The pioneers loved music and for good reason. It helped them get through the tough times they endured while crossing the plains. Celebrate the pioneers in singing time by using an old-fashioned instrument, chimes! I’m calling it the summer of chimes!

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Did the Pioneers Really Play Chimes?
I did a little research and didn’t find anything that says they used chimes. Someone please prove me wrong!! That said, I didn’t find anything that said they didn’t! 😉
In my search, however, I landed on this article HERE entitled The Gift of Music. It talks a little bit about music and the pioneers. Kind of a fun read.
If you have any stories to share about pioneers and music, leave a comment!
It's Summer Chime
So to help honor our pioneer heritage, why not play pioneer Primary songs using an old fashioned instrument like pipe chimes?
This year I’m starting a new trend! And that is the summer of chimes!
If you are unfamiliar with using chimes, this post HERE goes into more details about using chimes in singing time. Including modifying them so you can use the same charts as handbells!!

TONS of my posts this summer will be geared around chimes! So make sure you plan ahead and get your Primary a set of chimes!
Pioneer Primary Activity
Our Primary is also throwing a pioneer themed Saturday activity this summer! We’ll be bringing in chimes along with several other various pioneer activities. More to come in the following months so stay tuned!!
Musical Pipes

My favorite supplier of chimes for singing time is Musical Pipes. If you are unfamiliar with chimes, check out what Musical Pipes says about them:
Musical Pipes is your pipe chime gold mine and is excited to announce our new addition to the site: LDS Primary pipe chime music. In addition to offering all our sheet music for free (50 Christmas and 79 Primary songs), we offer free
- instructions on how to make your own set
- carrying bag instructions
- labels to use
- playing tips and tricks for playing with kids of almost all ages
You can even buy your own pre-made set and carrying bag (if you choose not to make them) for a very reasonable price. Purchase our full feature songbooks (including key signatures, numbers of pipe chimes used and their popularity throughout the song, lyrics and a table of contents) as as digital download with the option to print it however you’d like. You’ll love having all the songs in one place.
Why bring your pipe chimes out only one time a year? Keep them out all year round and enjoy playing the Primary songs with your family during family home evenings, let your kids play with them during normal play time (they love playing with chimes and probably don’t realize how educational they are) or include them in Primary lessons and singing time. Playing music with the whole family is a great way to make memories and invite the special spirit the Primary songs bring.Chime in the fun and visit Musical Pipes today!”
Use coupon code CPI2023 at checkout and get 10% off your entire order!!
Coupon is only valid 05/17/23 – 06/30/23 so don’t delay!
Chime & Handbell Charts
Make sure to check out all the chime and handbell charts I’ve created HERE.

Does your Primary use chimes?
I’d love to hear how your Primary uses chimes! Leave a comment with your ideas and suggestions.
Check out this quick tutorial video for accessing the Resource Library:
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Category Title > Make-Your-Own Handbell Charts > Chime Tags.
4 thoughts on “Summer of Chimes”
I wanted to use chimes in our program this fall by playing the chorus of one of our songs. I decided to do the chorus of Always Remember. I looked everywhere and couldn’t find one. So, I made a poster and the senior primary will play the chorus after we sing it and then sing it again after the chimes, I’m so glad I saw your suggestion about the Musical Pipes site. They are so nice to work with,
Hi Karen!
That sounds like it will be wonderful in your program!! The chimes are sure fun, I’m sure your kids will enjoy them. And yes, Musical Pipes is a great company to work with. HIGHLY recommend them!!
~Camille
Do you have any charts for using the chimes in chords? I like to use the chords for some musical numbers. I like the sound they give.
These song books are awesome!!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR THE TIME YOU’VE PUT INTO THIS PROJECT. IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
Hi Linda!
Using chords is my FAVORITE way to use chimes and handbells! My post here has a list of all the charts that contain chords:
https://camillesprimaryideas.com/2022/03/big-list-of-handbell-note-charts.html
I hope that helps! Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
~Camille