A new CD featuring the music of the Bell Tower, UP musicians is now available
By Maureen Briare
Have you heard about the new musical CD on campus featuring over 100 musicians from the University of Portland? "Ring Out Your Joy!" Music to celebrate the University of Portland Bell Tower has been officially released!
What's it about?
The music on the album contains songs and themes to celebrate the bell tower (the new spiritual instrument on campus), to promote the mission of the University of Portland, and bring to light the zeal and vision of the Holy Cross Community who live and work here at UP, and throughout the world. Nothing expresses celebration and gratitude better than MUSIC!
Who's on it?
Certainly someone you may know! The album features both instrumental and choral music. Participants include the University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Roger Doyle, the all-women's choir, the UP Choral Union, under the direction of Dr. Michael Connolly, and members of the Chapel Choir, Chapel Handbell Choir, Chapel Brass Ensemble - all affiliated through the music program in campus ministry.
There is even a performance by the School of Nursing Faculty Handbell choir! Jeff Ashton, long time UP guitar professor, Dr. Patrick Murphy (our new music professor, and many UP alumni musicians are also a part of this music.
Jared Bassett, Elizabeth Evans, and Jamie Gardner (all UP seniors) are the featured soloists on some selections. Truly a community effort of sharing musical gifts!
The "inside" scoop:
All of the music was recorded in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. Truly it was amazing how many of the sounds that we don't even hear/notice in our daily existence....are picked up so noticeably on the microphones.
The crows cawing, airplanes overhead, the ventilation at Swindells hall ... and I had to use towels to stop the dripping of the baptismal font. On one occasion, the skies opened and a huge rainstorm nearly thwarted the recording of handbells (the most delicate/quiet instrument).
But thanks to "noise reduction" software, the sounds of the pummeling rain on the roof of the chapel disappeared! When the tower bells were recorded, leaves were rustling in the trees.
The bells of the tower were recorded "live" - the six bell peal, and introduction to many of the songs on the album. The recording process of this album truly had moments of adventure, surprise and opportunities to learn.
How to get a CD:
Give me a call at x7335, or e-mail me at briare@up.edu. CD's are available for $10 for students, faculty and staff. My office is located on the upper level in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. Also, check out the UP website. Sound samples will be posted very soon!
A Spiritual Invitation:
Ring Out Your Joy!
For me, the Bell Tower is now an icon on campus. It stirs within me the "wonder" and "prayer" of music, while keeping me on time, and reminding me to say a quick prayer along with the chimes.
(I will share with you, that praying with the bells is one of the Lenten practices that I decided to do during this Lenten season - I am always in need of more prayer in my life!)
The Bell Tower as a soaring spiritual landmark of the UP campus is truly a gift that will endure for generations to come. May the hope-filled awakening and renewal of this Lenten season provide many opportunities for you to "Ring Out Your Joy" in your life of faith.
I count the community here at UP as among my greatest life blessings. As a '92 alumna, I have not wandered far from the bluff, and I am continually inspired by the students that grace this campus year in and year out.
It is with deep gratitude that "Ring Out Your Joy!" had the opportunity to be recorded, and with a prayer that it musically reflects the spiritual charisma of this campus.
Maureen Briare is the Associate Director for Music of Campus Ministry
