When I was commissioned to write a piece to honor Ray McLellan, I asked Ray what theme he would like me to feature. Distanced, masked, and outside the Lurie Carillon Tower (University of Michigan) one cold day in late October, 2020, we discussed how it felt to be in the midst of a pandemic, polarized politics, and social viruses of racism,

When I was commissioned to write a piece to honor Ray McLellan, I asked Ray what theme he would like me to feature. Distanced, masked, and outside the Lurie Carillon Tower (University of Michigan) one cold day in late October, 2020, we discussed how it felt to be in the midst of a pandemic, polarized politics, and social viruses of racism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc. Ray said that he longed for music that fosters hope and peace. "Rays of Hope" opens with an "Overture of Hope," followed by an imitative section in which "Hope Leads to Peaceful Action." After an upbeat rhythmic section of "Fostering Hope and Peace," the stately overture recurs, followed by a powerful fugue that represents "Peace Through the Ages."

Commissioned by Rick & June Swartz, composed by Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, dedicated to Ray McLellan. Available for G-compass and C-compass carillons. An organ version will be available in July 2022. Appropriate for meantone instruments.