Concert Bells of Fort Worth, under the direction of Yale alumni Stephanie Rhoades, is calling for submissions for their first ever composition contest. The top prize is $1500 and there is no entry fee. Applicants should submit a work of 3-6 minutes for 5-7 octaves of handbells, plus any listed auxiliary instruments as listed in the contest language. Only new and original compositions that have not been published, recorded, performed, or awarded are eligible.
This advanced, performing handbell ensemble is known for their technical precision, musical sensitivity, and is lauded in the handbell community as being one of the most respected and accomplished performance groups around. As a member of Handbell Musicians of America, they have been asked to perform multiple concerts at the organization’s annual National Seminar conferences, as well as at a myriad of local and regional events. Recently, they were featured on WRR 101.1’s Caroling in the Arts District radio program. Membership in the ensemble is by audition and is comprised of published composers, regionally and nationally in-demand clinicians and teachers, advanced performers, music educators, and respected conductors, to name just a few. Concert Bells has recorded two full-length albums and is looking to expand the repertoire for advanced and serious handbell ensembles with this contest.
The submission deadline for scores is January 15, 2027. There are no restrictions on who may submit an entry, and multiple submissions are allowed. The winning entry will be featured in the group’s Spring 2027 concert performances. Full details about the contest can be found at the group’s website.
An archival recording will be made for the winning entry during the spring performances, and conveyed to the winning entrant, but will not be distributed commercially in any way by the organization. The composer retains all rights regarding publication and recording, except for the dedication line to the composition in print. Please see contest language for full details.
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