By Judy Phillips . . . Original Composition . . . 

This is a sparkling original work, highly accented and rhythmically charged, that speeds from beginning to end like a runaway train -- it is exciting to play, and relies on a choir that can handle Level 3 syncopated accents, particularly in the mid-battery bells.  The melody is almost always over a bedding of accented 8th notes, and the choir must always be aware of this so as not to overpower (especially when this melody flows into the bass bells).  There are good moments in the bass (a drone-low 5th octave would be particularly useful, if you have them)  and in the battery, and the trebles are simply in non-stop movement almost throughout.  

This is a terrific concert opener or concert closer, with a swift and decisive mart ending, and we like it very much (and have performed it) at Handbell Services.

• Key of C Major, 4/4 time signature, marked 120 speed

• Accented and syncopated 8th notes carry the rhythm, with a quarter/8th melody; there are occasional accidentals, but nothing difficult

• Accents are everywhere, and plucks in the middle for the special techniques; there is a closing measure of marts

• Dynamics are mf and above throughout -- there isn't a mp or p to be found

© 2004  Red River Music