Bell Choir works to entertain
By Rob Stewart
Staff
Writer
Like the Monkey’s "I’m a Believer,"
to Chopin’s waltzes, to the sounds of popular bands such as Smashmouth,
the Purdue Bell Choir is in the business of entertaining.
"We’ll do something that you won’t
expect," said Jonathan Swoboda, director of the Purdue Bell Choir
and assistant director of Purdue Musical Organizations.
The Bell Choir, as of now, has 19 members —
although the choir can grow to be as large as 25 members.
"I’ve been playing since I was in third
grade," said Carey Searles, a senior in the School of Technology.
Searles is also one of the co-managers of the Bell Choir.
Searles said she has grown up with a musical
background, playing the piano, bells and the violin.
Searles said the Purdue Bell Choir is more professional
than bell choirs she has been a part of in the past. Purdue's choir
concentrates on overall performance and professionalism.
When Swoboda was asked about competitions the
Bell Choir had been in, he said the group typically does not enter
competitions because that’s not what they are about. He said
they are a professional musical group interested in performing music.
The Purdue Bell Choir had a more important role
than before in the PMO Christmas show this year. "I think it’s
incredible what we do for the Christmas Show," said Searles.
"I was proud of what we did."
The Purdue Bell Choir tends to do local and statewide
performances, but a few years back they had the opportunity to travel
to Las Vegas and perform in Pinnacle 2000. This was a time for the
choir to perform and also improve through workshops held at this event.
This weekend the Bell Choir will be traveling
to Michigan where the members will be performing at a church service
and then holding a concert in conjunction with the University Choir.
Swoboda said his favorite part of the Bell Choir
is the students.
"Their dedication is unbelievable,"
he said.
If people have an opportunity to see the Bell
Choir, they should take it. Both Swoboda and Searles said people would
be surprised by what type of music they will hear played by the Purdue
University Bell Choir.
March 9-10 the Bell Choir will do a tour of Chicago,
Deerfield and Vernon Hills Ill. Then they will be back on campus and
ready to perform at 6 p.m. April 17 in Fowler Hall in their Bells
Spring Show.
