Purdue Bells
Radiant ring
Black gloves, arms flying, a pure, beckoning ring — we're talking the Purdue Bells.
The Purdue Bells combine a five-octave set of Whitechapel handbells with four-and-a-half octave Schulmerich handbells to perform as a 14-member bell choir.
They rehearse daily, blending traditional handbell ringing with innovative techniques to play styles from classical to jazz.
Specialty groups include the Four-in-Hand Quartet, Off-the-Table Quartet and the Shaker Chime Ensemble.
The Purdue Bells are privileged to enjoy a set of rare, antique Shaker Chimes donated by a former Glee Club member in 1986. Hand crafted in 1911, they were originally a novelty instrument for vaudeville and traveling side shows. Together, three bell members play the Shaker Chimes, “shaking” the 8-foot tall chimes to sustain the tone of the instrument.