Carillon Bell Tower
Built in 1975
Carillon Bell Tower: Where We Began (1975)
The BYU Centennial Carillon Tower was erected in 1975 as a centennial gift donated by students, faculty, and alumni. “It is a landmark to signal the completion of our first century and to remind us of lofty hopes with which we inaugurate our second century,” said former BYU president Dallin H. Oaks. There are 53 bells in the tower, all of which were casted in Holland. The largest bell weight is 3 tons, or 6,000 pounds. The smallest bell weighs about 21½ pounds. The height of the tower is 97 feet from the plaza.
During the academic semesters and spring/summer terms, a carillonneur plays a 30-minute recital on most weekdays beginning at noon. The "Come, Come, Ye Saints" theme is played automatically on the hour.
"On February 13, 1975, dressed in nineteenth century costume, President Dallin H. Oaks rode on a scraper and drove a team of giant Clydesdale horses to break ground for the new Centennial Carillon Tower."
Carillon Bell Tower: Where We Are Now
The clavier keyboard, used to play the bells, is made up of wooden batons connected by wires to clappers inside each bell. Unlike a piano or organ, it’s not played with fingers, carillonneurs use their fists to strike the batons, and the harder they press, the louder the bell rings. They also use foot pedals to play some of the lower bells.
Professor Don Cook teaches students how to play the bells on the carillon. To join the class, students must first audition and show they have enough musical skill to be admitted into the one-semester course. For the first half of the semester, students practice at the base of the tower on a special practice instrument before they’re allowed to perform for campus. Those with an organ background often adapt quickly thanks to their experience with foot pedals, but students with piano or even percussion experience also do well.
