What's New in the Tower
May—May 5-18 is the university study and final exam period. During these two weeks the Cornell Chimesmasters will perform a modified concert schedule. Please be sure to check our Concert Schedule for the latest concert listings. We will also perform a few concerts during Senior Week and a full slate of concerts and open houses during Commencement Weekend. We encourage graduates to climb the tower's 161 steps and enjoy a chimes concert one last (or first) time before leaving campus!
Concerts
The Cornell Chimes are the university's oldest musical tradition, and one of the most frequently played set of bells on any American college campus. Housed in historic McGraw Tower, the 21-bells are played primarily by student chimesmasters.
All concerts are open to the public—you simply have to climb the tower's 161 steps. The door to the tower opens five to ten minutes before a scheduled concert and closes before concert's end. Your stair-climbing efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Cornell and the surrounding community, and a musical performance like you've never seen before.
The Cornell Chimesmasters perform a regular program of three concerts daily while classes are in session and a modified schedule during exams and breaks. Please check the concert schedule for complete concert and special event information.
Quick Links
Contact Information
The Cornell Chimes
B07 Day Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853-2801
607-255-5350
Please address any comments or questions to chimes@cornell.edu.