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DEVAN CARRINGTON: Good morning, everyone. Morning, good morning. I hope you all are doing well this morning. My name is Devan Carrington. I'm going to be your master of ceremonies this evening-- evening? This morning. Sorry, I'm nervous.
So I'm also assistant director here, in residential programs. And also Chimes superfan I used to live work down in Collegetown so I spent a lot of times walking North Campus listening to the Chimes and so it was my great pleasure and honor to be here and serve as your emcee for this event-- this celebration of the Chimes. So welcome to the Cornell Chimes Sesquicentennial Celebration.
[APPLAUSE]
I'm so glad you all could join us this morning. And I would like to introduce, Michelle Vaeth.
MICHELLE VAETH: Well, hi, everyone. And happy homecoming. I'm Michelle Vaeth. I'm class of 1998, from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. And I am so thrilled to be back in the Cornell community as the new associate vice president for alumni affairs. And I couldn't be more thrilled than to be kicking off homecoming with you here today, at this celebration.
When I think about the chimes, they are one of the consistent experiences that every single Cornell student and alum has a story about. We all know what they sound like. We all know what they mean. And we all have enjoyed them in some way throughout our experience as a student and when we come back to campus.
I started in this new position about three months ago. And on my first day in the office, I was meeting with my new boss in his office in Day Hall. And as I walked in for the meeting, the chimes were announcing the time. And I literally got chills. It brings me back. It brings me toward the future. And it's just such a wonderful thing to celebrate.
And when I knew I was going to be joining you here today, I put the call out to my team to say tell me about what are your chimes experiences. And here's just a few of them.
One person said, well, I remember dragging myself up Libe Slope to an early morning class, only to find that when I heard "In The Mood" playing on the chimes, I could walk a little bit faster. I thought that one was great.
Another said they remember listening to the bells ring out in memory of classmates who were lost in Vietnam. Another said their favorite thing was enjoying listening to the Alma Mater on the first warm spring day, standing right here on Hope Plaza. And still, others spoke about hearing the chimes as they walked out of Sage Chapel on their wedding day.
So there are so many wonderful stories about how the chimes are interwoven in our student experience, in our alumni experience, and in our life experience as Cornelians, and family members of Cornelians. So welcome here today. Have a wonderful sesquicentennial celebration, and go Big Red!
[APPLAUSE]
DEVAN CARRINGTON: Thank you, Michelle. Thank you so much.
Picture this-- the year is 1868. And the place we are standing now is a muddy hill and a dream-- a dream of a university where any person can find instruction in any study. None of the buildings that you see right now have been built. We are standing on the pastures of Ezra Cornell's farm.
On the eve of Cornell's opening with just two university buildings ready, Jennie McGraw visits AD White and asks how she can support this exciting new endeavor. Imagine for a moment-- the many needs a new school might have. And yet, what did Professor Andrew Dickson White request? A chime. A set of nine bells to ring out over the new campus.
And less than two weeks later, those bells arrived. Shipped from the Meneely Bell Foundry in Watervliet, New York, across the Erie Canal and down Cayuga Lake by barge. They were installed in time for the university's opening ceremonies, on October 7, 1868.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
Those are the first bells of the Cornell Chimes. Of course, there wasn't a building to put them in so the bells were installed in a temporary. Wooden structure on the ground, close to where they are played today.
At the opening ceremonies of the university, the chimes played the hymn "Old 100," and the march, "Hail, Columbia." "Hail, Columbia" was the unofficial national anthem of United States at that time, as the "Star Spangled Banner" would not yet become our official anthem for another 63 years.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
I was expecting applause-- y'all got to help me.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you. Especially, show some love to the chimesmasters. I'm going to go off script-- when I was at rehearsal and saw this happen, I didn't know what the machine looked like. I don't know what the instrument was. And I think it's the coolest and most [? star-striking ?] that ever happened to me. So thank you, to chimesmasters and thank y'all, for that warm applause.
So from the start, the chimes have been a regular part of the campus routine. In the earliest days, they were played five times each day. 6:00 AM for revelry. 7:45 for chapel call. 1:15 for dinner. 4:00 PM for drill call. And for tattoo at 9:30 PM. $20 someone tells me what tattoo means.
Those residents on West Campus can be thankful that the chimes are now played three times each day, starting at 7:45 AM each weekday morning.
There are three Cornell songs played today that chimesmasters have been playing daily since the 1800s. Cornell's Alma Mater is played the end of each afternoon concert. Every evening concert ends with "The Evening Song." And every morning concert begins with a piece called, "The Jennie McGraw Rag," which was named after our benefactor. And which was inspired by AD White's love of the change ringing he heard in his travels abroad.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
Pure athleticism is what that is. That is awesome.
The bells are frequently used in Cornell's early days to cheer on our sports teams and celebrate their victories. This homecoming weekend, you will hear many songs that have been a part of Cornell for more than a century. There is "Give My Regards to Davey," which was written in 1905.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
And how about, "My Old Cornell."
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
As time went on, bells were added to the instrument a few at a time. Over the years, the chime grew to its current total of 21 bells.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
As the number of bells increased and the musical range expanded, it became possible to play many more songs in a variety of musical keys. Having the bells tuned in 1999 also increased the musical options substantially.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[DOG BARKING]
The dog's excited.
As you walk past the tower, you might notice that the chimesmasters often coordinate their song choices with events on campus. They play spooky music for Halloween and love songs for weddings and Valentine's Day. "Pomp and Circumstance" is a graduation day staple. And it is not all uncommon to hear the following song played during exams-- my personal favorite.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
My first time walking to campus and here that, I was like, is that Wizard of Oz? Where am I? It's awesome.
But this being Ithaca, it should be no surprise that chimesmasters frequently find themselves commenting musically on the weather. One of the most requested songs in the music files is "Here Comes the Sun," by the Beatles. It's really perfect for any type of Ithaca weather as the sun always seems to be just about to come out.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
While it's fun to play "Let It Snow" in the middle of a heatwave or the "Imperial March" from Star Wars during the graduation processional-- not all events around us invite amusing commentary from the tower.
Over the years, the chimesmasters have found their regular daily concerts provide solace in times of national turmoil and mourning. From World Wars I and II, to the civil unrest of the 1960s, through the tragedy of September 11th-- the chimes have often been rung to let the people of Cornell and Ithaca know that they are not alone in their anger, their fear, or their sorrow.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
That was "Imagine," by John Lennon-- a song written in 1971, but still relevant to many listeners today.
Here are excerpts from some more of the chimes greatest hits. Some may have been popular decades ago, but still strike a chord with listeners today. As you listen to these pieces, think back to which ones speak to you.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
Choreography-- everything, just blows my mind. I need a minute.
So the chimes serve so many functions for our campus. Yes, they operate as a literal clock marking the passing of the days with their quarterly hours and daily serenades. But the chimes also amplify the pulse of the campus. Acknowledging those moments when we are excited or pensive. Joyful or in need of a well-earned break. They help us celebrate our victories and they mourn our losses with us.
Most importantly, the chimes have been one of the most constant institutions in the history of Cornell, filling the campus with music since those opening ceremonies in 1868. And reminding us daily of the traditions and experiences that unite all Cornelians.
This weekend, alumni chimesmasters from around the country have come back to campus to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the chimes. There are chimesmasters here representing every decade, from the 1950s through today.
[APPLAUSE]
If you are a chimesmaster, would you please raise your hands right now so that we can give you all a big round of applause and thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
That's awesome.
Now please join me together with two other musical institutions-- the Cornell University chorus and glee club-- in wishing the chimes a very happy 150 birthday, with hopes that the next 250 years will have as many wonderful memories as the last.
We're all going to sing Happy Birthday, Dear Chimes. Followed by the Alma Mater with a great big thank you to the Glee Club and the Chorus for leading the way. Are y'all here? Where y'all at? It's on you.
[CORNELL CHIMES]
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you, chorus and glee club. Thank you to the Cornell Chimesmasters. And thank you, to all of you here-- our listeners, our alum. Awesome homecoming weekend.
Have a great weekend. Stay dry, stay warm, stay hydrated. Whatever you need to do to stay happy this weekend-- please do that.
The Cornell Chimes celebrated 150 years as the heartbeat of campus on Sept. 22, 2018. Since 1868 they have played regular concerts and special events including Commencement, memorials, jubilations, and armistices. Listen to some of the Cornell Chimes’ most memorable songs in this sesquicentennial event, featuring a sing along with the Cornell Chorus and Glee Club.
