MSU Carillon

One of the most recognizable sounds of MSU comes from the carillon housed in Beaumont Tower, which is located next to the MSU Museum on West Circle Drive.

The 2018 Muelder Summer Carillon Series

The MSU College of Music will present the 22nd Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series, on FIVE consecutive Wednesday recitals beginning July 4 through August 1, at the MSU Beaumont Tower, each beginning at 6:00 p.m., rain or shine. Concerts are free and open to the public. Picnics welcome.

Schedule of performers:

  • July 4—Ray McLellan, MSU Carillonneur
  • July 11—Laurie Harkema, Okemos, Michigan
  • July 18—Joey Brink, University of Chicago, Illinois 
  • July 25—Philippe Beullens, Leuven, Belgium
  • August 1—Andy Zhang,  New Haven, Connecticut 

The Summer Carillon Series was established in 1996 through the generosity of Dr. Milton Muelder whose career spanned more than 40 years at MSU. “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.”

Developed in the 15th and 16th centuries in Northern Europe, carillons were often installed in church towers, even in small villages and towns. Commonly, carillonneurs would play live music on holidays and market days. The MSU carillon, which is housed within the John W. Beaumont Memorial Tower, contains 49 bells capable of playing the full range of literature composed for the instrument. One of approximately 180 working carillons in North America, it is activated by a computer to sound Westminster Chimes every quarter hour.

Carillonneurs play music 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. A restoration of the tower took place in 1996, involving the carillon, clock, Westminster Chimes, and tower repairs.

All carillon recitals are free and open to the public. Beaumont Tower is located in the West Circle Drive oval area on the MSU campus. It is recommended that those attending park at the Stadium Lot #62. After each recital, the tower will be open for tours and a demonstration of the carillon. Click here for a map to Beaumont Tower.