The MSU College of Music will present the 20th annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series at 6 p.m. rain or shine on five consecutive Wednesdays July 6 – Aug. 3 at Beaumont Tower.
Schedule of performers:
- July 6: Tiffany Ng, University of Michigan
- July 13: Tin-Shi Tam, Iowa State University
- July 20: Ray McLellan, University Carillonneur at Michigan State University
- July 27: Hylke Banning, The Netherlands
- Aug. 3: Mathieu Polak, The Netherlands
Designed by architect John M. Davidson, Beaumont Tower was designed as a monument to teaching and as a defensive structure to preserve the area where College Hall once served as a landmark.
The tower houses the carillon, a musical instrument that features 49 bells. The first 10 bells were installed in Beaumont in 1928 and 13 additional bells were added in 1935 to complete the carillon. In 1996, restoration began on the interior of the tower, where the carillon, clock and Westminster chimes were restored.
Carillonneurs play the instrument by striking wooden keys or batons using closed fists and by using their feet to depress foot pedals. Once the keys and pedals are depressed, wires move the metal clappers to strike the bells.
“People enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an outdoor recital and you can’t get much better than the scenery MSU has to offer,” said MSU carillonneur Ray McLellan. “All are welcome to attend and even bring along a picnic and spread out a blanket while they listen. It's a great opportunity for children to come to a recital, too, as they don't have to sit and be quiet all the time.”
Milton Muelder, former MSU faculty member, administrator and benefactor, began funding the event 1996.
More about the MSU Carillon at http://music.msu.edu/carillon