Commissioned Works

Over the long history of The Hagerstown Area Handbell Festival, we have been fortunate to be able to have music commissioned by some of the most wonderful composers for this instrument.  Below you will find information on each piece.

Praise and Alleluias  

Composer:  Mary McCleary

Commissioned 1979, and Published by Hope Publishing Company 1981

3-5 Octaves,  Level 1

Jeffers #MHP1040

O God, Our Help In Ages Past  

Arranger:  Richard Frey

Commissioned 1985, and Published by AGEHR

3-5 Octaves,  Level 3+

Jeffers Cat Numbers

MAG35042 (Ringer Score)

MAGC006 (Fill Score)

MAGPP208 (Brass & Percussion)

Sine Nomine  

Arranger:  Douglas Wagner

Commissioned 1987, and Published by Hope Publishing Company

3-5 Octaves,  Level 3

Jeffers #MHP1271

Nocturne No. 4 in A minor  

Composer:  Cynthia Dobrinski

Commissioned 1989, and Published by Hope Publishing Company

3-5 Octaves,  Level 3

Jeffers #MHP1412

Adoration

Composer:  Phyllis Kirk

Commissioned 1997, and Published by Laurendale Associates

2-6 Octaves,  Level 4

Jeffers #MLAHB1055

Review:     Commissioned for the 1997 Hagerstown Area Handbell Festival, this original work is for double handbell choir and timpani. Choir I is for 2-octaves of bells or choir chimes and Choir II is for either 3, 4, 5 or 6-octaves. The timpani part is optional and is included in back of the bell score. The composer writes: "Except for the Fanfare, each choir plays different music, but both parts fit together." She goes on to give more performance suggestions and mentions the fact that this piece can be played by one choir if desired. A total of 38 measures, this piece is written in G Major.

O God, Beyond all Praising

Composer:  Lee Afdahl

Commissioned 1999

Hope Eternal

Arranger:  Michael Keller

Commissioned 2007

Manuscript