Bells of the Sound was pleased to award First Place to Michael Glasgow of Raleigh, NC for Bumping Noses. Michael took his inspiration from the "sad clown" traditionally known as Pierrot in circus lore. The piece follows the clown who always has a glum outlook and a frown on his face and captures his joy when he finally finds a friend. The title of the piece comes from "circus-speak" - rather than wishing each other good luck, circus clowns bid each other good fortune with the phrase "Bump a Nose." With piccolo and clarinet accompaniment, this is a fun and spirited piece! Michael has composed numerous original sacred choral, orchestral, and handbell compositions, and has recently had his first handbell piece - Carnivale - published.

Second Place was awarded to Greg Underwood of Matthews, NC for Big Top Promenade. This piece captures the energy and excitement under the tent as the circus performers enter the Big Top - elephants, clowns, acrobats all make a grand appearance! Greg is an accomplished pianist and has also recently had his first handbell composition published - Allegro Spiritoso.

An Honorable Mention prize was awarded to Jim Atchison of San Rafael, CA for Ring, Rang, Rung. This piece has five movements, and we have selected several of them for our spring concert program.

Bells of the Sound thanks everyone who submitted a composition - we really appreciate you sharing your creative vision with us. The complete list of "Three Ring Circus" Composition Contest entries is:

• Ring, Rang, Rung by Jim Atchison, San Rafael, CA
• Rings by Helen Blakely, Rosedale, MD
• Ring in the Clowns by Brian Childers, Mt. Holly, NC
• Bumping Noses by Michael Glasgow, Raleigh, NC
• The Ringmaster's Circle by Kathleen Mackie, Merced, CA
• Come Into the Big Top by Michael Mazzatenta, Mesa, AZ
• Ten Short Stories by Matthew Prins, Richmond, VA
• Circus Suite by David Tiedman, Mills, MA
• Big Top Promenade by Greg Underwood, Matthews, NC