Fred Merrett Award for New Compositions
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
General Information
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.
Past Winners
2012
Category B - Grove and Meadow by Darryl DeWalt
Category C - Pastoral Dance on 'Comfort, Comfort, Now My People' by Darryl DeWalt
2013
Category A - Sunrise by Betty Radford
Category C - Dancing with the Yao People of China by Betty Radford
2014
Category A - Song Birds by Betty Radford
Category C - Boardwalk by Betty Radford
2016
Category A - Intrada by John Hooper
Category B - Constellations by Betty Radford
Category C - Introspection by John Hooper