Chimes of Orton Hall are about to play some new tunes

Two new bells will be lifted into the Orton Hall bell tower on Monday morning (4/7). The additional bells will allow a greater variety of songs that can be played for the campus community.

Workers from Phinney Industrial Roofing, Inc. will use a crane to lift two new bells to their new home in the Orton Hall bell tower. Once electrical work is completed, the new bells will be tested and then officially dedicated at a ceremony in May.

The tower chimes were a gift of the Ohio State classes of 1906-1914 and were dedicated in 1915. The existing bells, which play in the key of D flat, weigh 25,000 pounds. The new bells will play the notes of G sharp and A sharp.

Colin McBride, construction manager from the University Engineer’s Office; Jim Stevens, associate vice president for the Department of Physical Facilities; Ron Sharpe, supervisor of the Building Automation Shop, which maintains the bells’ control system; and Donna Knisley, Graduate Studies secretary and School of Music chimer, will be available for interviews.

WHAT:Two new bells will be lifted by crane into Orton Hall bell tower

WHEN: Between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. on Monday (4/7)

WHERE: Orton Hall, 155 South Oval Mall

WHY: Two new bells will add to repertoire of songs