MSU Carillon
The sounds of MSU are as diverse as the people who walk its campus. One of the most recognizable campus sounds, however, comes from the MSU carillon, housed in Beaumont Tower.
Currently, the carillon contains 49 bells and is capable of playing the full range of literature composed for the instrument. The first 10 bells were installed in Beaumont Tower in 1928, and 13 additional bells were added in 1935 to make the instrument a carillon. Both the carillon and the tower were renovated completely in 1996.
The carillon, a musical instrument consisting of at least two octaves of carillon bells, was developed in the 15th and 16th centuries in the area of Europe that is now Holland, Belgium, and northern France. Presently, there are about 170 carillons in the United States, with new ones being installed each year. There are 13 carillons in Michigan currently.
More about the carillon:
- Muelder Summer Concert Series 2009 schedule
- History of Beaumont Tower and the Carillon
- Carillonneurs and Assistant Carillonneurs
- Tours
- Carillon Lessons
Music samples:
- MSU Fight Song (1:45 min | 1.10 MB)
- MSU Shadows (1:05 min | 1.38 MB)
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