Carillon

Scott has composed and arranged extensively for the carillon. His works are published in print through American Carillon Music Editions and The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. He also publishes digitally through SMP Press as Scott R. Hummel Music. Scott’s introduction to the carillon came through listening to the 62-bell instrument housed in the Chimes Tower at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Learn more about his currently available publications below.

Bells in a large metal frame

Carillon Compositions

Shadow and Light
Shadow and Light is a five minute work for the traditional 47-bell North American carillon. Filled with peeling passages and melodic bass lines, the work takes full advantage of the 4 octave range.
 
Range: 4 Octaves
Composition Year: 2015
Publication Year: 2016
Publisher: GCNA
Three Sketches for Carillon

The three sketches presented in this work can be performed both individually and as a set. Cascade introduces a gentle falling melody through the pentatonic scale. Gallop conveys the imagery of a horse through a lively melody and rhythm. Float closes the set with a flowing accompaniment in the hands over a lyric melody in the bass.

Movements: 3 – Cascade, Gallop, Float
Range: 4(3) Octaves
Composition Year: 2016
Publication Year: 2017
Publisher: GCNA
Morning Mist

An opening converging motif and hymn-like melody slowly transforms into a triumphant and fanfare-inspired conclusion. The softly falling morning mist dissolves into a bright new day.

Range: 3.5 Octaves
Composition Year: 2018
Publication Year: 2019
Publisher: GCNA
Celebration on "O Sanctissima"

Celebration on “O Sanctissima” was commissioned for the 175th anniversary of St. Mary of Redford, Detroit, Michigan and was premiered at the Closing Mass on November 3, 2019 by Annette Wright, Director of Music. The work is a paraphrase on the hymn “O Sanctissima” which is often sung on feast days of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Celebration on “O Sanctissima” follows the history of St. Mary’s from a simple beginning in 1843, represented by a chant melody, through the church’s growth, hard times, and faithfulness. The work is a commemoration of 175 years and the promise of many more to come.

Range: 3.5 Octaves
Composition Year: 2019
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: ACME
Lullaby

Lullaby began as a vocal work based on a poem of the same name by Horace Smith. Much as a lullaby is sung at twilight, a time not quite day yet not quite night, this piece exists in, and shifts between, D major and B minor. The melody, in the treble of the secondo part, should be performed sweetly and naturally with rubato, as a parent would sing to a newborn child.

Setting: Duet
Range: 3.5 Octaves
Composition Year: 2019
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: GCNA
Caribbean Dance

Caribbean Dance was conceived as a work that can be performed on any size carillon. The score is engraved to be performed on a 23-bell instrument, but instruments with a larger range, play the treble an octave higher. The piece contains both rhythmic and melodic elements designed to groove and be reminiscent of a dance. Caribbean Dance is a light and fun addition to any program.

Range: 2 Octaves +
Composition Year: 2017
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
Spring Rain

Spring Rain reflects the varied beauty of a fresh spring rainstorm. From the lively, wild drops of a sudden cloudburst to a gentle April shower, and finally, a wild and windy downpour. Through bouncing, flowing motifs, and rapidly changing time signatures, Spring Rain contemplates the simple elegance and the delightful whimsy of vernal rainfall.

Range: 4 (3) Octaves
Composition Year: 2020
Publication Year: 2021
Publisher: GCNA
Two Impressions of the Sky

Two Impressions of the Sky presents contrasting movements, “Twilight” and “Storm.” With cascading seventh chords and a hymn-like melody, “Twilight” reflects a peaceful evening as the last sunlight fades into a star-studded night sky. “Storm” opens with swirling fourths and a dramatic melody in the bass. The whirling winds of the trebles are frequently broken by musical thunder in the bass and an ascending lightning motif—the storm lulls and surges, reaching a rapid and dramatic finale. Two Impressions of the Sky was commissioned in 2019 by Austin K. Ferguson, Carillonneur, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Range: 4 Octaves
Composition Year: 2019
Publication Year: 2022
Publisher: SMP
Paraphrase on "North Port"

Paraphrase on “North Port” received an honorable mention in the Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church 75th Anniversary Carillon Composition Competition in November 2022. Opening with a chant-like presentation of the shape note melody, the work builds from a slow contemplation to a rapid and glorious conclusion reminiscent of the hymn text. “North Port,” The Sacred Harp 324, is attributed to R.R. Osborne. It is usually performed with the text by John Cennick, “Jesus, My All, to Heaven Has Gone.” 

Range: 4 Octaves
Composition Year: 2020
Publication Year: 2023
Publisher: SMP

Carillon Arrangements

Fountain Reverie by Percy Fletcher

Percy Eastman Fletcher (1879-1932) was an English composer and conductor known primarily for his lyric writing and his involvement in the London theatre scene. His varied oeuvre reflects his musical training on piano, organ, and violin. “Fountain Reverie” was first published as a work for solo organ in 1915. In this arrangement for carillon, Fountain Reverie provides a rippling accompaniment in the hands against a very lyrical melody in the feet.

Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2016
Publisher: ACME
Evening in the Meadow by Vladimir Rebikov
This carillon arrangement of Evening in the Meadow transcribes Rebikov’s impressionistic sketch to the carillon medium taking full advantage of the bells’ sonorities and decay. This arrangement is dedicated in memory of Rebecca Gass Butler.
 
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2017
Publisher: ACME
Ständchen by Franz Schubert
“Stänchen” is a much beloved lied from Schubert’s posthumously published collection, Schwanengesang. This duet setting provides a full and active accompaniment while highlighting Schubert’s haunting melody. This arrangement is dedicated in honor of Dr. Patricia Hummel.
 
Setting: Duet
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2017
Publisher: ACME
Arabian Dance by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
A carillon arrangement of “Arabian Dance” (Coffee) from Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, The Nutcracker.
 
Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2017
Publisher: GCNA
Ronde by Maurice Ravel
A carillon arrangement of Maurice Ravel’s “Ronde” from Trios Chansons. The lyrics of “Ronde” discuss rumors of all of the mysterious creatures found in the dark forests. This arrangement brings the mystery of Ravel’s vocal work to the carillon.
 
Range: 3+d Octaves
Publication Year: 2017
Publisher: GCNA
Morgenstimmung by Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg’s Morgenstimmung (Morning Song) from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 24 is universally recognizable to classical music listeners and the general public alike thanks to its frequent use in television and cinema. This arrangement brings the energy and drama of the original orchestration to the carillon.
 
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2018
Publisher: ACME
Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant by Maurice Ravel
This carillon arrangement of “Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant” (Pavane of Sleeping Beauty) from Maurice Ravel’s Ma mère l’Oye (Mother Goose) is a charming short work for carillon that is great for any level of performer. This arrangement was written in honor of William and Sue Ann Hummel.
 
Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2018
Publisher: ACME
Toccatina by Pietro Yon

Toccatina a quick and playful piece was written for organ and intended to be played on a single manual with a single 8-foot flute stop. Pietro Yon was an Italian-born organist who made his career in the United States. He served for a time as an organist at the Vatican and at the Royal Church in Rome before coming to the United States in 1907. He is most famous for this piece, and for his Christmas piece, Gesu bambino.

Range: 3 Octaves
Publication Year: 2018
Publisher: ACME
Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
A collection of 6 pieces from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky starting with the “Promenade” and ending with the The Great Gates of Kiev.” These all time favorites are great for any time of the year.
 
Collection Includes: Promenade, The Gnome, The Old Castle, The Ox-Cart, Two Jews: One Rich, One Poor, The Great Gates of Kiev
Range: 3-4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2019
Publisher: ACME
Prière à Notre-Dame by Léon Boëllmann
A carillon arrangement of the third movement of Léon Boëllmann’s monumental Suite Gothique. Originally written for organ, this reflective movement, “Prayer for Notre-Dame,” has a falling melody that uses the full resources of a 4 octave instrument.
 
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2019
Publisher: ACME
Gretchen am Spinnrade by Franz Schubert
A carillon duet transcription of Franz Schubert’s “Gretchen am Spinnrade.”
 
Setting: Duet
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2019
Publisher: SMP
Believe (from The Polar Express)

A carillon arrangement of “Believe” from Warner Brothers Pictures’ The Polar Express. “Believe” captures all of the joy and magic of Chris Van Allsburg‘s Christmas classic.

Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2019
Publisher: SMP
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' by Rodgers and Hammerstein

A carillon arrangement of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, Oklahoma!

Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2019
Publisher: SMP
Goodnight Moon by Eric Whitacre

A carillon arrangement of Eric Whitacre’s beautiful setting of Goodnight Moon. Margaret Brown Wise’s classic children’s book is brought to life in this flowing lullaby.

Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
Shepherd Playing on his Pipe by Vladimir Rebikov

A simple and fun carillon arrangement of Vladimir Rebikov’s “Shepherd Playing on his Pipe” from Silhouettes.

Range: 3 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre
A carillon arrangement of Eric Whitacre’s sweet setting of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Seal Lullaby” from The White Seal.  A lyric melody weaves between the treble and the bass among a flowing accompaniment. This charming lullaby is the perfect addition to an evening or children’s recital.
 
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
When You Believe by Stephen Schwartz

A carillon arrangement of Stephen Schwartz’s When You Believe” from the DreamWorks Animation film The Prince of Egypt. The stirring melody is handed between the treble and bass and finally climaxes with a dramatic toccata-style conclusion.

Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
Introduction - Choral by Léon Boëllmann
A carillon arrangement of the first movement of Léon Boëllmann’s monumental Suite Gothique. The grand introduction and choral flows easily in the treble with a moving melodic line in the bass.
 
Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: ACME
My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose - Traditional

A fun and varied arrangement of the beautiful folk tune “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,” the traditional Scottish ballad with simple but effective lyrics. “My luve’s like a red, red rose/That’s newly sprung in June” describes a love that is both fresh and long-lasting. This arrangement was written in honor of the union of Brad W. Hummel and Emily C. Hicks.

Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: ACME
Last Rag by William Bolcom

William Bolcom’s Last Rag brings the quintessential rag style to a lyric and sentimental melodic line. Enjoy the fun and melodic piece in this arrangement for carillon.

Range: 3.5 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: GCNA
Swedish Rhapsody (Midsummer Vigil) by Percy Faith

A carillon arrangement of Percy Faith’s Swedish Rhapsody (Midsummer Vigil). This piece of light music was based on folk themes from a larger work of the same name by Hugo Alfvén.

Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
Benedictus (from The Armed Man) by Karl Jenkins
A carillon arrangement of Sir Karl Jenkins’ haunting “Benedictus” movement from The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.
 
Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
Welcome Christmas by Albert Hague
A festive carillon arrangement of “Welcome Christmas” from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
 
Range: 3.5-4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2020
Publisher: SMP
The Hour of Dreaming by Reynaldo Hahn

A carillon arrangement of L’Heure exquise, The Hour of Dreaming, by Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) from Chansons grises (1902) for voice and piano. Hahn’s enchanting and dream-like vocal work comes alive on the carillon with flowing arpeggios and a delicate, woven melodic line.

Range: 3 Octaves
Publication Year: 2021
Publisher: GCNA
Aquarium (from The Carnival of Animals) by Camille Saint-Saëns

A carillon arrangement of Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns’ magical Aquarium movement from The Carnival of Animals. Melody in the pedal under a rippling water motif in the hands alternates with a falling chromatic sequences.

Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2022
Publisher: GCNA
After the Cake Walk by R. Nathaniel Dett

A carillon arrangement of R. Nathaniel Dett’s upbeat rag, After the Cake Walk.

Range: 4 Octaves
Publication Year: 2023
Publisher: GCNA

About the Carillon

A carillon is an instrument of at least 23 chromatically tuned bells. The performer, or carillonneur, can execute a broad range of music through the expressive touch of a baton keyboard. Find a tower near you through the Tower Bells database.

The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America is an organization of professional musicians dedicated to promoting the carillon art. It supports the development of proficient carillonneurs and encourages the building of new carillons, the improvement of existing installations, and the composition and distribution of carillon music.

Founded in 2012, the North American Carillon School exists to nurture musicians toward and through a successful experience and appreciation of the carillon and its possibilities. Presenting both physical and remote learning options, the North American Carillon School offers a progressive, convenient, fun, and relevant carillon education for carillon musicians of today and tomorrow.

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