Tasting Notes Music is a music and arts organization based in Chandler, AZ that seeks to present and promote collaborations that produce adventurous musical experiences

Tasting Notes Music is announcing a call for proposals to compose a new and adventurous work for handbell choir, with the option of including cello.

Submission Details 

• No application fee.

• No stylistic restrictions.

• No demographic restrictions.

• Composers do not have to have previous experience writing for handbell choir in order to participate.

• Composers must submit three representative works for consideration (handbell or percussion works are not necessary. See “To Apply”, below).

• In order to be considered, composers must agree to attend a one-hour workshop about writing for handbell choir in person or virtually (see “Workshop” below).

• Preference will be given to composers who can be present for final rehearsals and the concert in person on Saturday, October 4th, at 7:00 PM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, AZ.

Instrument and Player Details

The Tasting Notes Handbell Choir is a professional-level handbell choir based in the Phoenix, AZ area. It consists of five octaves of handbells (C3-C8), with three octaves of choirchimes (C4-C7). More details can be provided upon request, and at the workshop.

Phoenix-based cellist Dr. Elliot Yang will be available to perform along with the handbell choir. 

The Resulting Piece and Concert Program

• Selected composers will be asked to produce a new and original piece of music for the concert (no arrangements or existing works). 

• Though there are no stylistic restrictions for the piece, we ask that the resulting piece advances the handbell repertoire in an adventurous way.

• The submitted work must be between 3 and 7 minutes in duration.

• The concert will be in two parts. The first part will consist of performances of classical and popular songs by local handbell ensembles. The second part of the concert will be the performance of the new works created in this project by the Tasting Notes Handbell Choir.

Workshop

We ask that, in order to participate, composers must agree to attend a one-hour workshop on the subject of composing for handbell choir, handbell care, performance practice issues, and extended techniques. Virtual attendance can be accommodated. There will also be an opportunity for composers to interact with the presenter and request the demonstration of new or existing extended techniques. The workshop time is to be determined–it will be scheduled at a time that works for all the selected composers, after selections have been made.

To Apply

Please submit proposals using the Google Form.

Timeline

11:59 pm MST on Monday, March 31, 2025 - deadline for proposal submission

8:00 am MST on Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Announcement of the selected composers

May 2025 TBD - Workshop on writing for handbells

September 2025 TBD - Rehearsals to be attended by composers

7:00pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025 - Performance of newly-composed works

Questions

Please direct questions to charles@htlutheran.com

Applications for becoming a ringer will be available soon.