Cornell Chimes

Such a cool experience, go to the concerts done three times a day on weekends. The Chinese master plays excellently and it’s unique enough that you’ll remember that trip to Cornell (whether it’s your first or your hundredth)

TL;DR these chimes are incredibly annoying. The bells so distantly resemble a real instrument it takes five minutes into each song for you to realize what the chimesman is playing. The chimes weekly «playlist» seems to be a mix of harry potter score and Kiss Radio top 10 pop hit lists — this is only in the minuscule chance that the alma matter ISNT playing. I hypothesize that the only reason the chimes exist is to satisfy the waning nostalgia of Cornell Alumni — they too remember the bells from their day, but I suppose not the annoyance that came with them. The chimes seem to taunt me when I walk back from my multivariable calculus prelims (which I most likely bomb) at 10PM at night, or when they wake me up at 9AM in the morning when I’m trying to catch up on some sleep after pulling at all nighter finishing an incredibly hard CS assignment. Cute, school spirit, and «so college» or alumni donation ploy? You be the judge.

Chimes here are pretty awesome, an abundance of different songs from classics to modern remixes. Can get quite loud if you are right under the clock tower but usually not an issue. They certainly make the walk to campus a but more enjoyable. What more could you want from a clocktower?

The Cornell Chime musicians are very talented, they have such an extensive catalog of music. If you attend a chime session you can request any song you want them to play. I heard them play California Gurls by Katy Perry twice, lol! It’s great to hear something unexpected while rushing to class from Ho Plaza or on the Quad!

Made my campus life all the more pleasant.

I enjoyed hearing the chime concerts from my apartment and while walking around campus everyday. They play three times a day and you can go up the tower to put in your requests as well as enjoy the panoramic view of the campus and city. I love it whenever I hear the Alma Mater (Far Above Cayuga’s Waters). You can also request to have the chimesmasters play for your wedding (just put your request in early because there is about a 4 year waiting list!) when you get married at the Sage Chapel! Many Cornellians get married here, including a former head chimesmaster (I’m referring to you, Cathy J)!

Free 15 minute concerts daily by student chime masters. Climb the tower (an iconic figure) for a 161 step workout. The tower is open 10 minutes before concerts.