It was the choir chimes that caught my fascination, though at the time I had no idea they were choir chimes. Some sort of handbell tube was my first thought when I saw them, or a funny-looking stapler with a knob at one end. But in the moment, I didn’t care what they were or how they had ever come into existence. Peculiar, foot-long noisemakers were unique and intriguing— as good as anything else I could find at the December 18^th open house. As I later learned, the Mid-Metro Academy Percussion Ensemble directed by Chris Paschen was about to perform a repertoire of Christmas carols on their choir chimes.   

     What are choir chimes? They’re essentially large, handheld aluminum tuning forks with an external clapper mechanism—that is, an aluminum rod with a rubber knob at the end, known as the clapper head and clapper shaft. When the musician rings the chime, the clapper shaft swings forward in the yoke and strikes tines around the tuning slot, which causes a note to reverberate.

The different pitches depend on the size, length, and diameter of the rectangular tube.  Specifically designed for classroom instruction, chimes are easy instruments for learning the musical staff and are less expensive, lighter, and more durable than their cousin handbells. The grip is also more dependable for smaller hands, which makes them an ideal choice for younger musicians. Removing practicality, many people simply prefer the sound of chimes to the popular Malmark handbells because the tone is more mellow. 

    As I listened to the seven boys who composed the little ensemble, I decided that it was mellow despite the glowing class description which labels the Percussion Ensemble: “A bunch of people banging things.” I couldn’t help smiling. All the performers wore white cotton gloves, several wore suits, one had a Santa hat, and none appeared to be particularly thrilled. Deep inside, however, I suspect they loved their music. Though not faultless, it seemed oddly sincere. (And amusing in the middle of “Away in a Manger,” when one performer received continual elbows from the boys on either side because it was his turn to ring and he was a fraction of a second behind the others.) 

     So, is ringing choir chimes just a bunch of people banging things? If it is, I guess banging is an enterprise worthwhile since you can learn teamwork, the musical staff, and several pieces while doing it. Christen it what you like. Music—especially the music of pitched percussion at Christmastime—always tells its own story, and I’m glad I was there to hear this one.