Thompson Chapel Bells

Not to be confused with the automated Lasell Gymnasium bells which ring on the hour and at fifteen-minute intervals, to the annoyance of some Morgan residents and a cappella groups trying to record in the chapel, the Thompson Chapel bell tower houses a chime (technically a few bells short of a carillon) which is rung three times daily (12:50, 4:00, 7:00) and on special occasions (Mountain Day, etc.) by the student Guild of Carilloneurs (website).

The ten bells are tuned in an Eb Major scale with an additional ninth and a flat seventh, to wit:

Eb | F | G | Ab | Bb | C | Db | D | Eb | F

This generally accomodates songs in Eb Major, Ab Major, and F Minor. The bells are played by means of levers arranged in a console on the second level of the tower connected by wires to the bells on the top level. Pushing down on the lever pulls the clapper on the end of the wire which rings the bell. The bells remain stationary while they are being rung from the console. The lowest bell is also movable and can be tolled by means of a rope.

See pictures on Photoshare.

With each hand playing one note simultaneously, plus foot pedals attached to the three lowest notes, limited counterpoint and/or harmony are possible.

Guild of Carilloneurs 2006-2007

• Jason Fan '08
• Eric Ballon-Landa '08
• Adam Capulong '09
• Sarah Riskind '09
• Elly Teitsworth '10