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MSU Music Presents the 20th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series
Beaumont Tower’s bells continue to ring in the summer.
The 20th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series presented by MSU College of Music will feature a summer of the campus’ historical music. Every Wednesday from June 28 to August 2, bring picnics and blankets to relax with a summer breeze to the sounds of the Beaumont Tower carillon. Carillonneurs from around the world will visit MSU to bring the recognizable sound to campus. Each concert will be at Beaumont Tower and begin at 6 p.m. rain or shine.
Schedule:
- June 28: Amy Johansen, University of Sydney, Australia Carillonneur
- July 5: Carol Jickling-Lens, University of Denver Carillonneur
- July 12: James Fackenthal, carillonneur
- July 19: Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, Grand Valley State University Carillonneur
- July 26: Jonathan Lehrer, carillonneur
- August 2: Ray McLellan, MSU Carillonneur
Built in 1928, the John W. Beaumont Memorial Tower became a staple to the identity of MSU. The monument is a tribute to College Hall, the first building on MSU campus and the first building in the United States devoted to teaching scientific agriculture. John W. Beaumont, class of 1882, presented his plan to build the tower that now dominates the skyline of the campus and is a reminder of the history of MSU.
The carillon, which is housed inside the tower, is a musical instrument that consists of bells arranged chromatically, a keyboard and foot pedals, and an array of cables that connect the keys and pedals to the bells. The MSU carillon started with 10 bells in 1928 and has grown to 49 bells over the past 89 years. It is located on the fourth floor of Beaumont Tower behind the clock face. Carillonneurs play the instrument by striking wooden keys or batons using closed fists and by using their feet to depress the foot pedals. Once the keys and pedals are depressed, wires move the metal clappers to strike the bells.
Milton Muelder, who for more than 55 years served Michigan State University as a faculty member, administrator and benefactor, generously funded the Summer Carillon Series beginning in 1996. Muelder passed away in 2010. He was 101.
“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. “It's a great opportunity for children to come to a recital, as they don't have to sit and be quiet all the time.”
After each recital, the tower will be open for tours and a demonstration of the carillon. These concerts are free.
