The Rooke Chapel RINGERS

William Payn, Conductor

The Bucknell University ROOKE CHAPEL RINGERS were organized in 1983 under the direction of William A. Payn. The choir consists of 12 members who are selected by audition and who represent diverse major fields of study at Bucknell University, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business administration, education, and engineering. The choir plays regularly for Protestant worship services on campus and participates in the traditional ringing-in-of-Christmas at Candlelight services in Rooke Chapel each December. This popular performance has been taped and repeatedly televised by PBS for national distribution; in 1996, it was nominated for an Emmy.

Since its founding, the choir has participated in 2 festivals at the Riverside Church in New York City and was chosen to play for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Conference in the spring of 1985. In January, 1986, the choir embarked on its first 2-week European concert tour of Switzerland and Austria. Twelve concerts included performances in Lucerne, Montreux, Salzburg, and Goetzens. In 1990, following two concerts in New Jersey, the choir participated in its second festival at the Riverside Church in New York City, with Dr. Payn as massed ensemble conductor. In addition to touring through New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the Ringers have performed in New England and Canada and, in summer of 1995, were invited to perform for Exploration '95 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Their most recent tour included concerts in Maryland, North Carolina, and western Pennsylvania.

Information about the Rooke Chapel Ringers 12 ringers, selected by audition Rehearsals: One rehearsal per week, usually in the evening

William A. Payn
Department of Music
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Telephone: (570) 577-1391
Fax: 570-577-1215
E-mail: payn@bucknell.edu