Ballade
This commissioned original work was written in loving memory of a fellow ringer. An optional 3,4, or 5 octaves of handchimes may be used with the 3,4,5, or 6 octaves of handbells. The piece begins Adagio con espressivo with a gentle, eighth-note pattern in 3/4 time. It gradually builds, adding in the chimes before a slightly faster section enters after a key change. Thoughtful, beautiful, reflective, and full of good memories throughout all 133 measures, it is scored in C Major and Ab Major.