By: Brianna Bailey, For The Clock

bmb1064@plymouth.edu

University life provides the perfect avenue to branch out and try new experiences, and PSU is no exception. Although this can take on many forms for students, among the most prevalent is joining one of the many clubs or organizations on campus. Things may look different this year, but our ability to take advantage of campus offerings to expand our interests still rings true. Ringing literally in the instance of Plymouth State Handbell Choir (PSHC).

One may immediately think that joining a musical club on campus requires prior musical ability. However, the advantage of PSHC lies in its titular instrument – the handbell. The instrument is very accessible and doesn’t require complicated training that may hinder newcomers. As the president of PSHC, Kaci Cochran, puts it, “anyone can make music.”

Cochran himself is certainly no stranger to making music. The sophomore as a Music Education major has enjoyed different aspects, starting with drumming at 5 years old, explaining that “I’ve been playing ever since and I absolutely love doing it. I have had some amazing opportunities come from music, like traveling to Scotland twice for a bagpipe and drum corp competition, traveling to Germany and Austria for a choir tour, and going to the Eastern Division Intercollegiate Band Festival at Temple University.”

It’s clear members of PSHC have a passionate president on their side with his own rich experiences to draw from. This love for music has largely inspired Cochran’s decision to create this opportunity for PSU’s students with the help of PSHC’s advisor, Harmony Markey. This has become especially important in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Due to COVID-19, many of our ensembles on campus were unable to get together in the Fall and now we are following many restrictions in order to keep everyone safe. We wanted to have another ensemble opportunity that is very ‘covid-friendly.’ We are not putting air through the instruments as they are a percussive instrument, and we are able to maintain a safe social distance while playing,” said Cochran.

Although the choir’s musical library is limited as of now, they are still able to cover a variety of genres and even plan to perform to a wider audience. This includes a student recital on April 21st at 4:30 PM, and in the Symphonic Band and Chamber Ensembles Concert on April 21st at 7:30 PM. PSHC rehearses every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 PM in Silver 123. Newcomers are encouraged to join at any time and can reach out to Kaci Cochran by email at khcochran@plymouth.edu.