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Michigan State University Carillonneur Ray McLellan passed away in his sleep on the evening of April 30. Born in 1958, Ray served as MSU’s carillonneur since 1997 and was an active carillon recitalist in the United States and around the world.

A native Floridian, Ray learned to play the carillon while earning his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the University of Michigan, and he later studied at the Netherlands Carillon School. He was a Carillonneur Member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America since 1991 and served on a number of GCNA committees. An active musician who generously shared his love for performance and teaching, Ray was a faculty member of the North American Carillon School, taught organ and piano lessons, served as Director of Music at St. Michael’s Church in Monroe, Michigan, and was the accompanist for the Kol Halev choir of the Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor.

In East Lansing, Ray was best known for teaching and performing on the 49-bell Beaumont Tower Carillon. Completed in 1929, the tower became a staple to the identity of MSU, and Ray was instrumental in bringing its bells to life. He coordinated the annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series for over 20 years, bringing in world-renowned carillon players as well as highlighting some of the local talent that he mentored.

Ray McLellan will be missed, and the MSU College of Music sends condolences to his family and friends around the world.