Established in 1979, Purdue Bells is the only instrumental ensemble in Purdue Musical Organizations. Ringing five octaves of Schulmerich and Whitechapel handbells, the members of Purdue Bells blend traditional handbell ringing with innovative techniques to play styles from classical to jazz. The ensemble also rings five octaves plus the lower octave of Malmark choir chimes.
Purdue Bells includes specialty groups ranging from the Four-In-Hand Quartet and the Off-the-Table Quartet to the Shaker Chime Ensemble. These specialty groups allow ringers to hone their leadership skills as well as to further develop their ringing technique.
Rehearsals for Purdue Bells are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-2:45 p.m. The ensemble is open to any student, undergraduate and graduate alike, by audition. Previous ringing experience is helpful but not necessary.
"Toccata on King's Weston" performed in St. James Church Piccadilly in May 2019.
"Passacaglia" performed in St. James Church Piccadilly in May 2019.
"Handel in the Strand" performed in St. James Church Piccadilly in May 2019.
Organized in September 1979, the Purdue Bells ring a five-octave set of Whitechapel handbells, a five-octave set of Schulmerich handbells and a five-octave set of Malmark choir chimes with an additional lower octave for performances.
Purdue Bells has represented Purdue on tours of Florida and New York, as well as throughout the state of Indiana. In 1995, the ensemble was honored to perform for the Indiana Musical Educators’ Association and Music Educators’ National Conference North Central Convention. The group was also invited to perform at the first-ever Pinnacle 2000 handbell convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2013, Purdue Bells embarked on a two-week international performance tour of Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland, along with members of the Purduettes and Purdue Varsity Glee Club.
In 2016, Purdue Bells was honored to give the opening concert for Area 5 Handbell Musicians of America Spring Festival/Conference in Dayton, OH.
In 2019, Purdue Bells performed an international performance tour of the United Kingdom along with the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. The enthusiasm of each full-time student and their love for performing has made Purdue Bells a unique instrumental complement to the vocal ensembles of PMO.