Each year the Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers (ALGEHR) sponsors the Alberta Handbell Composer’s Competition.

Its major purpose is to encourage the composition of music for handbells by Albertans and at the same time offer some opportunity for these works to be performed.

Download our information package on the competition (including an entry form) here

There are five classes within the competition:

Category A – an original composition or arrangement for 2 –3 octave handbell and/or handchime choir. Level 1 – 2+

Category B – an original composition or arrangement for 3-5 octave handbell and/or handchime choir. Level 1 – 2+

Category C – an original composition or arrangement for any octave set of handbells and/or handchimes Level 3 – 6

Category D – an original composition or arrangement to be performed by a solo ringer or small ensemble (up to four ringers)

Category E – an original composition or arrangement for any range of handbells and/or handchimes by composers under the age of 18.

The composition should be able to be rung on a basic set of 2 or more chromatic octaves of handbells and/or handchimes.

Prizes are as follows: $200 for each category

In addition, the winning compositions will be presented to the membership at the Guild’s annual Handbell Discovery workshop held each fall.

Composers or arrangers entering the competition must be residents of Alberta.