Carillon plays 30 years of campus music

November 24, 2009

The University of Florida carillon is nestled atop perhaps one of the most iconic sites on campus – Century Tower. At the top of each hour and at 12:35 p.m. each weekday, the carillon’s bells and chimes resonate throughout campus.

In its 30 years at UF, the carillon has transitioned from the center of controversy to a cherished campus icon.

At the carillon’s dedication in 1979, numerous protesters disputed the use of student funds for the instrument. Hand-held signs read “Education, Not Decoration,” as the students marched near Century Tower.

The sound of the carillon is now an integral part of campus life. It is as much an icon as the tower that houses it.

Dani Gretz, sophomore biology major, is a member of the carillon studio, which consists of eight students who play the afternoon programs. She said the studio plays each day so students can be involved and listen to the carillon’s music.

“The carillon and its music is an icon of UF’s campus because it is a big part of UF’s history,” Gretz said.

A carillon is a European instrument with a minimum of 23 bells and at least two octaves. UF’s carillon is a chromatic series of 61 bells and five octaves, which is more than most university carillons in the U.S.

The traditional concert instrument is played on a keyboard from the tower’s 11th story in a small, dimly-lit room just below the bell chamber. The keys, called batons, are wired to clappers that strike stationary bells of various sizes for the jolly sounds that engage the campus.

UF’s carillon is traditional rather than electronic. Laura Ellis, associate professor of music, said this is like having a live orchestra as opposed to playing a CD with a stereo system.
Ellis said the carillon is played for numerous events, including Sept. 11, commemorations, baccalaureate ceremonies, graduations and more.

After Thanksgiving break, listen for holiday selections ringing from the tower as Ellis or a member of the carillon studio plays the 12:35 p.m. program each weekday.
A member from the studio will play holiday music before the UF College of Fine Arts School of Music’s annual Sounds of the Seasons program on Dec. 6. The carillon recital at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 also will include holiday melodies.

Ellis said, “There are not that many universities that have carillons. I think that in itself makes UF stand within a unique crowd.”