Cornell University The Cornell Chimes

Chimesmasters

You Can Become a Chimesmaster

Each spring semester, the Cornell Chimesmasters hold an open competition to find new chimesmasters for the upcoming years. This ten-week event is open to all members of the Cornell community. No previous experience in chimes-ringing is needed, but you should be able to read music and climb 161 steps.

Although this is called a competition, compets are not really competing against each other. Rather we look for a certain level of excellence as you progress through the ten week competition. There is no quota. Some years we accept one new chimesmaster, some years three or four; we average about two new players each year.

If you would like additional information about the competition, please email us at chimes@cornell.edu.

Watch a Chimesmaster in Action

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Current Chimesmasters

Voices from the Tower

"I can't remember exactly when I decided I wanted to be a chimesmaster but it was sometime before I even applied to Cornell. I have loved playing around with anything that could make music ever since I started taking piano lessons in elementary school and my parents (both Cornell alumni) often talked about the joys of hearing the bells on the way to class. Some combination of these factors drew me in." -Scott '08

"I saw a sign advertising the competition and tried out on a whim, but quickly fell in love with the instrument." -Alex '07

"I love the 'dance' of balancing on one foot. I love making music!" -Gretchen '97

"Playing the chimes is a different experience on every climb. Sometimes you're on your own and enter a different musical plane and mindset for the 15-minute concert. Other times you are playing while explaining technique to 25 smiling and clapping visitors. This variety is what I love about being a chimesmaster." -Taras '06