask them questions about this stuff and they help a lot.

What advice do you have for people your age who might be interested in ringing?  

Well it is certainly not an easy thing. It definitely takes commitment. Going to bell festivals and getting immersed in bell ringing will definitely help.

I have to say thanks to all the ringers I have met so far and the members that have come and gone in my band at St. Mark’s. You have all helped me grow and become successful in the ringing world. I am truly just a beginner and have a lot to learn. I’m excited to see what the future brings!