Barbara Moore has been the heart of the University’s music scene for nearly 60 years. She started playing piano at six and took up the organ at 14. Now, she’s not just an organist; she’s a professor, the Chapel’s organist coordinator, and the person behind the bell that chimes with meaning for the University community.
Every hour, the Chapel bell rings out across the campus. But on special occasions, like memorials, it’s different. The automated chimes are silenced, and Moore plays live to honor those who have passed, adding a personal touch that resonates deeply.
She’s performed at more than 400 weddings at the Chapel alone, with her first at just 16. Moore loves the organ. “The organ is fun and beautiful,” she shares. “It creates so many sounds, from soft whispers to powerful music.” Its versatility keeps her inspired.
Moore also teaches aspiring organists in the Charlottesville area, but she only takes on skilled pianists. Playing the organ is complex; it demands coordination of hands and feet and mastery of multiple musical lines. Her expertise makes her a key figure in the local music community.
Beyond teaching, Moore manages the Chapel’s group of organists. She oversees auditions and schedules performances, ensuring everything runs smoothly. A significant part of her role includes playing the carillon, a set of bells operated with batons and pedals. This instrument is similar to the organ, allowing her to adapt quickly when needed.
Moore is often called to toll the Chapel bell for former members of the Seven Society, the University’s secret society. The Society donated the original carillon in 1957. When a member passes, she receives a call to ring the bell in a unique pattern—seven tolls, seven times, all seven seconds apart, followed by the “Good Old Song.” This marks a solemn moment for both the family and the community.
Annually, she honors those lost during the tragic shooting in 2022, ringing the bells for former students D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr., and Devin Chandler. The moment brings together their loved ones and the football team in shared remembrance and reflection. “It’s very moving,” she recalls, noting the emotional weight of the occasion.
Moore’s work often goes unnoticed, but the sounds she creates fill the air with significance. With each note and chime, she shapes the University’s musical landscape, making her an integral part of its history and community spirit.
According to a recent survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, music holds great importance in communities, providing comfort and a sense of belonging. This reflects the role Moore plays, bridging moments of joy and sorrow through her music. Her dedication ensures that the Chapel remains a place of beauty and remembrance for all.
