Sharon Elery Rogers*

The composer writes: “I have recently completed a newly commissioned collection of Ringing Music of the Masters to be rung primarily by beginning handbell and handchime ringers in the early grades . . . I am promoting and advocating the teaching of the more famous classics that children should be exposed to in the school music programs, through the formation of  handbell choirs in the early grades . . . The collection is written with teaching instructions for the techniques used in handbell ringing and also gives a short history of each of the master composers. I have also received my 40th annual ASCAP award this past year, with over 550 published works in organ, piano, choral, and handbell music throughout my career, with several new contracts for 2006 and 2007.” You are invited to visit the composer’s website at www.venice_florida.com/artandculture/rogers.htm

Premieres

Three Early American Hymns for Bells and A Rose Tree Blooms In the Silent Night were introduced in 2005 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, FL.

Performances

Many performances of the composer’s works took place in 2005, including A Bit of Beethoven and A Bit of Haydn for handbell, Tom Mathis Music Center, Sarasota, FL; The Caroling Medley, presented by the Handbell Choir at Concordia Lutheran Church, Sarasota, FL; Noël Fantasies for Organ, Covenant Life Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, FL; A Rose Tree Blooms in the Silent Night, conducted by Cynthia Dobrinski, Sarasota, FL, and played by the Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, conducted by Wesley Schumacher; and Cherry Tree Carol, performed by the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, Jeanette, PA.    

Publications

A Bit of Haydn, 2-3 octaves of handbells; Alfred. Christmas Season Trio, 3, 4, or 5 octaves of handbells; Jeffers. Two Songs of Hope and Rest, 2-3 octaves of handbells; Harold Flammer/Shawnee Press. The King Shall Come (Medley), 3, 4,or 5 octaves of handbells; Morning Star. Jingo Calypso, 3, 4, or 5 octaves of handbells; Sassafras.

*Sigma Alpha Iota Member

Further Information

• 2003-2004 American Composers Update
• 2002-2003 American Composers Update
• 2001-2002 American Composers Update
• 2000-2001 American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 American Composers Update
• 1998-1999 American Composers Update
• 1997-1998 American Composers Update
• 1996-1997 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online