Cornell Chimes

Cornell Chimes. The chimes are a carillon housed in the landmark McGraw Tower on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. One of the most powerful sets of chimes in North America, it is played regularly by a dedicated group of student musicians known as chimesmasters, providing a daily soundtrack to campus life. The instrument and its traditions are a central symbol of the university's identity and community.

History

The origins trace back to 1868, when Jennie McGraw gifted a set of nine bells to the newly founded Cornell University, established by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. These first bells were installed in the university's first building, Morrill Hall. Following McGraw's death and a protracted legal battle over her estate, known as the Will of Jennie McGraw, her bequest funded a grander memorial. The bells were moved to the newly constructed McGraw Tower, completed in 1891, which was dedicated as the McGraw Fiske Memorial to Jennie McGraw and her father, John McGraw. The instrument was expanded over the decades, notably with a major addition in 1996 funded by the family of Robert Noyce, co-inventor of the integrated circuit.

The bells

The instrument comprises 21 bells, making it one of the largest and heaviest chimes of its kind. The original nine bells were cast by the Meneely Bell Company of West Troy, New York. Subsequent additions, including the 1996 expansion, were cast by the Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry in the Netherlands. The largest bell, the bourdon, is named "Jennie McGraw" and weighs approximately 5,500 pounds. The bells are hung in a stationary position and are sounded by internal clappers connected to a mechanical baton keyboard located in the playing cabin. The entire installation is housed in the belfry of McGraw Tower, which rises 173 feet above the Arts Quad.

Chimesmasters and performances

Performances are entirely the responsibility of the Cornell Chimesmasters, a select group of student musicians. The position is one of the oldest and most honored student traditions at Cornell University. Chimesmasters are chosen through a rigorous audition process and are responsible for playing the daily schedule, which includes a morning concert, an afternoon concert, and the "Alma Mater" at sunset. They also perform for special university events such as Convocation, Commencement, and Dragon Day. The group has performed at notable venues including the Smithsonian Institution and for events like the Ithaca Festival.

Repertoire

The repertoire is vast and eclectic, encompassing several hundred pieces. It includes traditional academic songs like the Cornell Alma Mater and the Evening Song. The library features a wide range of classical music, including works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Popular music, folk songs, Broadway show tunes, and contemporary pieces are also regularly performed. Special themed concerts are common, such as those for Halloween, the Winter Solstice, and final examination periods. The chimesmasters also take requests from the campus community.

Traditions and culture

The daily concerts are a deeply ingrained part of campus culture, with the sound of the bells heard across the Arts Quad and much of Collegetown. Key traditions include the daily sunset playing of the "Alma Mater" and the annual Chimesmaster's Birthday Serenade. The chimes are closely associated with major university events, providing music for Graduate Recognition Day, Homecoming, and Senior Week. Legends persist about the bells, including tales of performances by notable figures like Liberace and Richard Feynman. The chimesroom in McGraw Tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Cornell Arts Quad historic district.

Category:Carillons Category:Cornell University