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Series Title: Red River Gold
Song Title	Composer(s)	Arranger(s)	Octaves
Andante	Handel, George Frederick	Mathis, William H.	4-6
Review: William Mathis uses a combination of handbells and harp (or handbells and keyboard) to make the music of George Frederick Handel sparkle.
Bell Carol Fantasy	Ukranian	Sherman, A.	5-6
Review: This setting of the traditional Ukranian bell carol begins with a syncopated vamp that gradually builds to the entrance of the tune in measure 25. Shakes dominate the special effects and add excitement.
Blue Christmas	Hays, B./Johnson, J.	Morris, H.	5-6
Review: Challenge your ringers with this snazzy arrangement of Bill Hays' and Jay Johnson's tune. It includes lots of chromatics, lots of swing rhythms, and is lots of fun to work out. This is a great showcase piece for that Christmas concert.
Bolero	Ravel, Maurice	Mathis, William H.	5-6
Review:
Carnivale	Glasgow, Michael J.		5-7
Review: The first rule of "Carnivale" is for everyone - ringers, director, audience - to have fun! The piece came to be after the composer was issued a challenge in the summer of 2006 to write something that was "pure fun." The piece was conceived as "a relentless romp that's the embodiment of every fantastic circus, fair and carnival you've ever been to, rolled into one." Put on your clown nose and enjoy it!
Cathedrals	Various	Tucker, M. R.	5-7
Review: Incorporating "Adoro Te Devote" and French Cathedrals Round, "Cathdedrals", which is written for the Houston Bronze Ensemble, exhibits a dreamy, mystical style.
Dance and Devotion	Morris, H.		5
Review: This original composition commissioned by The Houston Bronze Ensemble calls for "devotion" to rehearsal to conquer all the "dancing" from meter to meter! Yet, it is this banter along with spiked techniques and sprightly melody that give the work its energy. This one's definitely a worthy challenge!
Dance of the Hours	Ponchielli, Amilcare	Sherman, Arnold	5-7
Review: For many of us, "Dance of the Hours" conjures up alligator and hippo dancers from the original Walt Disney production "Fantasia." Actually, this selection by Amilcare Ponchielli is from "La Gioconda,"; and arranger Arnold Sherman has done a superb job of adapting it for bells, chimes, and percussion. This is a challenge to rehearse and a joy to perform (and hear!). Five separate scores for Handbell Choir I, Handchime Choir II, Handbell Choir III, Percussion, and Full Score are available.
Imagenes	Payn, W.		5
Review: William Payn is well known in the bell world for his emotive and imaginative original compositions. This offering is no different. Peppered with mixed meter, wide dynamic shifts, special effects, percussion comments, and various musical textures, this 132-measured work speaks to the imagination within all of us.
In the Mood	Garland, Joe	Morris, Hart	5-7
Review: Oh boy! Advanced groups will have their hands full with this rendition of the Joe Garland swingin' tune from the 30's. Every articulation you can think of (and, yes, even the kitchen sink) is thrown into the mix! Lots of chromatic ringing and syncopation exist throughout all 131 measures.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence	Picardy	Frizzell, J.D.	4-7
Review: Accidental changes in one section push this otherwise level 3 piece into an advanced difficulty rating, making it a good "stretch" piece for your choir. The tune PICARDY is set with bells and with optional handchimes (4 octaves). Mallets, both on suspended and tabled bells, add ambiance and mystery, especially in the haunting ending.
Nothin' But the Blood	Lowry, R.	Morris, B.	5
Review: Bluesy harmonies (bell changes galore) syncopated rhythms (like a bass guitar), and well-placed, special articulations make this setting of the old gospel hymn swing. A fun challenge piece to move your intermediate bell choir up a notch. This selection is in Red River Gold's music for advanced ensembles. 80 measures in length.
Parousia	Saul, W.		5
Review: Red River Gold is the label used by Red River Music for advanced ensemble repertoire. The Ring of Fire Handbell Choir commissioned this original selection. PAROUSIA is a musical interpretation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Much of the piece is in 7/8 time in reflection of the "time, times, and half a time" mentioned in Bible prophecy.
Pine Apple Rag	Joplin, S.	Sherman, A.	5
Review: Originally written by Scott Joplin, this jazzy work was arranged for the East Texas Handbell Ensemble. Chock-full of eighth and sixteenth notes, this piece keeps the ringers active throughout.
Praise and Adoration	Parrish, M. K.		5
Review: Offbeat accents and meter changes are only part of the challenge of this piece for 5 octaves. This work is written for Advanced Ensembles.
Seven Eight Lay them Straight	Morris, H.		6
Review: In the series, Red River Gold, this original composition was written for a community choir, and is definitely a "show piece." The beginning time signature is 2/8+2/8+3/8.
Shenandoah	American Folk Tune	Frizzell, J. D.	5-7
Review: From the Red River Gold series for advanced ensembles comes this setting of the poignant American folk tune. Bells are joined by 4 octaves of chimes and vocal solo or ensemble (which may also be played by a C instrument). The "river" aspect is alluded to through use of flowing accompaniment patterns, chimes, and mallets on suspended bells.
Three Four Shut the Door	Morris, Hart		5-7
Review: Three, Four, Shut the Door" is a truly unique original composition by Hart Morris that will take audiences of all ages back to their childhood. Based on part of an old nursery rhyme, the piece is written for 5, 6 or 7 octaves of handbells and percussion that includes the slamming of a door.
To A Wild Rose	MacDowell, Edward	Sherman, Arnold B.	4-5
Review: This arrangement of Edward Macdowell's original may be played entirely on handchimes if desired. Marked "With Simple Tenderness," the fairly simple score is a challenge in ringing musically. There are some bell changes, but not in fast rhythms.
Toccata Ritmica	Joy, M.		5-7
Review: Red River Gold, a part of the Red River Music catalog, is designated as "Music for Advanced Ensembles". This original work by Michael Joy is in that category and promises the choir willing to put in the time and effort a marvelous musical journey.
Variations on Ah vous Dirai Je Maman	Mozart, W.	Sherman, A.	5
Review: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's famous variations on what is mostly commonly known as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is here set for the most advanced handbell ensembles. Challenging rhythms, bell changes, precise technique execution, and contrasting tempos and textures enhance the music and challenge the ringers. Five full octaves are called for.

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